ORLANDO, Fla. — Manheim recently unveiled its sixth annual Barbara Cox Anthony Automotive Woman of the Year Award, and receiving this year's honors was Lorraine Schultz, founder and chief executive officer of the Women's Automotive Association International.

Schultz was recognized for her contributions not only to the auto industry but to various charitable organizations, as well.

Dean Eisner, Manheim's president and CEO, presented the award to Schultz during the Northwood University breakfast at the National Automobile Dealers Association Conference and Expo in Orlando, Fla., last month. 

"Over the years, Lorraine has worked tirelessly to ensure women and their important views are heard. Through her vision and determination, she established WAAI, an organization dedicated to furthering educational and professional growth for women in the automotive industry," Eisner shared.

"Lorraine is a respected professional, an extraordinary leader and a recognized humanitarian," he continued. "The contributions she has made to several industries, including the automotive industry, make her a worthy honoree for the Barbara Cox Anthony Automotive Woman of the Year Award."

Schultz got her start in the auto industry at the Detroit Model Bureau, a company that supplied talent for various auto shows.  

She went on to serve as executive director of the AutoLeather Guild of America. For almost two decades in that post, Schultz managed the marketing campaigns for the auto industry's leather suppliers.

Not too long ago, Schultz became ambassador at large for the AskPatty.com auto advice site for women. She serves with other industry-expert women on the auto advisory panel. Schultz is an advisor for female consumers and auto industry professionals.

Continuing on, officials noted that several professional and charitable organizations have honored Schultz during the course of her industry experience.

In 1999, one of her nominees won the Automotive Hall of Fame's Distinguished Service Award, and this marked the first time in over 50 years that a female took home top honors.

Other achievements and involvement includes:

—Listed in Who's Who in America (since 1982)

—Past President of the Juvenile Diabetes Association

—Diamond Award Recipient Women in Communications

—Named Most Influential Woman by Crain's Detroit Business

—American Lung Association's Humanitarian Award

—Northwood University's Golden Plate Award

—Detroit Historical Museum's Most Enterprising Woman Award

Schultz is also on the board of directors for the Automotive Hall of Fame, Concours d'Elegance, Ferris State University and the Kendall School of Art and Design.

"I feel privileged to be the recipient of this year's Barbara Cox Anthony Automotive Woman of the Year award," Schultz commented.

"Since becoming a member of the automotive industry, I've dedicated my career to supporting the women working in the industry and giving back to the community," she continued. "I am thankful for the recognition that Manheim has given me."

The annual award began six years ago and its previous winners include: independent dealership owner Sandra Moss; Toyota executive Tracey Doi; Enterprise Rent-A-Car executive vice president and chief operating officer Pam Nicholson; Maguire Automotive Group president Marcy Maguire; and Alexis Jacobs, owner of Columbus Fair Auto Auction in Columbus, Ohio.

The award program aims to recognize women who have become leaders in their field and helped to improve the auto industry.

As part of this year's award, Manheim is making a scholarship contribution to a deserving Northwood University junior or senior.