The National Auto Body Council (NABC) has launched a search for a new leader to succeed Bill Garoutte, who is stepping down at the end of 2022.

Garoutte has served as president and CEO of NABC since January 2018. He also served on the organization’s board of directors from 2006 to 2011, and previously served on the boards of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) and the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association (CIECA).

He succeeded NABC founder Chuck Sulkala who retired after 22 years of leadership.

“It’s been an honor to serve on behalf of the collision repair industry and bring our industry together to give back to the communities in which we live and work,” Garoutte told Repairer Driven News. “I’m very proud to be able to be a part of helping our veterans, military members, and families in need with the gift of reliable transportation and achieve our milestone of 3,000 NABC Recycled Rides vehicles gifted since the program inception. I’m inspired to join our partners in providing hands-on education for our first responders and to celebrate our 5,000th first responder trained in the NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.) program. I’m grateful to all of the NABC members and volunteers who help make these, and many other accomplishments of the organization, possible.”

The organization’s challenge, he said, “is to continue to lead, shape and enhance the organization to meet the needs of an evolving industry, where new investors, consolidation, supply issues, staffing and changing vehicle technology impact how everyone does business, and still deliver on the mission to give back in the communities where the members live and work.”

In the newly created executive director position, the leader will be responsible for furthering the council’s mission to “develop, implement and promote community-based initiatives that exemplify the professionalism and integrity of the collision repair industry,” NABC said.

Job requirements and specific responsibilities include membership growth and support, shepherding industry relations and events, leading NABC board meetings and event logistics, strategic support and thought leadership for the NABC committees, administration of daily NABC activities, and budget planning and management. The NABC executive director position will be supported by an administrative role.

“We welcome candidates who are passionate about giving back to communities and those in need to join our mission to serve the collision repair industry,” Clint Marlow, chairman of the NABC board of directors, said in a statement. “We thank Bill for his guidance and leadership over the years and wish him well in the future. He has set the stage for future success of the NABC as we look for the next leader for this organization.”

Garoutte offered RDN this advice for his successor:

“Any charitable organization is only as good as its culture. The NABC and its members are incredibly generous in helping fulfill the mission of the organization. Continuing to deliver that mission while providing an excellent value for our members’ investment, and serving our communities with programs that improve lives, keep that culture alive and well. And that strong, positive culture inspires our current and potential members for the years ahead.”

Asked what qualities he believes the new executive director will need in order to be successful, Garoutte replied, “As with any charitable organization, you have to be passionate about the cause and committed to delivering the organization’s mission. This is a lifestyle choice — you serve many constituents — but ultimately you have to focus on giving back through the organization to those in need in the communities where our members live and work.”

Candidates for the NABC executive director and administrative associate position may submit their resumé at NABCStaffing@nationalautobodycouncil.org. The job description is available here.

Images

Featured image: Bill Garoutte, who led has National Auto Body Council since January 2018, will step down as president and CEO at the end of 2022. (Provided by NABC)