Jan. 28, 2011 — Lee Kadrich, vice president of government affairs and trade for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), retired after 29 years of service, the organization announced Thursday. His replacement has not been named.
Kadrich was staff liaison to the AAIA Government Affairs Committee and served as executive director of the Auto International Association (AIA) and the Heavy Duty Distribution Association (HDDA). He previously served as vice president of government affairs and trade for the Automotive Parts and Accessories Association (APAA) and as a legislative assistant for Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis.
Some of Kadrich’s other past roles include chairman of the U.S. Auto Parts Advisory Committee, where he worked on U.S.-Asia trade issues, and member of the industry trade advisory committee for automotive equipment and capital goods. That group advises the U.S. Commerce Department and United States Trade Representative (USTR) on all trade policy matters affecting the industry.
Kadrich was the recipient of the AIA Person of the Year award in 2006 and won the Northwood University Automotive Aftermarket Management Education award that same year.