AAIA Appoints Senior Vice President, Regulatory and Government Affairs

BETHESDA, MD – Sept. 19, 2011 – The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) today announced the appointment of Sheryl Wilkerson as senior vice president, regulatory and government affairs. The appointment will strengthen the current staff and bolster the association's presence in Congress, regulatory agencies and in the global marketplace, according to AAIA.

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

Wilkerson has been affiliated with a number of 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 and a Vice Presidential campaign.

"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, AAIA president and CEO. "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."

Wilkerson received her Juris Doctorate degree from Georgetown University Law Center and Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Indiana University. She is a member of the Pennsylvania and Supreme Court Bars.

About AAIA
AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 23,000 member and affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tool, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.