Aftermarket Leaders Honored in Las Vegas
The 2026 AWDA award recognizes decades of parts-industry service from the Beirnes of Auto Parts Headquarters.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Auto Parts
Auto parts professionals in the aftermarket industry are recognized for decades of service, as Richard and Lisa Beirne of Auto Parts Headquarters receive AWDA's 2026 Outstanding Leadership Award. The honor was presented during the AWDA General Session in Las Vegas.
Why it matters
The award recognizes an aftermarket professional whose contributions to the industry have been unique and significant, a reminder for Las Vegas-area parts and service workers of how regional distribution leadership shapes the supply chain they rely on. It also highlights the couple's involvement in advocacy efforts, including Capitol Hill work and Right to Repair initiatives.
Richard Beirne has worked in the aftermarket for nearly six decades, starting as a delivery driver in 1968. The couple's cumulative contributions are recognized at $250,000 through their Gold Lifetime Trustee status, though the source does not explain how that total was calculated.
The players
Richard Beirne
Former president and CEO of United Auto Supply and current senior advisor to Auto Parts Headquarters, honored with the 2026 award.
Lisa Beirne
Co-honoree with Richard Beirne, recognized alongside him as a Lifetime Trustee and Gold Lifetime Trustee of AWDA.
Don Bickle
Former AWDA Treasurer and 2025 recipient who presented this year's award.
Jack Creamer
Former AWDA President for whom the leadership award is named.
The details
AWDA presented its 2026 Outstanding Leadership Award in Honor of Jack Creamer to Richard and Lisa Beirne during the AWDA General Session on Nov. 1 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The award, named for former AWDA President Jack Creamer and formerly called "Leader of the Year," was presented by 2025 recipient Don Bickle, former AWDA Treasurer. Richard led United Auto Supply as president and CEO and guided its partnership with Automotive Parts Headquarters, where he now serves as senior advisor.
Timeline
1968: Richard Beirne begins his aftermarket career as a delivery driver.
2019: Richard and Lisa Beirne become Lifetime Trustees.
2025: The couple is named the first Gold Lifetime Trustees.
Nov. 1, 2026: AWDA celebrates the 2026 awards at its General Session in Las Vegas.
Beyond the Strip
The honor follows the pattern set in 2025, when Don Bickle presented the award to the Beirnes' predecessors in recognition of aftermarket leadership. This year's presentation at the Las Vegas General Session continues that annual cycle for the Auto Care industry's leadership honors.
If you run a repair shop or parts counter in the valley, the leadership behind the distributors that stock your shelves is worth knowing about. The honor signals continued industry advocacy on issues such as Right to Repair that could affect how independent shops access parts and diagnostic tools.
The takeaway
Industry leadership at distributors like Auto Parts Headquarters shapes how parts reach local shops, so it's worth watching how AWDA's advocacy on Right to Repair develops in the coming year. Keep an eye on the Auto Care Association's leadership and policy updates for the next steps.
Further reading
For more on the parts industry that keeps valley shops and fleets running, browse Auto Parts coverage.
