FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2024 

CONTACT
Stacey Miller, Auto Care Association/AWDA, stacey.miller@autocare.org, (240) 333-1017
Caterina Pontoriero, MEMA, cpontoriero@mema.org (919) 406-8848
Kristen Kellogg, CVSN, kkellogg@cvsn.org, (303) 903-1009 

Fighter Pilot and Military Leader Kim “KC” Campbell Announced as HDAW’25 Keynote Speaker

Campbell to deliver a keynote on courageous leadership, teamwork and overcoming adversity; HDAW introduces new Women in Leadership Award

MOKENA, IL. (NOVEMBER 19, 2024) — Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW), the largest North American gathering of heavy duty aftermarket professionals, is proud to announce Kim “KC” Campbell, a decorated fighter pilot and senior military leader, as the keynote speaker for HDAW’25. Renowned for her leadership in high-stakes situations, Campbell will share strategies on leading with courage and fostering teamwork—skills essential for driving success in today’s evolving aftermarket industry. HDAW’25 will take place Jan. 20-23, 2025, at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center.

Campbell’s presentation, titled “Fighter Pilot Mindset: Courageous Leadership and Teamwork to Elevate Performance,” will provide attendees with strategies for navigating adversity and building resilient teams. Drawing from her military experience, including a combat mission in which her A-10 aircraft was hit by enemy fire, Campbell will offer actionable lessons on leading through uncertainty and driving teams toward peak performance. Her keynote will provide valuable strategies for leaders in the heavy duty aftermarket industry who are adapting to a fast-changing business environment.

“KC Campbell’s experience in challenging situations offers powerful lessons that align with the constant demands and pressures we face in the heavy duty aftermarket,” said Jean Gregoire, Group President of Marmon Heavy Duty Brakes Group and HDAW’25 supplier co-chair. “Her message of resilience and leadership through adversity is sure to inspire our attendees as they navigate their own challenges and opportunities.”

Campbell’s keynote will take place during the Opening General Session on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. CT at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. The session will also feature the Distributor of the Year award presentation and the Hall of Fame induction, led by the HDAW co-chairs.

In addition to Campbell’s keynote, HDAW’25 will debut the new Women in Leadership Award, designed to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of women leaders within the commercial vehicle aftermarket sector. This award honors women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, innovation and a commitment to advancing the industry through their roles. It highlights their strategic vision, influence and dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

“The Women in Leadership Award is an exciting new initiative for HDAW’25, showcasing our commitment to recognizing diverse leadership within the industry,” said Michael Keller, Vice President of Category Management & Sourcing at FleetPride and HDAW’25 distributor co-chair. “It recognizes women who are not only leading with innovation within their organizations but also paving the way for future generations.”

Nominations for the Women in Leadership Award are being accepted through December 15, 2024, and the winner will be honored during the HDAW’25 Opening General Session. Nominees should be women in the heavy duty aftermarket industry who demonstrate visionary leadership, a commitment to their teams and a history of driving significant industry achievements. To submit nominations, visit www.hdaw.org/featured-programs/women-leadership-award/.

HDAW’25 will welcome more than 2,900 executives and managers from across the heavy duty aftermarket industry. Attendees will experience in-depth learning sessions, extensive networking opportunities, personalized business meetings and a Product Expo showcasing the latest advancements driving the industry forward.

Registration for HDAW’25 is now open. For more information on HDAW’25 and to view the full program, visit www.hdaw.org.

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About HDAW 

HDAW is a business-to-business, executive conference presented by a joint operating committee of industry leaders from 11 distinguished industry associations: Association of Diesel Specialists (ADS), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Commercial Vehicle Solutions Network (CVSN), HDA-Truck Pride, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, APRA’s Heavy Duty Remanufacturing Group (HDRG), International Truck Parts Association (ITPA), Overseas Automotive Council (OAC), Power Heavy Duty, Service Specialists Association (SSA) and VIPAR Heavy Duty. 

For more information, go to www.hdaw.org or contact W.T. Glasgow, conference management, at 708.226.1300.