Hoffman Estates, Ill. (August 25, 2026) –
The Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is now accepting applications from qualified professionals interested in serving on its Board of Trustees. Industry leaders representing collision repair businesses, OEMs, insurance carriers, related industry services and collision repair education are encouraged to apply by September 24 for the opportunity to help shape the Foundation’s strategic direction and strengthen the future of the collision repair industry.
“Serving on the Collision Repair Education Foundation Board of Trustees is an opportunity to make a lasting investment in our industry’s future,” says Brenda Hogen, Chair of CREF’s Board of Trustees. “Every decision we make ultimately supports students, educators and collision repair programs that are preparing the next generation of professionals. We encourage leaders from across the industry who are passionate about workforce development to consider joining us in advancing this important mission.”
As the industry’s leading nonprofit dedicated to supporting collision repair schools and students, CREF works to remove financial and resource barriers while helping schools develop the skilled workforce the industry depends on. Members of the Board of Trustees play a vital role in advancing that mission by providing strategic leadership, industry insight and governance that guide the Foundation’s long-term success and help fulfill its mission to remove barriers for students and connect them with rewarding career opportunities.
“Serving on the CREF Board of Trustees is a meaningful opportunity to give back to an industry that supports countless families, businesses and communities,” Hogen notes. “By bringing together leaders from across the collision repair ecosystem, we can ensure our programs remain aligned with industry needs, strengthen workforce development efforts, and help create opportunities that benefit students, educators and employers alike.”
CREF will be accepting applications between August 25 and September 24. Assessments, interviews and committee selections will take place this fall with final candidates receiving Board approval in December. Newly appointed Trustees will participate in orientation during the first quarter of 2027 and attend the Board of Trustees’ spring 2027 meeting as guests before their terms officially commence, immediately following that meeting.
Board members serve as ambassadors for the Foundation, helping advance fundraising initiatives, strengthen industry partnerships, support strategic planning and promote awareness of CREF’s mission to prepare tomorrow’s collision repair workforce.
Interested individuals are encouraged to review Board responsibilities and eligibility requirements, download the application here and submit by September 24, 2026.
“CREF’s impact is only possible because of the dedicated volunteers and industry leaders who believe in supporting collision repair education,” Hogen adds. “As we welcome applications for our Board of Trustees, we’re seeking individuals who are passionate about the Foundation’s mission and committed to strengthening industry partnerships, expanding opportunities for students and strengthening collision repair education. Together, we can continue building a stronger future for collision repair.”
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.
Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.If you would like more information about this topic or any of CREF’s initiatives, please email info@ed-foundation.org.