ASE President and CEO Tim Zilke and Trish Serratore, senior vice president of communications, have announced their plans to retire on Dec. 31, 2023. Dave Johnson has been named ASE president and CEO designate, effective July 12, and Donna Wagner has been named as the new vice president of industry and media relations for ASE.
Zilke joined the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in 1991 and was promoted to president and CEO in 2008. Serratore joined ASE in 1988 and was promoted to senior vice president of communications in 2008. She served six years as president of the ASE Education Foundation from 2012 to 2017, before rejoining ASE as senior vice president.
During the past 16 years of Zilke and Serratore’s tenure, ASE has evolved. A major accomplishment was the transition from paper and pencil to computer-based testing, ASE said. This advancement increased the availability of professional testing from six nights per year to year-round, enabling the addition of 11 new ASE certifications. More recently, the ASE Renewal App was introduced in 2020, and last year Pro-Proctor remote testing was launched, offering alternatives to help automotive service professionals remain certified. More recently, ASE responded to evolving vehicle technologies and the introduction of electric vehicles with an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) test and the rollout of Electric Vehicle Safety certifications.
Johnson will assume the title and responsibilities of ASE president and CEO on Jan. 1, 2024, upon Zilke’s retirement. Johnson brings over 30 years of automotive industry experience to ASE. He previously served as global director, service engineering operations at Ford Motor Co. where he led all vehicle repair support activities. He is a proven executive with strong leadership and team-building skills. Throughout Johnson’s career, he has delivered with innovation and a passion for the service experience and, most importantly, respect for the technicians that care for the customer.
“I look forward to working with the great ASE staff to serve our technicians, service providers and car owners and to communicating the amazing mission of ASE. I am honored to take on the mantle of leadership of this important industry organization,” said Johnson.
As the new vice president of industry and media relations for ASE, Wagner will be responsible for both new and existing company relationships along with representing ASE to consumer, corporate, government and technician audiences. Wagner brings an extensive 30-plus year aftermarket background in education and parts supplier representation, including 12 years with the Car Care Council, to her new role at ASE. Her most recent position was assistant vice president of the ASE Education Foundation where she oversaw the field manager network and represented the organization in school, corporate and government relations.