AWDA Honors Richard and Lisa Beirne With Leadership Award
The Auto Parts Headquarters leaders received the association's 2026 Outstanding Leadership Award in Honor of Jack Creamer at its Las Vegas General Session.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Auto Parts
The Automotive Wholesalers' Association of America presented its 2026 Outstanding Leadership Award in Honor of Jack Creamer to Richard and Lisa Beirne of Auto Parts Headquarters during the AWDA General Session on Nov. 1 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The award, formerly called the "Leader of the Year," honors an aftermarket professional who has contributed to the industry in a unique and significant way.
Why it matters
The honor recognizes a long aftermarket career and sustained industry service, reflecting the role of distribution leaders in shaping wholesale partnerships and association advocacy. It also highlights the continuing influence of the Beirnes within the aftermarket sector.
Richard began his aftermarket career in 1968 as a delivery driver and has worked in the industry for nearly six decades. The couple's cumulative contributions are recognized at $250,000 through their Gold Lifetime Trustee status.
The players
Automotive Wholesalers' Association of America (AWDA)
The AWDA is the trade association for automotive parts wholesale distributors that hosts the annual business conference and industry awards program.
Richard Beirne
Richard Beirne is a longtime aftermarket executive who led United Auto Supply and now serves as senior advisor to Auto Parts Headquarters.
Lisa Beirne
Lisa Beirne is an aftermarket leader who, with Richard, has taken part in Auto Care Association leadership meetings, Capitol Hill advocacy and Right to Repair initiatives.
The details
Richard led United Auto Supply as president and CEO and guided its partnership with Automotive Parts Headquarters (APH), where he now serves as senior advisor. Lisa and Richard participated in Auto Care Association Leadership Meetings, Capitol Hill advocacy and Right to Repair initiatives, and the award was presented by 2025 recipient Don Bickle, former AWDA Treasurer.
Timeline
1968: Richard Beirne begins his aftermarket career as a delivery driver.
2019: Richard and Lisa Beirne become Lifetime Trustees.
2025: The couple are named the first Gold Lifetime Trustees.
Nov. 1, 2026: The awards are celebrated at the AWDA General Session in Las Vegas.
Roadmap
The honor continues the Jack Creamer award lineage, which succeeded the earlier "Leader of the Year" title and was presented in 2025 to Don Bickle. It places the Beirnes among a recognized group of aftermarket leaders whose careers have shaped wholesale distribution.
For independent auto parts retailers and shop owners who buy through wholesale distributors, the award highlights the leadership behind the partnerships and advocacy that shape product availability. Right to Repair and Capitol Hill advocacy the Beirnes have supported bear directly on how repair parts and information reach local repair shops.
The takeaway
Long-term service within trade associations and distribution networks can produce lasting influence on how aftermarket parts reach consumers and repair professionals. Readers following the industry can track association advocacy on repair access and wholesale partnerships as they develop.
Further reading
Explore more Auto Parts coverage to see how aftermarket distribution leaders are shaping the Las Vegas industry.
