By Ashley Reyes
SEMA is known for its world-class trade show, but year-round, it provides the essential programs and services that help foster the success of the entire automotive aftermarket, including SEMA's nine market-specific groups and professional communities known as councils and networks.
For SEMA members who want to take a more active role in the industry, applications are open now to join a council and network select committee--small groups of volunteers who dedicate their time, passion and expertise year-round to develop valuable programs for members.
"I volunteer because I believe the aftermarket is at its best when experienced leaders actively give back, not just comment from the sidelines," said Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) select committee member Kelleigh Shankel of Limelight Logic. "Volunteering allows me to help shape direction, remove friction and make sure decisions reflect how the industry actually operates, not how it looks on paper. It reinforces how collaborative the aftermarket truly is when the right people are in the room, and how much progress can be made when competition steps aside in favor of shared growth."
Shankel presented the ETTN Engineer of the Year Award to Mike Black of The Tuning School.
While SEMA staff manage the association's day-to-day operations, select committee volunteers provide boots-on-the-ground guidance to ensure industry needs are met. Successful initiatives spearheaded by select committee members include everything from professional development programs, career fairs, networking mixers, panel discussions and webinars that address timely industry trends, opportunities and challenges.
Beyond advancing their segment, volunteers benefit from new industry connections, early insight into trends and hands-on leadership experience.
"Volunteering helps me grow and be a better business owner," said Jay Ehret, select committee volunteer for the Wheel, Tire, Suspension and Brake Council (WTSBC). "The connections and knowledge I have gained have been invaluable and a major factor in the growth of Pickup Outfitters over the past nine years."
Prior to volunteering for WTSBC, Ehret served on the select committee for the SEMA Professional Restylers Organization (PRO).
Ehret receives the PRO Nat Danas Person of the Year Award at the 2024 SEMA Show.
For Aliceje Keyburn of AJK Design/Yamaha Financial Services, volunteering on the SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN) select committee connected her with a community of female leaders who share her passion for the industry.
"I really wanted to find a network of women that I can learn from, grow from, and find mentorship from," said Keyburn "I've found that and more from SBN's virtual education, Women's Leadership Forum and even getting my hands dirty with the All-Female Bronco Build, which was really special."
Keyburn represents SBN at the 2025 SEMA Show.
Ready to Step Up for Your Industry?
Whether you possess strong aftermarket knowledge, thrive as a collaborator, or have ideas for enhancing SEMA's current programs, your help is needed. Volunteering doesn't require you to be an industry veteran--only a passion for making a real difference.
As a select committee volunteer, you'll volunteer five to 10 hours per month and be required to serve a two-year term. You'll also take part in an annual long-range planning meeting and attend a Council Summit every other year--a great opportunity to learn the 'behind-the-scenes' of SEMA while having fun with like-minded peers.
