Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association (ACA) will be retiring at the end of 2015. Schmatz joined the association in 2002 and was named president and CEO in 2004 after 30 years with Babcox Media.

“It has been my privilege to work for the Auto Care Association for these 13 years,” Schmatz said. “We have accomplished so much, and we couldn’t have done it without the guidance and support of our membership. I look forward to the continued success of the Auto Care Association, our wonderful members and our expert professional staff. The auto care industry is an inspiring place to work, and the hardworking people in it have inspired my efforts on their behalf every day.

Major association accomplishments achieved during Schmatz’s tenure as president and CEO include: achievement of a 50-state agreement on the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act, the bold rebranding of the association and industry, creation of the highly successful “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign, establishment of a dynamic association education program, production of consecutive record-breaking trade shows and events and a significant increase in association membership and VIP volunteer leader engagement.

The association’s Executive Committee has selected a recruitment agency and will be spearheading the process to choose Schmatz’s successor.