Meet-A-Staffer: Maddy Pedersen

Name: Maddy Pedersen
Title: Executive Assistant to the President and CEO, Bill Hanvey, MAAP
Department: Administration
Years at the Association: 6 weeks
Email address: maddy.pedersen@autocare.org
Favorite apps: TikTok, Spotify, Libby
Words to live by/motto: "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."
Albus Dumbledore

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

I was in the market for my next role when a recruiter found me on LinkedIn. Very fortunate too – Auto Care is such a wonderful organization to be a part of.  

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

I support Bill Hanvey as his Executive Assistant. A typical day involves managing Bill’s calendar, submitting expenses, booking travel, and planning for the future. I also coordinate with the Board of Directors and the Executive Team. 

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

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Equestrian Studies at Averett University in Danville, VA and graduated in 2019. I took classes in equine management and medicine, horse training and riding classes, human resources, finance, accounting, business law, etc.  

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

Before joining Auto Care, I worked as an Executive Assistant supporting two HR Directors at Amazon, each leading organizations of about 300 people. Prior to that, I was a Senior Human Resources Assistant at an Amazon site in Baltimore, MD, and before that, I was an assistant horse trainer. 

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

My favorite part is the culture. The team is so welcoming and truly great to be a part of. People here really enjoy their jobs and connecting with one another.  

What is your proudest professional accomplishment at the Auto Care Association so far?

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

From my time working with horses to my time working at Amazon, I bring with me a unique mix of experiences and am able to acclimate to new situations quickly. I enjoy meeting new people and learning new skills. 

What are your long-range professional goals for both you and the Auto Care Association?

I’m still new to the Association, but my goal is to continue to learn and grow as the Association does. I would love to be able to give back to the industry in my own way.  

What do you feel are the biggest rewards of working in the auto care industry? 

The biggest reward is being a part of something that affects everyone in my everyday life even if they don’t realize it. The automotive aftermarket is a down-to-earth, easy-going group in my experience, everyone knows how to take care of business and still be personable. More specifically, being a part of the Auto Care team is even more rewarding because others in the aftermarket really appreciate the work that we do for our industry!

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

Outside of work I am often found riding my horse, Lucy. She is an 8-year-old (9 this summer!) Dutch Sport Horse and we are showing 4th level dressage. I have a new-found love for traveling and am planning a vacation to Spain, and recently I have gotten into making Sourdough.