March is Women’s History Month, when the world comes together to celebrate the history-making achievements and contributions of women across various fields. This year, Club Assist is turning the spotlight on seven remarkable women within the AAA/CAA Battery Program. In an industry traditionally dominated by men, these extraordinary women have either already made history or are making history by breaking barriers, challenging norms, and paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future in the automotive services sector.
Margaret Diego Pittlekow shines as an exemplary figure among women leaders in the automotive services industry. As the Vice President of Automotive for AAA, Inc., her expansive career began more than 30 years ago when she joined AAA Wisconsin in 1990, where she managed the call center before being named Automotive Services Director. In 1994, Margaret joined AAA, Inc. at the corporate headquarters in Heathrow, Fla., where she served in various leadership roles overseeing Emergency Roadside Services for two decades. Since 2014, she has served as Vice President of Automotive, overseeing AAA’s roadside assistance, affinity programs and benefits, field operations, driver training programs, and engineering and automotive repair services and partnerships. She has oversight for the services that support over 30 million roadside service calls annually for more than 61 million AAA Members through the federation’s 32 motor clubs. “Margaret’s leadership style embodies the fusion of her unwavering passion and enthusiasm with her keen focus on strategic development and cross-functional team dynamics,” said John Tutt, Club Assist President and CEO, “Her expansive career with AAA is a testament to the power of her visionary leadership.”
Dawn Dalley empowers excellence with passion and purpose at CAA Atlantic. As the President and CEO, Dawn leads a team of more than 200 CAA Atlantic employees who serve more than 308,000 CAA Members across four Provinces. With over 25 years of experience in executive and board roles, she has brought strategic vision, a focus on operational excellence, and shared leadership to CAA Atlantic. Dawn is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, engagement, and distinction while empowering the CAA Atlantic team to achieve great things. Her mission is to inspire the team to deliver value every day to CAA Atlantic’s Members by advocating for them, providing exceptional service, and building a long-term sustainable business. As an MBA from Royal Roads University in British Columbia, with an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors, Dawn currently serves as a Member of the Canada Revenue Agency Board of Management, where she chairs the Governance, Service and Social Responsibility Committee and sits on the HR Committee.
Heather Snavely stands at the helm of AAA Washington as the President and CEO, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to lead the Club since its founding in 1904. Since July 2021, she has led a team of more than 500 employees who provide roadside assistance, travel planning help and discounts, home and auto insurance, and other financial services to about 1.2 million AAA Members in Washington and Northern Idaho. Beyond her executive role, Heather champions the significance of mentorship for women in business, emphasizing the transformative power of connections and recognizing the value they bring to their roles and their organizations. “When women come together to support one another, we open doors, create opportunities and advance our careers,” she shared with the Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business. “Sometimes, all it takes is encouraging words or a small act of kindness to lift other women up and remind them of their potential.” Prior to joining AAA, Heather’s diverse career spanned communications, public relations, and marketing. She holds a master’s degree in business communications from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis and has acquired numerous certificates in Finance, Accounting, and Investments from the Havard Business School Online.
Sarah Sparkman, Vice President of Strategy and Operations for AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah (NCNU), orchestrates a spectrum of pivotal responsibilities. Not only does she oversee analytics, financial planning, and special projects, but she also leads operational support for AAA roadside service for more than 3 million Members annually. Since 2016, Sarah has been an integral part of NCNU’s leadership fabric, ascending through various roles in sales, operations, and strategy. Prior to her time with AAA, Sarah distinguished herself as a business strategy consultant in San Francisco, where she provided invaluable guidance to entrepreneurs and small-to-medium sized enterprises. Beyond her professional endeavors, Sarah nurtures a fervent passion for fitness and endurance activities, enriching her life outside the confines of the corporate realm. Sarah holds an MBA from the esteemed UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Georgetown University. Her academic prowess, coupled with her multifaceted professional background, underscores her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in every facet of her career.
Breanna Gaudet stands out as a beacon of leadership and innovation in automotive services. As Club Assist’s Vice President of Operations for ACE, her journey from a project manager to a seasoned executive exemplifies dedication, strategic vision, and a people-first philosophy. With over ten years at the helm of management, Breanna has championed modern practices that prioritize customer satisfaction, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Her role in developing operational strategies for AAA and CAA Club customers across North America highlights her influence in steering the automotive services sector toward future readiness. Breanna’s bilingual fluency in English and French and her educational background, including a diploma in Automotive Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, underpin her comprehensive approach to leadership and operational excellence.
Jennifer Caratola, as Club Assist’s Vice President of Operations for the Western Region at Club Assist, showcases a remarkable trajectory of growth and leadership. With a career that began in marketing and evolved into a pivotal operational role, Jennifer exemplifies versatility and the ability to drive success across different facets of the automotive industry. Her journey from a marketing coordinator to a vice president reflects career advancement and a deepening of expertise in marketing, operations, and strategic planning. Jennifer’s education from The College of New Jersey and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management further solidifies her foundation in business administration and marketing, enabling her to lead with insight and innovation.
Meredith Fordham, the Executive Director of Product Development and Marketing at Club Assist, has emerged as a strategic and goal-oriented leader. With over two decades of experience, Meredith’s expertise spans marketing, brand and product management, and sales. Her ability to articulate clear visions, develop growth strategies, and lead high-performing teams has propelled brands through expansion and growth cycles. At Club Assist, Meredith has been instrumental in launching new product lines, such as marine batteries, and spearheading the e-comm battery platform program. Her digital business development and marketing leadership underscores her pivotal role in driving revenue and strategic growth in the automotive industry. As a founding member of Women in the Global Battery Industry and a member of Battery Council International and Women’s Energy Network NNE, Meredith is not only a leader in her organization but also a key figure in broader industry initiatives, championing growth, innovation, and gender diversity.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us recognize and celebrate the extraordinary women of the AAA/CAA Battery Service Program who are not just navigating but also shaping the future of the battery business. Their dedication, innovative spirit, and leadership in a traditionally male-dominated field serve as an inspiration, emphasizing the value and importance of fostering a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable automotive services industry.