Sept. 20, 2011—The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) on Monday announced it appointed Sheryl Wilkerson as senior vice president of regulatory and government affairs.

The appointment will improve the association’s presence in Congress, regulatory agencies and the global marketplace, according to AAIA.

Wilkerson was previously president of Willow, based in Fairfax Station, Va., where she advised automotive, telematics, industry associations and wireless and technology companies on regulatory, government affairs, public safety and technology issues. She has also served as senior vice president of strategic and corporate services, for Ygmoi, a family of global technology, call center, vehicle telematics, wireless and QSR businesses based in Oak Brook, Ill.

Wilkerson has been affiliated with many Washington, D.C. associations and law firms and has held senior staff positions at the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, Federal Judiciary, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and a vice presidential campaign, according to the AAIA.

“Sheryl will add depth and breadth to our government affairs team as we strive to strengthen our on-going state and federal relationships and leadership role built by Aaron Lowe and his team while developing an ambitious international program for our member companies,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of AAIA. “Bringing Sheryl on board with her extensive background and experience is especially timely and critical as the association confronts an ever-increasing number of domestic and global issues facing the aftermarket industry.”

AAIA, based in Bethesda, Md., has more than 23,000 members and affiliates that manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tool, equipment, materials and supplies. AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.