ARA names new executive director

The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), Manassas, Virginia, has named Vince Edivan executive director of the association, taking the helm at the ARA’s recent 81st Annual Convention and Exposition in Reno, Nevada, in late October.

According to the ARA, the move follows a transition period of several years during which executive director responsibilities were passed to Edivan from automotive recycler and ARA past Executive Director Sandy Blalock, who also served as a past president of the association. 

Blalock was hired as ARA executive director in 2018 and continues to manage several automotive recycling organizations at the state level, according to the group.

“I am deeply honored to accept the role of executive director for ARA and want to acknowledge the remarkable contributions of Sandy Blalock and the dedicated leaders who preceded me,” Edivan says. “Their vision, hard work and unwavering commitment have paved the way for ARA’s continuing success, and I am humbled to carry forward their legacy.

“I am grateful to the executive committee and board of directors for placing their trust in me. I am excited about the opportunity to work collaboratively with industry stakeholders while advocating for practices that promote the automotive recycling industry and serve the needs of our members.

“Together with the tireless work done by our respected ARA team, we will build upon the strong foundation established by those who came before us, and I am eager to embark on this journey of growth and excellence.”

Edivan joined ARA in 2019 in a member relations capacity and has worked to build a strong rapport with automotive recyclers, industry vendors and stakeholders throughout the country, the ARA says.

His career has involved several roles in the automotive and recycling industries, starting as an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)-certified mechanic. Edivan later served as a claims branch manager at Ohio-based Progressive Insurance, where he collaborated with corporate process and claims audit teams to establish standard operating procedures for claims service centers nationwide.

Prior to joining ARA, Edivan was the national director of remarketing for the Military Order of the Purple Hearts’ vehicle donation program and served as an industry consultant. In some of his roles, he worked in cooperation with vehicle auction services Manheim and Copart.

“We are thrilled to welcome Vince Edivan as our new executive director,” ARA President Eric Wilbert says. “His deep industry knowledge, passion for sustainability and dedication to our members make him the ideal leader to guide ARA into the future.

“I have had the honor of working with Vince prior to joining the ARA executive committee and know he will lead our industry in the right direction, protecting and advocating to ensure the viability of the automotive recycling industry for years to come.”