TechForce Foundation and America’s Automotive Trust have announced a new strategic alliance that unites the organizations under the leadership of one shared vision and CEO. The new alliance focuses on programming that celebrates the past, present and future of mobility and inspires future generations of students to consider a career path in automotive technology.
“The alliance between America’s Automotive Trust and TechForce underscores both organizations’ commitment to being as efficient as possible while making the largest contribution we can in furthering our respective goals,” said Warren DeBardelaben, chairman of TechForce Foundation. “Bringing these two groups together leads to a stronger collaborative impact on the auto industry, the culture and celebration of the car culture – and to our collective ability to provide career paths in the automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine, motorsports and restoration industry.”
“Working synergistically allows both of our organizations to make a greater impact on the automotive industry as a whole, whether that’s new or vintage automobiles,” said Corry McFarland, chairman of America’s Automotive Trust. Chairmen DeBardelaben and McFarland announced the strategic alliance, naming nonprofit management veteran Jennifer Maher as the dually-appointed CEO of the entities.
“The strategic alliance is designed to achieve three primary objectives – unite complementary goals under a single unified vision, streamline cost efficiencies, and concentrate those efficiencies on providing a greater impact on the missions set forth by TechForce and America’s Automotive Trust,” said Maher. “I’m both honored and excited to be leading this innovative collaboration.”
Maher added that the alliance shares the common vision of being “the” anchor point for those already in the industry – enthusiasts/collectors, technicians and other workforce professionals – while nurturing and developing interest for a next generation of participants. “Through such collaboration, our alliance can effectively balance celebrating automotive history with an exciting future that includes automation, electrification and other new technologies and services,” said Maher.
Maher assumed her new post effective Aug. 1, serving as CEO for America’s Automotive Trust and its partnering service organizations, RPM Foundation and LeMay-America’s Car Museum. She takes over the CEO duties from David Madeira as he retires after 17 years with the organization. Madeira remains vice chairman of America’s Automotive Trust’s board of directors and now also serves on TechForce’s board of directors. Likewise, Barry Fodor, a current director of TechForce Foundation, has joined America’s Automotive Trust’s board of directors.
“Kids no longer tinker in the garage; they’re less likely to get their driver’s license when they turn 16; and they view the car more as a vessel to get from here to there than as an extension of their personality or their ‘freedom’ like other generations did,” reflects Maher. “Couple this with the generalization that a four-year degree is the only road to success, and we’ve drastically reduced our skilled trade workforce. This deficit is what this new collaboration will attempt to influence by ensuring a future workforce that keeps America rolling.”