The trusted authority in transmission repair since 1954
The people behind ATRA.
For more than 70 years, ATRA has been led by the shop owners, technicians, and industry veterans who do the work. Meet the staff that supports our members every day — and the member-elected Board of Directors charting the future of the transmission industry.
ATRA STAFF
The team behind your membership.
ATRA's professional staff supports members every day through technical hotlines, training, publications, warranty administration, and member services.
Olive Birns
Accounting Manager
Handles all day-to-day financial accounting for the association — billing, reconciliation, payables, and member account support.
Keith Clark
Technical Director
Oversees the HotLine team, technical bulletins, and the 35,000+ document tech library — plus certification programs, seminar presentations, and speaker management.
Sarah Janes
Director of Operations
Oversees membership, seminars, and the Powertrain Expo — keeping ATRA's core member-facing programs running smoothly.
Aurelio Pena
GEARS Magazine Sr Designer
Leads the design direction for GEARS Magazine, the industry's most-read technical and business publication.
Robert Sproule
Senior Data & IT Program Mgr
Oversees technical data management databases, IT systems, and warranty claim dispute administration across the membership.
Lance Wiggins
CEO
ATRA's CEO — leading day-to-day operations, member services, and strategic direction in partnership with the Board of Directors
Need to reach the office?
ATRA staff are available Monday - Friday to help with membership, technical, and warranty questions.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Member-elected. Industry-driven.
ATRA is governed by a Board of Directors elected from our membership. Every director is an active shop owner or industry professional — people who do the work, sign the checks, and live with the same challenges as you.
Board Responsibilities
Set strategic direction and priorities for the association
Approve annual budget, programs, and major initiatives
Represent member interests in industry and regulatory matters
Uphold the Golden Rule Standards across the membership
Advise staff on technical, training, and warranty programs
Mentor and recruit the next generation of industry leaders
PRESIDENT
Dave Wilkes
(Area 1)
S. CA, NV, HI, AZ
Dave Wilkes Transmissions
6663 Ventura Blvd
Ventura, CA 93003-7242
VICE PRESIDENT
Chris Kennedy
(Area 3)
Canada
Mister Transmission
1741 Main St
Moncton, NB E1E 1H1
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Maryann Croce
(Area 9)
PA, NY, VT, MA, CT, RI, NH, ME
Croce’s Transmission Specialists LLC
301 Main Ave
Norwalk, CT. 06851
Ryan Snow
(Area 4)
NM, CO, UT, WY, MT, ID, ND, SD
St George Transmission
1349 W Sunset Blvd.
St George, UT 84770-4224
Tiffany Scherado
(Area 5)
TX, AR, LA, MS, OK
Lifetime Transmissions, Inc.
2221 W. Albany St.
Broken Arrow, OK 74012
Ron Lingenfelter
(Area 6)
IA, MO, MN, WI, IL, IN, MI, NE, KS
Norfolk Transm & Muffler Service
1001 S 13th St
Norfolk, NE 68701-5776
Pat Ayers
(Area 7)
AL, GA, SC, NC, FL
American Transmission
5337 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32207-5041
Mark Schwartzman
(Area 8)
TN, KY, VA, WV, OH, MD, DE, NJ, DC
Glen Burnie Transmissions
7166 Ritchie Hwy
Glen Burnie, MD 21061-2904
Jim Leale
(Area 2)
N. CA, OR, WA, AK
Leale's Transmissions
405 Keyes St.
San Jose, CA 95112-2414
GET INVOLVED
Lead the industry you love.
ATRA's strength comes from members who step up. Serving on the Board of Directors is your chance to shape the future of the transmission industry, mentor the next generation, and represent the shops that built it.
Shape the Industry
Set priorities for training, technology, and advocacy that affect every shop in North America.
Grow Your Network
Work alongside industry leaders, suppliers, and peers who become lifelong professional contacts.
Give Back
Mentor newer shops, protect the Golden Rule Standards, and leave the industry better than you found it.
How to run for the Board
1. Be a member in good standing
Active ATRA Rebuilder Members are eligible to nominate and serve.
2. Submit a nomination
Self-nominate or be nominated by a peer ahead of the annual election cycle.
3. Stand for election
Members vote on directors at large and within their respective regions each year.