ADESA Buffalo general manager Warren Clauss officially  took over as National Auto Auction Association president at the organization's 69th annual convention in La Quinta, Calif. last week, held in conjunction with the National Remarketing Conference during Used Car Week.

Serving with Clauss on the executive board for the 2017-2018 term is president-elect Chad Bailey and vice president Laura Taylor.

Clauss has served in executive leadership positions at NAAA for more than a decade.

Prior to his election as vice president in 2015, he served as president of the Eastern Chapter from 2004 to 2005, sat on the association's board of directors between 2006 to 2008 and again from 2013 to 2014.

“It's been extremely rewarding to serve the NAAA in those positions, building relationships and working together for the mutual benefit of our members and the industry,” Clauss said in a news release. “I thank the members for their trust and support and look forward to serving them as their president.”

Clauss joined the ADESA Buffalo team as controller in 1992. In 1994, he took on the role of assistant general manager and became the general manager just two years later.

He is the longest-running general manager at any of ADESA's 77 auctions, according to NAAA.

Angelicchio inducted into NAAA Hall of Fame

Retired Pittsburgh Independent Auto Auction chairman and chief executive officer Dave Angelicchio was also inducted into the NAAA Hall of Fame at this year's convention.

Angelicchio is recognized for his service in various executive positions at NAAA, including president, chairman of the board and treasurer, earned him the honor.

In addition to encouraging the establishment of standards for arbitration, wholesale certification and electronic condition reports, Angelicchio's initiatives centered on streamlining operations, forging strategic partnerships and creating standards.

Accomplishments of Angelicchio include overseeing the first joint NAAA/CAR Conference, spearheading the agreement to combine NAAA's annual convention with the National Remarketing Conference, and the major restructuring of the association's four autonomous zones into chapters, according to NAAA.

Angelicchio became chairman and chief executive of Pittsburgh Independent Auto Auction in 1996. He continued to work in that position until the family business was bought by ADESA in March 2015.

Brasher receives 'industry pioneer' distinction

In addition to Angelicchio, the NAAA honored former owner and chief executive officer of West Coast Auto Auctions Larry F. Brasher with its Industry Pioneer Award for his achievements and contributions to the remarketing profession at NAAA's 69th annual convention.

Brasher is notably the first son of a former NAAA president and Hall of Fame member to hold the same office.

Brasher was elected president in 1989 and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005. His father served as president from 1973 to 1974 and entered the NAAA Hall of Fame in 1987.

NAAA’s Industry Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have innovated or enhanced methods of improving services to remarketers through NAAA member auctions.

“During his more than a quarter-century in the wholesale vehicle remarketing industry, Brasher oversaw such advancements as expanded video sales, developing the Auction Viewmaster System in 1995 that allowed all vehicles — regardless of size or location — to go on the block, including boats and RVs, NAAA said in a news release.

In 1987, Brasher was one of the founders of the ServNet Auction Group which created a network of independent auto auctions strategically located throughout the country that work together to provide the latest in services and technologies.

Before earning a business management degree from the University of Utah in 1972, Brasher grew up working at, Salt Lake City Auto Auction, which his father founded in their in 1949.

Brasher made the decision to join his father full-time after graduating from law school in 1975.

Following the acquisition of Sacramento Auto Auction in 1978, Brasher and his wife Anne relocated to California and he became sole owner of that auction in 1987.

West Coast Auto Auctions was formed following acquisitions in Oregon, Nevada, Idaho and New Mexico.

Brasher served as CEO of the parent organization until 2003, before serving on its board of directors.

This April, ADESA completed the acquisition of the eight West Coast Auto Auctions owned by the Brasher family.

Auto Auction of the Year & more

In other auction news, Charleston Auto Auction was named the NAAA's 2017 Auto Auction of the Year for Excellence in Community Service for supporting a local high school principal's dream creating of a residence for homeless students.

The Charleston County School District nominated the auction for its efforts to help support 21 homeless students at R.B. Stall High School.

After seeing a news story on TV about Project H.O.M.E., a proposed project to house several homeless high schoolers with surrogate parents who would provide stability and consistency, Charleston Auto Auction assistant general manager Jason Moritz wanted to help, according to NAAA.

Along with a large crystal loving cup, the award includes a $20,000 check payable to a charity of the auction's choice and a feature in both NAAA's On The Block magazine and 2018 membership directory.

Earlier this year, as one of four regional finalists to receive the NAAA Chapter Auction of the Year Award, Charleston Auto Auction had previously won a $5,000 check for charity.

Additionally, the Midwest Chapter earned the NAAA PAC Cup Award, Melinda Dykstra earned the Distinguished Service Award and Dean Fusami was recognized as the Bernie Hart Auctioneer of the Year.