Established in 1983, this award is given annually to a member of AWDA in recognition of excellence in business performance and support for AWDA and its ideals.
The 2007 Award was presented to Jay Burkhart, senior vice president, Global Aftermarket for Federal-Mogul Corp., based in Southfield, MI. Burkhart was instrumental in developing of the Car Care Council’s hugely popular Car Care Guide. The guide is a cornerstone of the Be Car Care Aware consumer education campaign, which is managed by AAIA and strongly supported by AWDA. To-date, over 2 million guides have been produced and distributed to motorists.

Burkhart joined Federal-Mogul in 1998 with the acquisition of Cooper Automotive and is currently responsible for sales, marketing and distribution of Federal-Mogul's aftermarket products and brands in all geographic regions around the world. He has held positions of increasing responsibility in the areas of product line management, product pricing and gross margin, brand management and overall aftermarket strategy. Prior to joining Cooper, Burkhart was vice president of marketing worldwide for Tenneco Automotive.

“Jay Burkhart has spearheaded Federal-Mogul’s role in the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign at many levels. His professional staff was involved with AAIA in the creation of the campaign five years ago and have continued to stay involved,” said Rich White, AAIA’s Sr. VP for Marketing and Member Relations. “Jay has volunteered his time serving as the chairman of the Car Care Council’s Executive Board and stepped up to the plate to lead a task force and fund the creation of the new Car Care Guide. He well deserves this honor.”

PREVIOUS AWARD RECIPIENTS

2006 Bill Schlatterer
2005 Jerry McCabe
2004 Rosemary Hall
2003 Barbara Cunningham, Jim Eady
2002 Jon Owens, AAP
2002 Ken Mullen, AAP
2001 Richard H. Morgan, AAP
2000 Bill Dotson, AAP
1999 John M. Riess
1998 Standard Motor Products
1997 Moog Automotive
Chuck Udell, AAP
1996 Dayco Products Inc.
1995 Robert Egan, AAP
Jack Creamer, AAP
1994 A.E. Clevite Engine Parts
The Gates Rubber Company
1993 Triad Systems Corporation
1992 John Castle
Rosemary Hall
Charles J. Monahan
1991 Robert Miller
Stephen C. Horn, AAP
1990 Gus Carlson
Richard D. Kudner
1989 William Wade, AAP
1988 Jack Heyler, Automotive Service Association
Tenneco Automotive Wagner Division, Cooper Industries
1987 S.R. "Dick" Downey*
Charles J. Monahan
Robert H. Raff, MAAP
1986 Jay L. Love
N. Birnie Pryor
Kenneth D. Walker, AAP
1984 Worldparts Corporation
Louis A. Zuanich, AAP
1983 ACDelco, General Motors Corporation
Federal-Mogul Corporation
1982 Bank of America
Ford Motor Company

*posthumously