Dr. John Passante Is Inaugural Recipient of the AACF Humanitarian Award

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), a 501c3 supporting people in the automotive aftermarket industry and their families during the hardest moments of their lives, announced that Dr. John Passante has been selected as the first-ever recipient of the AACF Humanitarian Award, presented live during the final keynote at Auto Care Connect 2025.

Sponsored by NEXUS North America, this prestigious new award celebrates individuals, companies, associations or groups within the automotive aftermarket who exemplify compassion, selflessness, and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, noted AACF company officials in a press release.

Dr. Passante, a respected industry executive, speaker, mentor, and lifelong advocate for personal growth and professional development, was recognized for his exceptional contributions to the automotive aftermarket community. His legacy of empowering people through education, mentorship, and a genuine belief in human potential has had a lasting and profound impact.

“I am deeply honored that the Foundation would recognize me with this award”, said Dr. Passante. “Receiving the AACF Humanitarian Award has truly touched me. I’m overwhelmed, humbled, and so very, very thankful to be named its first recipient.”

The Presentation of the AACF Humanitarian Award

Accepting the award on Dr. Passante’s behalf was Joe Stephan, vice president, sales & business development at NEXUS North America.

“NEXUS Automotive International and our NEXUS North America Distributor Members are proud to be the sponsor of the AACF Humanitarian Award. And we were thrilled to hear that Dr. John Passante was chosen to be recognized as the inaugural recipient of this prestigious award. Dr. Passante exemplifies what it means to be a family man and friend, a professional at the highest level, and has always taken the time to mentor, share, guide so many in our great automotive aftermarket community. The bar has now been set very high for future award winners,” said Stephan.

Joining Stephan on stage for the presentation were Jon Owens, president of the AACF board of trustees; Thierry Mugnier, chief financial officer, NEXUS Automotive International; and John Kairys, executive director of AACF. Their presence underscored the significance of the moment and the deep appreciation AACF holds for the humanitarian contributions of industry leaders like Dr. Passante, noted the release.

AACF states that it extends its deepest gratitude to NEXUS North America for generously sponsoring this award and helping make this meaningful recognition possible. AACF also offered a heartfelt thank you to the Auto Care Association for providing the platform at Connect 2025 to announce this award and shine a spotlight on the power of service, compassion and leadership within the automotive aftermarket industry.

“We couldn’t be more pleased having Dr. John as the inaugural recipient of AACF’s Humanitarian Award”, said Owens. “He is the perfect representative of what the award is all about—caring for others, giving back, and helping those who need it most. Add to that the fact that he is an industry icon—trusted and admired by all who know him—it draws attention to the magnitude of this recognition and the credibility behind its intent.”