Meet-A-Staffer: Katy McQuiston

by Zoi' Holloway

Name: Katy McQuiston
Title: Community Engagement Manager
Department: Community Engagement
Years at the Association: 2014-2018; August 2024?
Email address: katy.mcquiston@autocare.org Katy_Headshot (1)
Favorite apps: Libby, LTK, Apple podcasts, Goodreads, Peloton
Words to live by/motto: Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.
– Ruth Bader Ginsburg

How did you get your start at the Auto Care Association?

I began my journey at the Auto Care Association in 2014 as the Education Coordinator. In early 2015, the association launched several initiatives, including Auto Care Careers for college students and Operation Auto Care for military veterans. I transitioned to the role of Manager of Job and Career Development, which I thoroughly enjoyed. This position allowed me to attend college career fairs and leverage my background in higher education. During this time, I also served as the Liaison for Women in Auto Care.

I left the association in 2018, and after six years away, I’ve returned as the Community Engagement Manager. In this role, I work with the Filter Manufacturers Community (FMC), Paint, Body, and Equipment Specialists (PBES), and the Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN) communities.

What are your work duties at the association? Can you describe a typical day?

I’m still getting into the swing of things at the association, but as part of the Community Engagement team, I oversee the Filter Manufacturers Community (FMC), Paint, Body, and Equipment Specialists (PBES), and the Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN). My role involves collaborating closely with each of the volunteer leadership teams to support their initiatives and help drive their goals forward.

Every day is a little different, which keeps things exciting—whether it’s planning events, coordinating with volunteers, or working on new projects to engage our communities.

In which department do you work? What are the key responsibilities of the department?

I work in the member engagement department. The Auto Care Association connects all parts of the auto care industry through its network of company and individual-based communities. Individuals who work for Auto Care Association member companies can join one of our communities at no extra cost. This is a great way to get more involved in the industry, meet peers and gain leadership experience.

Where did you go to college? What did you study?

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri – Columbia, commonly known as Mizzou. There, I majored in Communications with a minor in Business. After gaining some work experience, I decided to further my education and pursued a Master’s degree in Higher Education at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

Where else have you worked (what jobs/positions/locations)?

For the past six years, I worked at TricorBraun, a distributor of rigid packaging, as a Sales Excellence Manager. In this role, I focused on empowering our sales team, optimizing the sales process, and driving CRM functionality to enhance performance. I collaborated with cross-functional teams to support sales initiatives and ensure the CRM became a critical business tool. I’m proud of my ability to foster team growth and implement innovative solutions to meet our goals.

Where did you grow up and what are some interesting details about your life before working at the association?

I grew up in Kansas City, and after graduating from college, I moved to San Diego, CA, where I enjoyed life on the beach for four years. Following that, I relocated to Arlington, VA, before eventually settling in Chicago, IL, where I currently reside.

What is your favorite part about working at the association? What are the biggest rewards?

My favorite part of working at the association is interacting with our members. I love meeting people from all corners of the industry and being part of an organization that supports such a vital sector—one that keeps America moving.

The sense of community and camaraderie is what makes this industry special. After leaving the association in 2018 to explore a different field, I realized how much I missed the people and the industry events that bring everyone together. I’m thrilled to be back.

The biggest rewards come from seeing a program or initiative successfully come to life and truly make a difference for our members and their businesses.

What unique qualities do you feel you bring to the Auto Care Association?

I bring a blend of community-building expertise and a passion for fostering connections. Having experience in both higher education and sales, I’m skilled at understanding different perspectives and facilitating collaboration across teams. I also consider myself a generalist, which allows me to adapt quickly, tackle a variety of challenges, and bring a broad, well-rounded perspective to any situation. This versatility is a powerful asset in an organization, as it helps bridge gaps and create more effective, inclusive solutions.

I’m deeply committed to inclusivity, ensuring that every member feels valued and supported. After rejoining the association, I’ve gained an even deeper appreciation for the industry and the relationships that make it thrive.

Tell us about your life outside of work (family, hobbies, home, etc.).

I’m married to a wonderful guy who is my biggest supporter! We have a 5-year-old son who keeps us laughing and on our toes every day, along with our two dogs. We spend a lot of time at parks, enjoying the outdoors with both our son and the pups.

I’m an avid Peloton rider and, like many, became hooked when we got our bike in early 2020. I love the sense of community on the platform, and I have a group of girlfriends who ride together and cheer each other on, especially when we hit big milestones. In my free time, I enjoy reading for fun, listening to podcasts, and staying active in my community—I serve on my local school board.

This summer, I took golf lessons and am hoping to play more in the future. When I can find the time, I also love to knit or take a yoga class.

Tell us a few fun facts about you that would surprise people (special skills, awards, accomplishments, etc.).

One fun fact is that in 2023, I ran for and won a seat on my local school board! It was an incredible experience to be part of a local election and an honor to represent my community in this way. The campaign process was eye-opening and humbling, especially seeing the outpouring of support from friends, family, and neighbors. It was also thrilling to see my name on the ballot!

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