The Washington Automotive Press Association Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Veteran Auto Writer Named as New President

WASHINGTON -- March 22, 2015: At its Annual Gala, the Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) kicked off its 30 year anniversary by naming Les Jackson as President. Les is one of WAPA's early members and brings with him 26 years experience as a professional automotive journalist.

"We are not just celebrating 30 years of WAPA, but three decades of providing a forum for journalists and newsworthy people to have a dialogue on what is happening in the automotive space," said Les Jackson. "I'm proud to see that an organization that was conceived by a handful of journalists at an old burger restaurant on Wisconsin Avenue has, so many years later, grown so much in stature and continues to provide such value to our membership."

Replacing outgoing President Melanie Batenchuk, Les Jackson, a self-described "gear head," bought his first car at the age of 14. He has written scores of technical and "how-to" articles for many publications including The Washington Times, Car and Driver, AutoWeek, AAA Buying Guide, Microsoft Motorsite, Modern Maturity, Chicago Tribune Media Services, Journal Newspapers, Family Health and Safety and a number of specialty publications catering to automotive enthusiasts. He is Co-Host of the nationally syndicated radio show "Cruise Control," and his columns on automotive technology are widely read in print and online.

"With her fresh perspective and understanding of modern reporting of the auto industry, I want to congratulate Melanie for bringing WAPA into the 21st century," said Jackson. "I'm honored to have been asked to serve a second term as president and I look forward to continuing to merge the old with the new and maintain the course Melanie and the WAPA Board of Directors have put down."

The 2015 WAPA Board of Directors: