Mark Claypool, a leader in the automotive and collision repair sectors, has been appointed as the new executive director of the Automotive Management Institute (AMi). Claypool assumed the role on Jan. 2, bringing decades of industry expertise to the organization.
Claypool, who recently retired as president of Optima Automotive, has held influential roles throughout his career, including vice president of operations at VeriFacts and executive director positions at the National Auto Body Council (NABC) and the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF). He also co-founded the Collision Industry Foundation (CIF) and the Women’s Industry Network (WIN).
In his new role, Claypool will oversee all aspects of AMi’s operations, including marketing, sales, industry relationships, curriculum development and course approvals.
“The AMi Board of Trustees and the ASA (Automotive Service Association) Board of Directors searched for the best possible fit to fill the AMi executive director role, and we know we have found that perfect fit with Mark Claypool due to his professional background and skills. We are so happy he said YES!” said Russell McCloud, chairman of the AMi Board of Trustees.
“When I handed over my company, Optima Automotive, to Tyler Claypool, I said I would never use the word ‘retire’; I prefer the term ‘re-wire,’ and that’s exactly what this opportunity with AMi will be for me,” Claypool said. “I have always been an ardent supporter of training, and this is a natural fit for my experience and skill sets. I am so looking forward to building upon the foundation that has been laid by those amazing leaders who served in this role before me.”
AMi, a training and certification organization for the automotive service industry, will benefit from Claypool’s strategic vision. His leadership is expected to address the evolving training needs of independent repair and collision shops.
“As chair of ASA, I knew we needed to bring in a professional who really understood the independent auto repair and collision shop training needs and has the vision and foresight to take AMi to the next level of performance to support our members and the entire community. We have found that professional with Mark Claypool,” said Scott Benavidez, AMAM.
