BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. (May 9, 2023) – Paula R. Collins was elected chair of the AAA Board of Directors at the 2023 AAA Annual Meeting in Bonita Springs, FL, on May 9. Collins, founder and retired CEO of WDG Ventures Inc., previously served as vice chair before stepping into the role of board chair of one of North America’s largest and most trusted membership organizations serving over 63 million members. Malcolm L. (Lee) McAllister, president and CEO of Weaver Investment Co. based in North Carolina, joins her as vice chair.
“AAA is a household name, relied on by millions of members to deliver services and benefits designed to make their lives easier,” said Collins. “And we don’t take that responsibility lightly. I am honored to lead the AAA board and collaborate with our clubs to further that mission – continuing to advocate for safer mobility while evolving what it means to be a AAA member. I believe our next chapter is rich with possibilities.”
As chair, Collins will work closely with newly elected vice chair Lee McAllister and AAA President and CEO Marshall Doney. Drawing from diverse professional experience, education and philanthropic work, this leadership team is committed to developing even more innovative ways to serve AAA members across a broad area of benefits and services.
Collins has been an active board member with AAA for 12 years, serving as secretary from 2015 – 2017 and currently chairing the board’s Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee. Additionally, she is a member of the boards of AAA Northern California, Nevada and Utah (AAA NCNU) and AAA Club Partners. Collins has been board chair for both and, in 2011, was elected to the board of the AAA NCNU Insurance Exchange, one of the largest branded AAA insurance companies.
Collins is the fourth woman to step into the chair role, following in the footsteps of Valerie Daniels-Carter (2017-2019), Antonia Hernandez (2013-2015) and Jeanette L. Gamba (2007-2009). Outside of her role with the AAA board, Collins runs a diverse practice as a certified executive coach. She also currently sits on the board of the Glide Foundation and the Advisory Board for Advance San Francisco, a business group assisting with the post-pandemic recovery of the city. The San Francisco Business Times has included her in its annual list of the 100 Most Influential Business Women in the Bay Area for six consecutive years. In 2018, it recognized her with the Inspire Award.
“AAA members count on us to deliver on our promise of providing high-quality services and benefits to meet their everyday needs,” said Marshall Doney, president and CEO of AAA. “With Paula leading the board, members can rest assured that this promise will be upheld and grow, bringing even more value to their lives. She is committed to advocating for what is right and best for our members and together with Lee, they will be a positive force for AAA’s continued success.”
Vice Chair Lee McAllister was elected to the AAA Board of Directors in 2022 and also serves on The Auto Club Group’s board. Outside of AAA, he sits on the boards of Biscuitville, Inc., a regional restaurant chain; Franklin Street Partners, an investment advisory firm subsidiary of Fifth Third Bank; and Quaintance-Weaver Management, owner and operator of hotels and restaurants.
“Paula and I are eager to embrace our new roles and build upon the deep trust that AAA members have in our brand,” said McAllister.
Collins succeeds Anthony (Tony) J. Buzzelli as chair.
About AAA
Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of over 63 million members across North America, including over 56 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com.
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