Toronto, Ontario -- The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair has elected four new members to its board of directors and amended its bylaws.
The newly elected members bring a range of industry experience to the board:
Ryan Downs – Downs is chief strategy officer at Crash Champions. He previously worked with Classic Collision, bringing experience in managing operations and supporting collision repair facilities.
Paul Krauss – Krauss is senior vice-president of operations at Caliber Collision. He has held leadership roles with Service King Collision and Sterling Autobody Centers, overseeing multi-site operations and operational strategy.
Laura Lozano – Lozano chairs the automotive services department at Contra Costa College. She leads the collision repair program and has held roles guiding students and faculty in program development and industry alignment.
Ed Mondragon – Mondragon is an auto estimator consultant at State Farm and previously served on the board of trustees for the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association, providing guidance and support to collision repair centers.
Along with the election results, the board approved amendments requiring that all representatives in the collision repair category fully own or operate a repair facility. The related industry services category was expanded to include information system providers, rental car companies, data services, consultants and other third-party businesses.
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists submitted a letter in June opposing the amendments, citing concerns about repairer representation.
I-CAR president and chief executive officer Kyle Thompson said the revisions reflect existing practice, noting there will be “zero change in board practice.” Board chair Jennifer Goforth later issued a letter thanking members for their feedback and stating that every voice is heard and considered in board decisions.
