By Amanda Gubbins
 Clayton Drescher | |
Clayton Drescher is the latest addition to SEMA’s council staff. As senior manager of councils, he works closely with the volunteer council leadership on a variety of projects and initiatives—all designed to help members learn and network while promoting their market segment.
Drescher spent the last seven years at the Petersen Automotive Museum—a SEMA-member organization in Los Angeles. After earning a graduate degree, Drescher was excited to combine his passions for public education and the automotive industry in his work at the museum. Though he has been a long-time racing fan, his time at the museum increased his familiarity with automotive history and gave him a broad appreciation for the industry.
In his most recent position as education manager, Drescher developed educational programs for all ages and managed volunteer efforts. He feels these experiences prepared him well for his new position at SEMA. “There is a lot of crossover in the topics and audience of SEMA and the Petersen. Hot rods and customizing vehicles are a big part of the enthusiasm that the museum celebrates,” he says.
Now, as a part of the SEMA team, Drescher will experience another side of the automotive industry. “At the Petersen, I learned a lot about the consumer level of the industry. Now that I’m here at SEMA, I am looking forward to seeing everything from a different perspective. I see myself as a resource—to help council members access the benefits available to them, and to help the association engage our members. I want to help everyone move toward the same goal,” he says.
When he’s not at work, Drescher enjoys spending time with his wife and one-year-old son at their home in Long Beach.
Drescher is the SEMA liaison for the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), the Professional Restylers Organization (PRO) and the Wheel & Tire Council (WTC). To learn more about any of these councils, contact him at ClaytonD@sema.org or 909-978-6696.