Recently, an exciting change has taken place in America’s Automotive Trust— Tabetha Hammer has been appointed CEO and President of the Trust. AAT has several member organizations, including LeMay– America’s Car Museum, RPM Foundation, America On Wheels Museum, Concours Club and Club Auto Powered by Hagerty.
“Our goal to preserve and to celebrate car culture is in good hands with Tabetha,” said Trust Chairman, Michael Towers. “She has performed well in numerous capacities on our Board of Directors since 2016. Her passion, knowledge and expertise are key to achieving our goals to honor and expand America’s automotive heritage.”
Hammer, a 2009 graduate of McPherson College’s Automotive Restoration program, has always been captivated by vehicles of all types. Her passion for collector vehicles and restoration started with antique tractors when, in high school, she participated in the Chevron Delo Tractor Restoration Competition. She won the National Grand Championship in 2003– becoming the first female to win the Championship— and went on to win it again the following year.
Tabetha has been active in the collector vehicle community most of her life. She served a three-year Board of Directors term with the Antique Automobile Club of America, competed in several Hemming’s Great Race time-speed-distance rallies, and has worked closely with the Historic Vehicle Association. In addition, she has judged at numerous Concours d’Elegance events. In her spare time, she enjoys time under the hood and behind the wheel of her 1973 Mini, or any other fun car, and tinkering with and riding her all-original 1964 Suzuki K-11 motorcycle.
“I can’t think of work more exciting and meaningful to me than that of America’s Automotive Trust,” Hammer stated. “I’ve been fortunate to work with many enthusiastic people and organizations to bring recognition and relevancy to collector vehicles and our amazing automotive heritage. I have seen first-hand the value of what America’s Automotive Trust is doing. I’m thrilled by the opportunity to work closely with our member entities, donors and partners for the greater good of all.”
“What an amazing story. Tabetha progressed from a barnyard tinkerer in Colorado to a national award winner. Then from college student and RPM Foundation grant recipient to a Board Member,” says America’s Automotive Trust Vice Chair and former CEO, David Madeira. “She is now on to the CEO role. I’ve been impressed by Tabetha’s passion and successes over the last decade and could not be more excited for her– or us– in this next step forward.”