Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Icahn Automotive’s second annual scholarship program is part of its “Race to 2026” initiative that aims to increase the number of trained automotive technicians across the United States and help fill an industry-wide talent gap projected to grow to 46,000 over the next six years. |
Icahn Automotive Awards Scholarships to 15 Aspiring Automotive Technicians
Icahn Automotive has announced the 15 recipients of its $2,500 “Find Your Drive” scholarships. The second annual scholarship program is part of Icahn Automotive’s “Race to 2026” initiative that aims to increase the number of trained automotive technicians across the United States and help fill an industry-wide talent gap projected to grow to 46,000 over the next six years. Students receiving scholarships for the 2020-2021 academic year are:
- Kevin Alvarenga, Mooresville, North Carolina, NASCAR Technical Institute
- Savannah Arias, Tustin, California, Saddleback Community College
- Justin Benson, Swedesboro, New Jersey, Lincoln Tech
- Christopher Floyan, Pleasant Valley, New York, Lincoln Tech
- Maverick Ellington, New Richmond, Ohio, NASCAR Technical Institute
- Jake Maha, Sayreville, New Jersey, SUNY Morrisville
- Michael Marelli, Florham Park, New Jersey, Universal Technical Institute
- Dylan Muench, Perryville, Missouri, State Technical College of Missouri
- Catherine Nelson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Tech
- Michael Nyce, Middlesex, New Jersey, Universal Technical Institute
- Leonel Palacios, Union, New Jersey, Lincoln Tech
- Ramon Perez, Mahwah, New Jersey, Lincoln Tech
- Nelson Ruiz, Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, Lincoln Tech
- Ryan Schweizer, Rockaway, New Jersey, Universal Technical Institute
- Aaron Young, Vernal, Utah, Utah Valley University
 Sean Deason |
Garrett Motion Appoints New Chief Financial Officer
Garrett Motion Inc. has announced that Sean Deason has been named chief financial officer. Deason will relocate to the company’s global headquarters in Switzerland. Previously, Deason was the CFO of WABCO Holdings Inc., a global supplier of advanced technologies for commercial vehicles. Deason will assume responsibilities as the principal financial officer of Garrett from Peter Bracke. The latter served as Interim CFO for Garrett since September 2019, and will remain with the company in the newly created position of chief transformation officer. Before joining WABCO, Deason spent four years with Evraz N.A., a steel products manufacturer, where he served as vice president of financial planning and analysis. Deason also worked 12 years with Lear Corp., a global automotive technology manufacturer, where he held finance, treasury and corporate planning roles covering multiple regions.
 Kaleigh Jerzykowski |
MBE Group Promotes New Account Executive
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan-based Marx Buscemi Eisbrenner Group (MBE Group), a full-service marketing communications agency focused on the automotive, mobility, trucking, tech and consumer goods industries, has promoted Kaleigh Jerzykowski to account executive. Jerzykowski joined MBE Group in 2017; she previously held the position of assistant account executive. Throughout her time at MBE, Jerzykowski has had important roles in many of the company’s key accounts, supporting integrated marketing programs via social media management, brand launches, event and trade show logistics and competitive analysis, according to a company release. In her new role, Jerzykowski will lead initiatives for B2B and B2C clients that include public relations, event management and social media marketing, as well as continuing to guide advertising campaigns and digital strategies. Prior to joining MBE Group she worked for the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce as an event and social media coordinator.
Power Test, Taylor Dynamometer Merge Businesses
Power Test Inc. and Taylor Dynamometer have completed the merger of their two heavy-duty dynamometer and test stand businesses. The combined businesses will employ approximately 160 people, with a majority working in Sussex and 30 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Taylor Dynamometer Vice President of Sales and Service Jeff Brown and Vice President of Engineering Larry Golding will continue to lead the Milwaukee-based facility while reporting to Power Test Inc. President Rick Ruzga. Art Downey, the former owner of Taylor, will continue to collaborate with Power Test CEO Alan Petelinsek.
Energy Suspension Hires Dennis Grau as Sales and Marketing Manager
Energy Suspension has hired Dennis Grau as its new sales and marketing manager. Grau has more than 20 years of sales and marketing leadership experience within the automotive and heavy-duty aftermarket. Most recently, he held the position of senior director of sales for K&N Engineering, where he was responsible for the strategic direction and leading the North America team to drive sales with a primary focus on the warehouse distributor side of the business. He has gained significant automotive experience during his time with companies such as MAT Holdings, Exide and Honeywell.
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