Hoffman Estates, Ill. (March 2026) –
The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is proud to introduce its 2026 Executive Committee. Comprised of seven distinguished industry leaders, the committee will spearhead the Foundation’s mission to support collision repair educational programs and bridge the gap between students and sustainable, high-tech career paths.
CREF’s 2026 Executive Committee Includes:
- Chair: Brenda Hogen (PartsTrader)
- Vice Chair: Kayla Williams Clark (Classic Collision)
- Treasurer: Mark Verbois (Enterprise Mobility)
- Secretary: Sandee Lindorfer (Allstate Insurance Company)
- Member-at-Large: Andreas Hecht (CCC Intelligent Solutions)
- Member-at-Large: Stacy Bartnik (Intertek)
- Immediate Past Chair: Steve Schmidt (State Farm)
This year’s leadership structure includes key transitions while retaining veteran stability. As Hogen continues her impactful tenure as Chair, Clark moves into the Vice Chair role. Bartnik, a mainstay of CREF leadership, transitions to Member-at-Large, continuing her lifelong commitment to the trade. Additionally, Hecht joins the Executive Committee as a Member-at-Large. Like Hogen, Verbois, Lindorfer and Schmidt remain in their current roles on the Executive Committee.
As vehicle complexity accelerates, the 2026 Committee is focused on ensuring that classroom training reflects the realities of modern repair.
“What feels most urgent right now is strengthening and sustaining the talent pipeline for collision repair at a moment when technician shortages continue to impact shops, insurers and consumers nationwide,” Hogen stresses. “CREF exists to ensure students have access to relevant training, modern equipment and real career pathways, and that mission has never been more critical. As industry demand accelerates, we have a responsibility to move quickly to support schools, expand access for students with financial need and align education with the skills employers need today and tomorrow. When we invest in students and educators now, we are directly protecting the long-term health of the industry.”
“Supporting students in building strong, rewarding careers in collision repair feels more critical than ever,” Verbois agrees. “With an aging workforce and repair needs becoming increasingly complex, the collision repair industry faces a significant talent gap. This presents a major opportunity – not only to help supply shops with technicians, but to guide students toward a long-term, sustainable career path. It has been incredibly rewarding to support both collision schools and students throughout the year. Watching students evolve into confident, full-time technicians and painters is truly inspiring. Many of these individuals are now thriving in the industry, and knowing that our support played a part in their journey makes this work deeply meaningful. Seeing their growth firsthand is what motivates me to continue investing in the next generation of collision repair professionals.”
“CREF’s mission and vision resonate with me because they focus on building a strong, well trained workforce while creating meaningful career pathways for students,” Lindorfer weighs in. “As a Board member, I’m proud to support an organization that is shaping the future of the collision repair industry through education, access and collaboration.”
Hecht highlights the technological shift: “With ever-increasing complexity coming into today’s vehicles, the need for well-trained, qualified candidates is critical and cannot be understated. We are at an inflection point that will bring significant growth to CREF through new initiatives like our Donation Exchange, which has the potential to revolutionize and amplify the Foundation’s role in the industry.”
The 2026 committee also honors the immense legacy of members like Bartnik, who brings over 45 years of industry experience to the table. “My goal is to meet the mission of filling the workforce gap with people who want a long-term career and supporting them in their journey,” she shares. “I want to give back to the industry that has given me so much, and I’m proud to continue my work on CREF’s Board, alongside so many dedicated collision repair professionals who are eager to get involved and truly make a difference in the industry’s future.”
In addition to the Executive Committee, the Foundation Board of Trustees consists of:
- Mark Allen (Audi America)
- Keith Bell (Axalta)
- Kristle Bollans (CSN Collision USA)
- Josh Krentz (Forbes Road CTC)
- Frank Pickering (GEICO)
- Josh Cox (WESCO Group)
Allen notes that the focus for 2026 is on a “deliberate and pointed” approach to help students find “an honorable career that is ever-changing and ever-charging.” He believes CREF’s Board of Trustees and staff are filled with “great talent” and looks forward to continuing their “healthy approach to dividing and conquering the tasks at hand as we focus on balancing and maximizing the Foundation’s giving and utilize the success stories to accelerate this cycle.”
“This past year demonstrated the strength of CREF’s partnerships. Increased support from industry leaders and measurable impact in classrooms show that our approach is working and scalable,” Pickering echoes the sentiments of other Board members. “Ensuring students have access to modern equipment, training and career pathways is incredibly urgent. As vehicle technology evolves, CREF helps make sure education keeps pace with the realities of today’s repair industry. Continuing this work means shaping the future of the collision repair industry. Being part of an organization that invests directly in education and workforce development is both impactful and motivating.”
Trustee Emeriti include J. Laurence “Larry” Costin (CCC Information Services, Inc.), Lirel G. Holt (U, Inc.) and Chuck Sulkala.
Looking back at the past year of progress, Hogen is encouraged “by how measurable and scalable CREF’s impact has become. We’ve expanded scholarships, equipment donations and workforce development efforts in ways that clearly translate into student outcomes – more trained graduates, more job placements and stronger employer partnerships. The organization has demonstrated disciplined financial stewardship while directing resources where they matter most: into classrooms, labs and students’ hands. Seeing growth across scholarships awarded, training hours delivered and employer engagement gives me real confidence that CREF is not only growing but doing so with focus and accountability.”
In addition to being excited about CREF’s forward momentum, Hogen is also delighted to see the commitment exhibited by everyone involved. “CREF brings together educators, students, volunteers, donors and industry leaders who all believe in building a stronger future through education. As Chair, it’s incredibly motivating to see how collaboration across the industry turns into real opportunity for students who might not otherwise have access to these careers. Looking ahead, I’m energized by our ability to deepen partnerships, reach more schools and create even more on ramps into collision repair careers. This work is meaningful because it delivers tangible results and because it shapes the next generation of professionals who will carry this industry forward.”
CREF extends its deepest gratitude to four departing members whose dedication has been instrumental in the Foundation’s recent successes: Chris Dewes (PPG Industries), John Eck (Formerly of General Motors), Paul Folino (LKQ Corporation) and Heather McMahon (Erie Insurance).
Industry members interested in getting involved and supporting the Collision Repair Education Foundation’s efforts to assist high school and college collision repair training programs can Contact Us to learn about the many ways to get involved. Monetary donations can be made online, or sign up for The Donation Exchange to easily provide in-kind resources that collision repair schools and students desperately need.
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The Collision Repair Education Foundation, founded in 1991, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting collision repair educational programs, schools and students to create qualified, entry-level employees and connect them with an array of career opportunities. For information on how to donate to programs supported by the Education Foundation, visit us online at: www.CollisionRepairEducationFoundation.org.
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If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.