Anita Huberman Takes Helm of B.C.’s ARA

Appointing an experienced economic advocate strengthens commercial lobbying power for British Columbia automotive repairers facing persistent labour pressures and tightening operational margins.

The Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) of British Columbia, which represents more than 1,000 member businesses across mechanical repair, collision, automotive recycling, auto glass, towing, and retail sales, has appointed Anita Huberman as its President and Chief Executive Officer, effective 16 November 2026. Huberman replaces outgoing leader Adrian Scovell to oversee the trade association’s provincial workforce, regulatory, and economic competitiveness agendas.

For Canadian collision centre operators, independent mechanical shop owners, and automotive aftermarket executives, maintaining strong provincial lobbying channels remains critical during industry-wide technological shifts. Huberman brings 31 years of business advocacy experience from the Surrey Board of Trade, including 18 years as Chief Executive Officer. Her primary focus involves aligning the association’s six distinct industry divisions while addressing severe skilled labour shortages, technician retention challenges, and public insurer relations across Western Canada.

According to Rick Hatswell, ARA Board Chair and President of Operations at Craftsman Group of Companies, Huberman’s background in government engagement will expand the sector’s policy leverage. Operating within a heavily regulated provincial marketplace undergoing major zero-emission transitions, strengthening association leadership provides commercial automotive facilities with a unified front to defend bottom-line profitability and navigate changing compliance standards.