Two Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) Board incumbents and one newcomer were elected by the society’s membership Tuesday.

Incumbents Todd Hesford, Community Collision Centers, and Andy Tylka, TAG Auto Group will serve their second three-year terms. Josh McFarlin with AirPro Diagnostics is now the newest member on the board. This was the fourth time the board nominated McFarlin for a seat.

Josh McFarlin

When Repairer Driven News asked McFarlin what he would bring to the table as a board member he said, “A sense of duty and respect for the opportunity and a desire to collaborate with the board and contribute to the board objectives.”

McFarlin has worked in the automotive industry for nearly 30 years from becoming a Ford Senior Master Technician to roles at Audi, Raytheon Professional Services, and I-CAR. In 2019, he became AirPro’s executive vice president of operations, and last year took on the role of president and COO.McFarlin has worked closely with SCRS members and board members for more than 10 years on committees and task force projects.

“For right now, my objective is to integrate with the other board members, gain a better understanding of the current priorities and initiatives, and identify the ways I can support those priorities and initiatives.”

Hesford is the director of Mission Viejo Auto Collision and Santa Margarita Auto Collision located in southern California. The operation has been in existence for over 40 years and is family-owned. He began working in the business in 1992.

Over the next 20 years, Hesford confirmed what he had always believed as a young child — he absolutely didn’t like cars, but loved serving people and overwhelmingly grew in love with the industry. Dislikes aside, he learned every day and continues to do so.

Hesford said with one term under his belt, “It’s time to get to work.”

Todd Hesford

“I sat back, I watched, and I am continually blown away at the amount of work and effort these guys put into everything they do. With that being said, the board needs to be stronger… I can’t sit on the sidelines. I’ve learned, I’ve watched; it’s time for me to get moving.”

Hesford added that he would most like to help with educational efforts, such as working with technical schools or connecting with affiliates through the SCRS Affiliate Engagement Committee. The committee represents more than 40 states and its members are from other groups, such as state associations.

Tylka owns TAG Auto Group, which includes 14 collision centers and four calibration, towing, glass, and mechanical shops in Indiana and Illinois.

In 2019, Tylka purchased the three existing locations of Tom and Ed’s Autobody, becoming a second-generation owner and operator. As president of the Indiana Autobody Association, Tylka’s goal for the state and nationally is focused on education, transparency, and empowerment of others in the collision repair industry.

Tylka also has a strong passion for mental health awareness and advocacy.

Andy Tylka

The board voted to reassign Tylka to its Executive Committee as treasurer. Amber Alley remains chair of the board and Michael Bradshaw will continue to serve as vice chairman. Kris Burton will serve as secretary and Andrew Batenhorst as director at large. Bruce Halcro is the board’s immediate past chair.

Tylka told Repairer Driven News that his first three-year term showed him the importance of a diverse board of directors.

“We all have a different set of skills, which complements one another’s strengths and weaknesses very well,” he said. “I feel like I have fallen into my own and will use my strengths to do whatever possible to leave the industry better than when I started.

“My priority in my next term is to increase the involvement of the affiliates through the Affiliate Engagement Committee. I feel we have built a special synergy and mentorship between all the state associations. I am proud to co-chair such a committee where there is a special kind of culture that involves mentorship, education, leadership, and support among its members.”

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