Key Leadership Changes at America’s Automotive Trust
Joe Jacuzzi is named new chief executive officer of AAT & Bruce Patton is appointed vice president of curation & education of LeMay – America's Car Museum…
America’s Automotive Trust (AAT) announced that after 23 years, founding CEO David Madeira will transition to a new role on AAT’s board of directors as vice chancellor for strategic initiatives. Succeeding Madeira as the new CEO of AAT, effective at the start of the new year, is Joe Jacuzzi, a former vice president of General Motors.
Jacuzzi’s career has spanned nearly four decades working for various companies around the globe, including Audi, Shelby Automobiles, PepsiCo and General Motors. Known for his visionary approach to leadership, storytelling and brand development, Jacuzzi brings a deep understanding and passion for both the heritage and future of the automobile, company officials stated in a press release.
“I cannot adequately express my excitement that Joe Jacuzzi will assume leadership of America’s Automotive Trust this January,” said Madeira. “Joe’s vast experience in the automotive and other industries, and expertise in marketing and communications, will enable the Trust to fulfill its vision of ‘honoring the past, celebrating the present and driving the future’ of our automotive culture under his strong leadership. I am honored that Joe believes in the mission of the Trust, and as I prepare for my new, exciting role focused on strategic initiatives for AAT, I will do all that I can to assist him as he leads the Trust to greater prominence.”
“I am honored to join the AAT team,” said Jacuzzi. “AAT’s mission of promoting trade skills, education and the celebration of automotive culture are incredibly important to the country. And with the stunning LeMay – America’s Car Museum as the crown jewel, I’m very excited to work with the AAT Board, the team, donors and volunteers on continuing to advance their key initiatives and fueling the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.”
LeMay – America’s Car Museum & America’s Automotive Trust
What started over two decades ago as a concept for the Harold E. LeMay Museum, Madeira led the campaign to build what would become LeMay – America’s Car Museum (ACM). In order to expand the influence of America’s Car Museum and help pioneer the future of car culture, David founded America’s Automotive Trust in 2016 as a national organization that brings together like-minded organizations that honor the past, celebrate the present and drive the future of the automotive community, noted the release.
As the new CEO, Jacuzzi will lead major initiatives for the organization, including a cross-country drive across Route 66 at the beginning of the year, as well as the development of a new state-of-the-art robotics center, expanded educational programming for the future generation, and a dynamic lineup of exhibitions and events coming in 2026 and beyond.
AAT Welcomes Bruce Patton as Vice President of Curation & Education
AAT also announced the appointment of Bruce Patton as vice president of curation and education for LeMay – America’s Car Museum. Patton joins the organization with a multi-decade career in the automotive industry, particularly at Bosch. He also has strong knowledge of automotive history and the collector community, most recently serving as curator of the Savoy Automobile Museum in Georgia, the company said. At Savoy, he led curation of world-class displays celebrating the art and innovation of the automobile, fostering public connection with the stories behind the vehicles and their creators.
In his new role at AAT, Patton will oversee the museum’s exhibition strategy, collection stewardship and educational programming, helping to advance ACM’s mission to preserve automotive heritage and celebrate car culture. Curation of the collection will also include shaping it for effectiveness in promoting the Trust’s national activities.
“We are absolutely delighted to have Bruce join us as our first vice president for curation and education of the Trust,” said Madeira. “Bruce’s experience, knowledge of the automobile, connections in the industry and collector community will bring us curatorial leadership at a level we have never enjoyed. Bruce’s passion for education prompted us to bring that important department under his stewardship as well. As the Trust undertakes development of a Robotics and Innovation Center at America’s Car Museum, Bruce will provide us with the leadership necessary for success.”
“I look forward to working with the curatorial and education teams in place at America’s Automotive Trust to help expand and build on the incredible work that has already been accomplished,” said Patton. “With the assistance of our board members and newly appointed CEO Joe Jacuzzi, the future looks very bright for increasing the museum’s reach for expanding the curiosity of our youth through the Robotics and Innovation Center. We will also investigate making slight modifications to our vehicle curation and programming cycles to help promote additional attendance, membership and support of the museum.”
