Who Will Help Write the Next Chapter?

by Evangelos “Lucky” Papageorg, MABA Executive Director

Everywhere we turn, we are reminded that this is an election year. Across our country, candidates are asking for our votes, making their cases for leadership and offering their visions for the future. Elections provide an opportunity to decide not only where we are today, but more importantly, where we want to go tomorrow.

Here at the Massachusetts Auto Body Association (MABA), it is an election year as well. And while our election may not receive the attention of those taking place on the national or statewide stage, I would argue that, for the future of our association and the collision repair profession here in Massachusetts, it matters greatly who is willing to step forward.

MABA has made great progress over the past several years. We have strengthened relationships with legislators and regulators, made our voices heard on issues that directly affect collision repairers and the motoring public we serve, and fought for greater recognition of the challenges facing professional repairers and for changes that have been needed for far too long. But progress is never permanent simply because it has been achieved. Progress must be protected, it must be built upon and it requires people willing to become involved.

Before asking others to step forward, however, I would be remiss if I did not recognize and sincerely thank those individuals who have already answered that call. MABA has been extremely fortunate to have dedicated men and women who have volunteered their time, experience and ideas by serving on our Board of Directors and committees. Each has contributed in their own way – sharing knowledge, offering different perspectives, participating in discussions and helping guide the direction of our association. Their involvement has made a difference.

The progress we celebrate today did not simply happen. It came about because people cared enough about their profession to become involved and contribute what they could. Some have brought years of experience; others have brought a fresh perspective or a new idea. Together, those contributions have helped MABA grow stronger and accomplish things that would not have been possible individually. And that is an important point for anyone considering becoming involved: you don’t have to do everything to make a difference – you simply have to be willing to contribute something.

To our current Board members, as well as those who have served before them, thank you. Your volunteerism, commitment and willingness to lead have helped bring MABA to where we are today. I am personally grateful for your support, your counsel, your friendship and, yes, even the times we have disagreed – healthy organizations need people willing to speak their minds, challenge one another and ultimately come together around a common purpose.

But perhaps the greatest way we can honor the efforts of those who have served is to make certain there are others willing to follow their example. As MABA approaches its elections, we are looking for members who are willing to become more involved and help us continue to move forward. We will soon be accepting nominations of individuals interested in serving on the MABA Board of Directors and participating in the upcoming ballot process.

I encourage every member to give serious consideration not only to individuals they believe would make valuable additions to our leadership, but also to whether they themselves may be ready to step forward and serve. We need experienced voices, but we also need new faces, new perspectives and new ideas. There are individuals throughout our membership who possess tremendous knowledge, experience and ability but may never have considered serving on the MABA Board of Directors or becoming more actively involved with the association. Perhaps now is the time.

Serving your association is an opportunity to give something back to the profession that has given so much to so many of us. It is also an opportunity to share your experience, learn from others, develop new relationships and have a voice in the issues that will help shape the future of collision repair in Massachusetts. And there is certainly no shortage of important issues ahead.

Technology continues to transform the vehicles we repair. Repair procedures are becoming increasingly complex. Equipment and training requirements continue to grow, workforce challenges remain and insurer practices continue to evolve. Artificial intelligence, estimating technologies, repair information, data access, parts, labor reimbursement and regulatory oversight are just some of the issues that will demand our attention. At the same time, Massachusetts is entering an important new chapter with the permanent Auto Body Labor Reimbursement Rate Advisory Board and the process established under Section 78. The opportunities before us are significant – but so are the responsibilities that accompany them.

We cannot afford to become complacent simply because progress has been made. If anything, this is the time to become even more vigilant. Our responsibility has always extended beyond protecting collision repair businesses – at its core, our mission must be about protecting the motoring public by ensuring that collision-damaged vehicles can be repaired safely, properly and according to manufacturer procedures. When we protect the consumer, advocate for safe and proper repairs and work toward an environment in which professional repairers can perform those repairs without inappropriate interference or economic pressure, we also protect the future of our profession. The two go hand in hand.

That work requires leadership – but leadership takes many forms. It can mean sharing an experience, asking a question, offering a different perspective or bringing an idea to the table. Sometimes, simply being willing to participate in the conversation can help move an entire organization forward. You do not have to have all the answers, you do not have to have decades of association experience and you certainly don’t have to agree with everyone else in the room. In fact, sometimes a new voice asking a different question is exactly what an organization needs.

What we need are individuals who care, are willing to participate and believe that our profession – and the consumers who depend upon us – are worth standing up for. Additional information regarding the nomination and election process will be forthcoming, but I encourage you to begin thinking about it today. Who among our membership has something to contribute? Who has a perspective we need to hear? And perhaps most importantly – could that person be you?

The progress we have made did not happen because one person did the work. It happened because people chose to get involved. The progress still ahead of us will happen the same way – new faces, new ideas, renewed energy, and a continued commitment to doing what is right for the motoring public and the collision repair professionals who serve them.

There are many issues and changes on the horizon. Let’s make certain MABA has the people, the leadership and the determination necessary to meet them.

Be Part of the Fix in ‘26.

Want more? Check out the October 2026 issue of New England Automotive Report!