ASW Conversations: Emily Chung’s first 100 days with AIA Canada

After about 100 days on the job, Emily Chung feels like she is still trying to find time to catch her breath.

The president and CEO of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada says her early days of leading the national group representing the auto care industry have been fast-paced and focused, both inward and outward.

“It’s been really busy,” Chung said during a recent conversation with Auto Service World Conversations. “It really felt like I was starting already running.”

Chung officially began her role in January, stepping into an organization already deep into key planning, such as government relations work, audit season and its annual conference that was held in March in Toronto. While January and February are often slower months at the shop level, Chung said that was not the case at the association.

Her top priority early on was internal stability. Chung said her first focus was “100 per cent the internal transition,” making sure staff were comfortable with the leadership change and building trust. Then after the first month or two, she shifted more attention to members and external stakeholders.

Chung brings a background that sets her apart from many association leaders. She owned and operated a repair shop for 16 years, is a certified technician and has worked as a service advisor.

“For the first time in the association’s history, I am that person leading the association,” she pointed out. “You now have the person who’s throwing away the box leading this association.”

That lived experience, she said, strengthens AIA Canada’s credibility when dealing with policymakers and the public. “I earned every hour of my ticket,” Chung said, adding that it allows her to speak about industry challenges in ways outsiders can understand.

On major issues like right to repair, Chung said the industry still struggles with alignment and communication.

“Working in silos, to me, are a result of a breakdown or a lack of intention around communication,” she said, noting that different segments experience the issue very differently.

Addressing the technician shortage remains another priority. Chung noted that the trade offers visible results, long-term opportunity and variety.

“We have almost all the major trades on four wheels,” she said.

As she looks ahead, Chung sees the association as a bridge between sectors that often misunderstand each other.

“I don’t particularly know if we’re doing a great job … of listening to each other and actually solving the problem,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Chung acknowledged that she is grateful for the support she has received across the industry.

“Honestly, I’m very blessed and humbled by the support that I’ve gotten,” she said. “There’s been just so many people reaching out to encourage me and to lend me their time.”

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