I-CAR elects four board members and amends bylaws

I-CAR has announced the results of its 2025 Board of Directors election.

A press release sent to the media on Thursday states that I-CAR regular members approved the election of four qualified representatives:

• • Ryan Downs (Crash Champions) to represent the collision repair segment (at-large)
  • Paul Krauss (Caliber Collision) to represent the collision repair segment (large MSO)
  • Laura Lozano (Contra Costa College) to represent the education segment
  • Ed Mondragon (State Farm Insurance) to represent the insurance segment

The election concluded Aug. 3 and filled four open seats. Each member’s three-year term began Aug. 27. All are newcomers except Krauss.

The board also released a letter from Chair Jennifer Goforth, which provides information about the approval of updated bylaws, updates to the Executive Committee, and enhancements to governance communications.

The bylaws have been amended to add eligibility restrictions to the fourth collision repair segment seat and expand eligibility under the “related industry services” segment to include information systems providers, rental car companies, data service providers, operations or financial consulting firms, and third-party service providers.

An August document about the updates to the bylaws states they were made “to eliminate ambiguity and reinforce the Board’s intent that the Collision Repair segment is represented exclusively by individuals who own or operate a Collision Repair facility.”

At the July Collision Industry Conference (CIC) meeting, new I-CAR President and CEO Kyle Thompson fielded questions from nearly a dozen individuals who voiced concerns at the open mic about the amendments on behalf of collision repair businesses and associations.

Thompson defended the nonprofit’s actions, stating that there is “zero change in board practice.”

In June, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) wrote in an open letter that the amendments marginalize the opportunity for voices that could represent the perspective of independent repairers, and provide greater opportunity for corporate interests to govern the entity. Several shops and associations wrote to I-CAR about the proposed bylaws and nominations. Thompson said 35 were received, and not all were responded to. I-CAR’s emailed response to some of the letters can be read here.

Neither the release nor Goforth’s letter referenced nor directly addressed the questions asked during the meeting. Goforth states in the letter that the Governance section of I-CAR.com has been updated so that “it is now clearer and easier to see the opportunities available, and qualifications required, for anyone who is interested in lending their voice, time, and talent to help shape the future.”

“As we look ahead, I want to thank all board members, past and present, for their dedication and leadership,” she wrote. “I’d also like to express gratitude to our members and the broader industry for their ongoing feedback and dedication to supporting I-CAR in realizing its vision to serve every collision repair organization and professional. Every voice is heard and thoughtfully considered in every decision we make, and we are committed to keeping the industry informed.”

When Repairer Driven News asked what changes I-CAR has made as a result of the open-mic feedback, I-CAR responded that Goforth’s letter “outlines enhancements that have been made to I-CAR’s governance communications” and noted the following: 

• • “The Board webpage has been updated to host governance communications; show the Board Structure, Committees, and Board Members, inclusive of term expiration so interested candidates can better plan for future submissions; and now includes additional information on selection, as well as an interest form to increase communication with interested candidates.
  • “Updates were also made to the Membership webpage, and a new Industry Councils webpage was created so that it is clearer and easier to see the opportunities and qualifications for anyone who is interested in lending their voice, time, and talent. Each page also includes a form submission, making it easier for those interested to take action.
  • “In addition, the letter itself is a new form of communication and in addition to details on the election, Board updates, and makeup, it also includes a message of gratitude for all feedback; an assurance that voices are heard and considered; and a commitment to ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and keeping the industry informed as actions taken.
  • “I-CAR has made a commitment to increase transparency in communication throughout all six segments of the collision repair inter-industry.”

Based on a document provided in a prior I-CAR email, there are 78 regular members eligible to vote, of which fewer than 10 are repair facilities.

I-CAR told RDN that Gold Class Shops each have a designated associate member representative, and Platinum Individuals are also associate members, which provides eligibility for I-CAR’s Member Council as well as the ability to participate in I-CAR “Voice of Customer” sessions.

To obtain voting rights for board elections and bylaw amendments, associate members can become regular members, according to I-CAR. The regular membership submission form is available at https://info.i-car.com/governance/membership.

Images

Featured image (from left to right): Ryan Downs, Paul Krauss, Laura Lozano, and Ed Mondragon (Provided by I-CAR)