Goodyear Belts' Tara Cevallos Announced as 2024 Overseas Automotive Council Chair

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers announced the appointment of Tara Cevallos, CEO of Goodyear Belts, as the 2024 chair of the Overseas Automotive Council (OAC). This historic appointment marks Cevallos as the second woman to ever hold the position in the council's over 100-year history. A second-generation member of the OAC, her leadership is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives and continued success to the council.

In her role at Goodyear Belts, Cevallos has successfully steered the startup through challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, playing a pivotal role in establishing Goodyear Belts as a prominent player in the industry. Under her leadership, Goodyear Belts earned recognition from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as one of its top 10 licenses by the end of 2023.

Cevallos follows in the footsteps of her mother, Maria Quevedo, who was honored with the OAC's 60-year member award last year. The council celebrated its centennial anniversary last year, marking 100 years of dedication to the global automotive aftermarket. Under Cevallos' leadership, the council is poised to build on this legacy of excellence.

"I am deeply honored to chair the OAC and to carry forward its legacy in my family," said Cevallos. "I look forward to leading the OAC through initiatives as we collaborate on valuable industry events like the OAC Global Reception at this year's AAPEX Show and the 2025 MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Global Summit, fostering innovation and collaboration within our industry."

"We are thrilled to welcome Cevallos as this year's OAC chair," said Ben Brucato, Vice President of Membership & Engagement at MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. "I also want to extend our deepest gratitude to Immediate Past Chair Daniel Tristan for his exceptional leadership and contributions over the past year."

The OAC Global Reception at AAPEX will be held on November 5, 2024 at 7 p.m. ET in the San Polo ballroom at The Venetian in Las Vegas. This ultimate international networking event of the year brings together over 500 international buyers, distributors, and suppliers from over 40 countries across the globe. Separate registration is required.

The 2025 Global Summit will be held February 20-21, 2025 in Miami, Fla. The only event in the U.S. automotive aftermarket focused on parts exporting and international business, the Global Summit is a must-attend event for the global automotive aftermarket. Additional details will be announced soon.

About the Overseas Automotive Council (OAC)

Since 1923, the Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) has strived to be the premier international community for all North American manufacturers and exporters, and all international importers, distributors and agents who participate in the Aftermarket. It provides a forum for members to share ideas, address common concerns and solve mutual problems. For more information and to join the OAC, please visit mema.org/networking-groups/overseas-automotive-council.

About MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers

MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products, an important part of the automotive parts manufacturing industry which supports over 900,000 American jobs in all 50 states. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers is a recognized industry change agent — promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues, and serving as a valued resource for member companies. Members represent all areas of the aftermarket including light vehicle, commercial vehicle, and remanufacturing. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers is a membership group within MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association.

MEMA is the leading North American trade association for vehicle suppliers, parts manufacturers, and remanufacturers. Automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers are the largest manufacturing sector in the United States and lead the way in new vehicle innovations. MEMA has been the voice of the vehicle supplier industry since 1904. Its more than 1,000 members are Strong by Association.

Members supply the aftermarket with the parts that keep millions of vehicles on the road, fueling international commerce and meeting society’s transportation needs. MEMA members are committed to safety and sustainability.

MEMA has offices in Southfield, Mich.; Research Triangle Park, N.C.; and Washington, D.C. Learn more at mema.org/aftermarket-suppliers.