Every year during their reception at AAPEX, the Car Care Council Women’s Board awards its Aftermarket Woman of the Year Award. Winners are chosen by the Women’s Board executive committee based on her longevity in the aftermarket, her career accomplishments, her leadership capabilities and dedication to the automotive aftermarket industry.

To submit a suggestion for a future Woman of the Year recipient, please e-mail the nominee's bio and reasons for nomination to Beatrice Livioco at beatrice.livioco@aftermarket.org.

Past winners include:

2008
Lauren Fix, The Car Coach

An ASE-certified technician and engineer, Fix is an expert in all areas of the car world, from experience in the driver's seat to expertise under the hood. She learned how to service and repair cars when she was 10 years old, and has been a leader in positive consumer awareness in the automotive world for over 20 years.

Fix is a nationally recognized TV automotive expert, frequently-quoted authority on automotive culture and issues, a journalist, and contributor to numerous service manuals and technical and consumer publications. The author of three books, Fix recently published "Lauren Fix's Guide To Loving Your Car.

She has appeared multiple times as a guest expert on Oprah, TODAY, The View, CNN, FOX News, 20/20, MSNBC, Headline News, Neil Cavuto, TBS Makeover and a Movie, Inside Edition, The Early Show, NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, WB, UPN, The Weather Channel, ESPN, Discovery, Speed, CNBC and National Public Radio.

Fix serves on the board of directors for Classic Tube and is a founding board member of the Mustang Museum. She is also involved with several automotive associations including the National Women's Automotive International, the Car Care Council Women's Board, SEMA Businesswomen's Network, American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) and Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

Fix is a wife and mother of two teenagers. During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, working out and gourmet cooking in Williamsville, N.Y.
 

2007
Pamela Krebs, Robert Bosch LLC

Pam Krebs has been with the Bosch since 1984, working in various advertising positions. In her current position, she leads a team of 14 associates and directs brand management initiatives for the Automotive Aftermarket Division. She is involved in crafting brand strategy and positioning, plus all areas of marketing communications, including advertising, PR, sales support materials, product packaging, sports marketing, Web site development and brand research.

Krebs is a member of the AAIA Board of Directors and is the chair of the AAIA Marketing and Member Relations Committee. She is also a member of the Automotive Communication Council (ACC) and is a former officer.

Krebs is a graduate of Bradley University and has certification in the executive program from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

2006
Becky Babcox, Babcox Publications

Babcox is the co-owner of Babcox Publications, located in Akron, Ohio, with her brother, Bill. Although officially retired, she is still involved with the business. During her career, Babcox served as the publisher of Engine Builder magazine, as well as corporate secretary for the company.

Babcox is a graduate of Emory University and received her MBA from The Ohio State University. She is the eldest of five children and the granddaughter of Edward S. Babcox, who founded Babcox Publications in 1919. Babcox is very involved in many charities and organizations, including Goodwill, Old Trail School and Planned Parenthood.

While a member of the Car Care Council Women’s Board, Babcox served as vice president of the board and as the scholarship committee chair.

2005
Jennifer Tio, Maximum Marketing Services

Jennifer Tio is president of Maximum Marketing Services. Tio joined Maximum Marketing Services in 1985, and currently serves as executive vice president. She is experienced in the management and execution of all facets of marketing communications, from advertising and public relations, to research and promotions. She has spent a significant portion of her career managing marketing functions for many clients in the automotive aftermarket. Tio is also an experienced focus group moderator and has been active in many aftermarket industry associations, including serving as past president of the Car Care Council Women’s Board and officer in the Automotive Communication Council.

Tio is a native of Chicago, Ill. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Ind. and a master’s of business administration degree from Loyola University in Chicago.

Tio stepped down from her position as president of the Women’s Board in January, 2006, where she served for five years. Under her leadership, the Women’s Board experienced significant growth to include 74 members and established many successful programs, including the post-secondary and high school scholarship program, the women.carcare.org Web site and the “Women on Board” newsletter.

2004
Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA

Kathleen Schmatz is president and chief executive officer of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Before being named president and CEO on Jan. 1, 2004, Schmatz served as executive vice president. She joined AAIA after 30 years with Babcox, a leader in aftermarket communication services.

Schmatz is a nationally-recognized advocate of the automotive aftermarket and a sought-after speaker and presenter. She is frequently interviewed by the media, appearing on the NBC "Today" Show, MSNBC and in The New York Times. In November 2004, she received the Martin Fromm “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association and the “Aftermarket Woman of the Year Award” from the Women’s Board of the Car Care Council. In 2003, she was awarded the Northwood University “Distinguished Woman’s Award.”

Schmatz is a member of the Board of Directors of the Automotive Hall of Fame; a Trustee of the Industry Fund; a member of the Board of the Aftermarket Foundation; and a Board member of the Congress of Automotive Repair Equity.

Schmatz has served as an officer of the Auto International Association, the Automotive Communication Council and was founding president of the Car Care Council Women’s Board. She has also contributed as a curriculum advisor to Northwood University and as chair of AAIA’s Marketing Communications Committee.

Schmatz received her master’s degree in mass media communications from The University of Akron and bachelor’s degree from Kent State University.