Corky Coker Named Chairman of the Collectors Foundation Board of Directors
The Collectors Foundation Board of Directors at its recent fourth quarter meeting enthusiastically elected Corky Coker as its chairman for 2011. Additionally, five new members were elected to the Board. Newly elected Board members include: Matthew Crawford, vintage motorcycle restorer and author of the book Shop Class as Soulcraft; Jim Cozzie, Executive Vice President of RTM Productions; David Madeira, President and CEO of the LeMay Museum; Jim Menneto, Publisher of Hemmings; and Dr. Paul Sable, Professor of Business and collector car enthusiast.
These five new Board members join continuing Board members: John Hollansworth, retired corporate executive and race car driver; Bruce Knox, President of the McComb Group; McKeel Hagerty, President and CEO of Hagerty Insurance; Corky Coker, President and CEO of Coker Tire; Jean Hoffman, business owner; Ken Gross, automotive writer; Raffi Minasian, self-employed designer and educator; and Claudio Ballard, Chairman of Iconic Motors LLC. Keith Martin , Publisher of Sports Car Market; and Mike Stowe, owner of Great Lakes Motorworks, will be departing the Board as their terms of service have expired. Bob Knechel continues to serve the Board as Executive Director.
The mission of the Collectors Foundation is to fund education and training for the future of the collector vehicle community. By introducing, training and educating the next generation to the artistry and technology of collectible vehicles at least two important things are being accomplished: (1) Important skills and trades are being passed on to future generations; and (2) the long-term interests of the collector vehicle community are enhanced.
Organized and chartered as a not-for-profit organization in 2005 by a group passionate collectors - at the initiative and early financial backing of Hagerty Classic Car and Boat Insurance - the Collectors Foundation has raised and contributed nearly $2 million over the past six years to support educational institutions and other non-profit organizations in 22 different States and several Canadian Provinces that work effectively with young people and pass on appreciation and knowledge relating to historic vehicles and boats.
As Corky Coker takes on the key leadership role for the Foundation, he brings to the task his long-standing and adamant support of encouraging young people get involved with automobiles and the industry. His stature within the automotive industry is well known and his list of accomplishments well documented. He is a member of both the ARMO Hall of Fame and the SEMA Hall of Fame. He is also a past Chairman of SEMA’s Board of Directors.
Corky, through his leadership gifts, is committed to strengthening the Collectors Foundation by expanding its ability to serve youth and the future of the collector vehicle community. He says it’s his way of giving back to the hobby he loves, and the Collectors Foundation Board is pleased to have Corky as its new leader.
