By SEMA News Editors
The 2025 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in Los Angeles.
The 2025 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala brought together the specialty equipment aftermarket community for a powerful evening of celebration, reflection and recognition on Friday, July 25, in Universal City, California. The annual event, hosted by industry voice Kevin Oeste, honored new SEMA Hall of Fame inductees, celebrated industry milestones, and recognized incoming and outgoing Board members--all while highlighting SEMA's focus on advocacy, innovation and community.
SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola started the evening with a powerful address celebrating one of the most impactful years in SEMA history. "2024 was one of the most successful years in SEMA and PRI history," he said. "Together, we wrote more than 100,000 letters to lawmakers advocating for our industry... and together we won the fight to overturn the EV mandate. A major victory for enthusiasts, builders and the future of our industry!"
New SEMA Hall of Fame inductees George Lathouris (left) and Luanne Brown (right) at the 2025 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala.
The newest SEMA Hall of Fame inductees were also honored, with Luanne Brown, George Lathouris, John McLeod and Larry Pacey sharing personal stories of perseverance and passion to inspire the room full of hundreds of industry members.
The evening also recognized outgoing Board members, including outgoing Chairman Kyle Fickler, who reflected on his time with SEMA and emphasized how it continues to advance rights for the industry, helping preserve access for future generations. "The last couple of years have made it apparent that the work we are doing now is having a significant impact on the future," Fickler said before welcoming the incoming leadership team and passing the torch to the newly appointed Chair Melanie White.
New SEMA Hall of Fame inductees Larry Pacey (left) and John McLeod (right) at the 2025 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala.
White shared with the room her family's perseverance in building Hellwig Products from a garage-based startup to a thriving business--while outlining her vision as Chair of the Board. "Innovation is the driving force that propels our industry forward. SEMA is both resourceful and innovative, and that is the winning formula," she said. "As SEMA Chair, I recognize both the challenges and opportunities ahead. Through the challenges, the conversations and connecting with all of you, it is an honor to serve you as Chair for the next two years."
Awareness and funds were also raised for SEMA Cares, the association's charitable arm, through the famous Industry Cup Challenge pinewood derby race.
Incoming members of the SEMA Board at the 2025 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala in Los Angeles.
The 2025 SEMA Leaders & Legends Gala once again served as a reminder that the industry's strength lies in its people, united by a shared love of automotive culture and innovation--and a commitment to driving forward together. SEMA will continue the celebrations during the 2025 SEMA Industry Honors event on Thursday, November 6, at the iconic Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, as part of the SEMA Show week. Learn more at semashow.com.
