Candidate Spotlight: Gary M. Keyes, AAM

Business Name: E&M Motors Inc.

City, State: Stuart, Fla.

Years in Business: 27

ASA Member Since: 1985

Contact Info: emmotors@bellsouth.net

FYI...
Gary M. Keyes, AAM, believes his desire to improve the image and professionalism of the industry, his willingness to work and his 38 years of experience in the industry - of which the past 27 have been as a shop owner - will benefit his role as an ASA general director. "I have an absolute belief that I can contribute," says Keyes. He has served ASA in numerous roles including president, vice president and treasurer of ASA-Florida Miami-Dade Chapter (1988-1995), as well as president of the ASA-Florida Treasure Coast Chapter (1999-2001) and member of the board of directors for ASA- Florida (1988-1995). He was the recipient of the ASA-Florida Paragon Award in 1994. His industry memberships and affiliations include ASA, iATN, Delco TSS and Carquest CTI. He has been an ASE master technician since 1978 and currently serves on the Auto Technology Advisory Board for Martin County High School.

In his own words...
"As a member of ASA for the past 25 years, I have gained a lot and met a lot of great people. I would like to have the opportunity to give some of that back to ASA and our industry."

Candidate Spotlight: Donny Seyfer, AAM (Incumbent)

Business Name: Seyfer Automotive Inc.

City, State: Wheat Ridge, Colo.

Years in Business: 49

ASA Member Since: 1968

Contact Info: donny@seyferauto.com

FYI...
Donny Seyfer, AAM, believes his previous experience as an ASA general director and as an affiliate chairman give him the qualifications to serve ASA on the board of directors. "I have worked with other directors on the ASA board and ASA staff to create relevant programs and content for our members," says Seyfer. He has served ASA in many roles including general director on the ASA national board (2009-2010), and chairman (2006-2010) and education director (2003-2009) of ASA-Colorado. He was the recipient of the NAPA/ASE Regional Technician of the Year award in 2000 and 2001, won the ASA Communicator of the Year Award in 2007, and the ASA Legislative Award in 2007 and 2008.

In his own words...
"For me, ASA is a voice for an industry that vehicle owners and legislators do not understand. I have represented our membership in contentious and unfriendly situations because I believe that doing the right thing is more important than doing the comfortable thing. ASA is about doing the right thing, and I want to see us succeed."

Candidate Spotlight: Jeanne C. Silver

Business Name: Butterfield Bodyworks CARSTAR

City, State: Mundelein, Ill.

Years in Business: 15

ASA Member Since: 1996

Contact Info: bbcarstar@aol.com

FYI...
Jeanne C. Silver believes her years of experience, not only as a shop owner, but as an industry and community leader, will contribute to the soundness of a strong ASA board. "I have heart and strength of conviction, and am willing to work hard to promote ASA," says Silver. She says perhaps her most important quality is an ability to market whatever she believes in.

Silver serves as vice chairman of the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) Technical Committee, and has been an active member and affiliated with ASA, Women's Industry Network (WIN), National Autobody Council (NABC), the CCC Advisory Council, Collision Industry Conference (CIC) and the Collision Industry Foundation (CIF). She was a recipient of the 2003 Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry award, as well as the 2004 BodyShop Business Collision Repair Executive of the Year award. She holds a bachelor's degree in French and Pre-Foreign Service from Mary Washington College, and attended the University of Paris during her third year of college.

In her own words...
"I am an advocate of ASA - and can be an even greater advocate of ASA and its mission. I would consider it a great honor to represent the industry as an ASA director and feel that I could contribute a fresh perspective."

Candidate Spotlight: John D. Vallely, AAM

Business Name: McLean Auto Repair

City, State: Elgin, Ill.

Years in Business: 40

ASA Member Since: 1994

Contact Info: jvalcar@aol.com

FYI...
John D. Vallely, AAM, credits his experience as the owner of a small repair shop, coupled with his dedication to the automotive repair industry, as the qualities that have prepared him well for the role of an ASA general director.

He has served ASA through its Illinois Mechanical Division affiliate as treasurer (2005-2006) and, later, president (2007-2009). His industry memberships and affiliations include ASA, AAA, iATN and the BBB; and his shop, McLean Auto Repair, is a NAPA Auto Care Center and an ASE Blue Seal Shop. Vallely currently serves on the U-46 School District Automotive Advisory Committee.

In his own words...
"Serving on the ASA board of directors provides me with the opportunity to raise public awareness of the independent automotive repair industry, both locally and nationally, and promote professionalism through education in technology and management."