On Monday, May 17, balloting opens for the SEMA Select Committee elections. The elections represent your opportunity to guide the direction of your SEMA councils and committees. Each SEMA council member company will receive one e-mail with instructions and links for completing an electronic Select Committee ballot. Only one ballot per company is e-mailed, and only one ballot per company will be recorded.
The e-mail ballot will be addressed to the person listed as your company’s primary council contact in the SEMA membership database. Balloting will remain open through Friday, May 28. If you think that you are the primary council contact and do not receive an e-mail on Monday, May 17, contact your SEMA staff liaison immediately.
SBN Select Committee Nominees and Bios:
Kendra Albright – Magnaflow Exhaust
I am very interested in serving as a member of the SBN Select Committee. My industry background includes working for an automotive aftermarket advertising agency and, currently, a manufacturer. I’ve been exposed to many different views of the industry, which have inspired me to become actively involved. I feel that the SBN Select Committee is the perfect avenue and would be honored to serve.
Joann Bortles – Crazy Horse Painting
I have owned and worked a custom painting business and have been involved with the custom automotive industry for 31 years, working on custom cars, hot rods, trucks and motorcycles. I am also a published author with MotorBooks Publishing of six books on custom painting. My work has been featured in many industry magazines, including Street Rodder, American Iron, VTwin, and Easyriders magazines. I started out in the custom industry when there were very few women in it, and I have be very determined and inventive to be successful. I feel my many years of hands-on and management experiences in the custom end of the industry can provide the SBN Select Committee with fresh ideas and help the SBN and SEMA stay at the cutting edge of the automotive industry.
Camee Edelbrock - Schiefer Media Inc.
As vice president of advertising at the Edelbrock Corp., I was instrumental in building the company’s in-house agency into a full-service, integral division that designed and produced all marketing materials for the company. In 1993, I was honored to receive the SEMA Young Executive of the Year award. During my 27 years at Edelbrock, I managed public relations, media buying, advertising concept and design, copywriting and the in-house print department. Since May of 2008, I’ve managed public relations for Schiefer Media—A media buying, marketing and advertising company specializing in the automotive aftermarket. I am thrilled to be nominated for the SBN Select Committee and excited about the prospect of representing the great women of this industry.
Jean Franks – K&N Engineering
I have been a member of K&N senior management since March 1996. I have been participating in the MEMA Financial Services meetings for a number of years. I attend meetings with the Aftermarket Volume Retailer Group and the Performance Group throughout the year. Last year, I served on the creditors committee of a bankruptcy case in the automotive industry. I have 25 years professional experience in accounting, tax and management. I worked with a couple of the major accounting firms as well as several companies. I received a bachelor of business administration degree majoring in accounting and a master of science degree majoring in accounting and taxation from University of North Texas. I am Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in California.
Erin Gilhuly – Toyota Motor Sales, INCUMBENT
My 11 years with an OEM, with the last six years planning and developing performance accessories, has brought a unique perspective to the SBN. I understand the importance of OEMs and aftermarket companies working together—not in competition—to bring products to market that meet the needs of our customers.
Gigi Ho – Digital Performance Inc., INCUMBENT
As a founder of Digital Performance Inc., a leading digital technology and service provider, I have been dedicated to the growth and development of the automotive aftermarket for the past eight years, which has given me the opportunity to connect with and learn from many women leaders in our industry. Focusing on data standardization tools for the industry and connecting buyers and sellers via our widely syndicated parts search engine, gives me a unique perspective on the future of the marketplace. I have been serving and contributing at numerous AAIA and SEMA events for many years and have presented for AAIA- and SEMA-sponsored webinars. My goal, when elected, will be to apply my experience and expertise to strengthening the council’s objectives of member outreach and opportunities and facilitate the survival and prosperity of businesses as our industry continues to evolve.
Rose Kawasaki – Exports International, INCUMBENT
It has been a privilege to serve you on the Select Committee of the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network. I am honored to be nominated for Re-Election and humbly ask for your vote. It takes a team of several dedicated volunteers working together toward the success and future of the SBN and I feel compelled, that with my 23 years of industry experience, to dedicate my time in hopes that I may be able to “give back” in order to help others succeed and to make a difference for women in our industry. I pledge if re-elected, to continue to reach out to our SEMA member company employees and heighten their awareness of the SBN. Many of our SBN members are non-travelling and I will encourage them to get involved with all the diverse programs that it offers and recommend they become an active member through service on our committee through our Member Resource Pool and Mentoring Programs.
Christina Kwan – Kwan International Inc.
As a SBN Select Committee member, I will continue to strengthen the membership count by identifying and reaching out to potential new members. I strive to continue the mission of the SBN—to represent a strong and influential voice of women within the automotive industry. As an entrepreneur, I am challenged and driven to succeed each and every day while having to create balance between a professional and personal life. As a former U.S. National and World Boxing Champion, I have been faced with the physical challenges of training and competing—yet I realized from the very beginning, success starts from the mind and it can overcome any obstacles or adversities.
Sherry Price-McCall – Masters TV Inc.
I welcome an opportunity to contribute to the SBN Select Committee. If elected, I would bring to this position my commitment to our industry and my desire to see it thrive for generations to come. I currently serve on the SBN. I've had the privilege of creating a variety of new features and programs to promote the automotive industry. Many of which include the youth in motorsports and new ideas to keep them involved. The most recent was my concept for a 13-week series, highlighting the students of the University of Northwestern Ohio and their participation in the television series "Motorsports U".
Cheralyn Smith – Advanced Clutch Technology, INCUMBENT
I am honored to be nominated for a second term on the SBN Select Committee. I appreciate the opportunity to make a difference and am committed to an active council of dedicated women who are strong leaders in this industry. I have been in the aftermarket parts industry for the last 13 years; most recently with Advanced Clutch Technology Inc. as the marketing manager. My responsibilities within the industry have included the development and direction of accounting, human resources, sales, marketing, manufacturing and facility management. I believe that I will bring the leadership and experience necessary to deal with challenges and opportunities all companies within our industry face today.
Jacqueline Parral – Ryan Communications Group LLC
Having worked in the automotive aftermarket in various segments (e.g., hot rod, sport-compact car, off-road, musclecar and truck) for the last 16 years, I believe I can be an asset to this team. I know and have worked with many of the awesome ladies that are already members of the SBN. I am look forward to being a part of SBN's exciting future.
Michelle Radin – Flex-a-lite Consolidated
I started in the automotive aftermarket industry 13 years ago as the receptionist for Flex-a-lite and now hold the position of marketing and customer service manager. I have been a long-time member of the SBN and have had the privilege of being mentored by and working with many of the talented women involved. I believe my knowledge, passion and understanding of our industry will be a positive asset to the SBN Select Committee. And if elected I promise to work diligently towards building a stronger networking and mentoring community for all of its members.
Linda Vaughn
I believe that I have a singular way of bringing to focus a worthwhile product, cause or person and paved the way for women to participate in all aspects of the aftermarket. With absolute passion for motorsports, I have parlayed my role from beauty queen to spokesperson for the aftermarket and have spent a lifetime participating in the events and milestones that have shaped this industry. I am also a member of the SEMA Hall of Fame.