AAA Western and Central New York is pleased to announce that President and CEO Anthony B. Spada has received the 2023 Association Champion Award from AAA’s national office. The award was presented at AAA’s 120th Annual Meeting, held in Bonita Springs, Florida, on May 8, 2023.

“The Association Champion Award was established 16 years ago to recognize leaders who consistently contribute to the governance process and the execution of AAA’s federation priorities,” said AAA President and CEO Marshall Doney, who oversees the national federation. “It's the highest honor bestowed by our organization, and it recognizes active, ongoing, strategic leadership activities.”

The outstanding performers who have achieved this award go beyond their local AAA club duties to step forward to drive initiatives that benefit AAA core services while advocating on behalf of AAA's goals. Tony was named president and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York in 2012 and has worked for the local organization for 42 years. 

“For Tony Spada, dedication, collaboration, and integrity are not just concepts, they’re the foundation of what he does and how he lives his life every day,” said AAA Western and Central New York Board of Directors President Laura Saxby Lynch. “In more than four decades with AAA Western and Central New York, the last 12 as president and CEO, Tony has demonstrated the kind of unfailing and ethical leadership that inspires respect among his peers, associates, and the community.”

He serves on the boards of AAA Life Insurance of New York, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, Great Lakes Battery Service, and the Affinity Insurance Company. He is chair of the AAA Public Affairs Committee, participates on the Issues Subcommittee, and is president of AAA NYS. He also dedicates his time and expertise to several other organizations in the local community and has also served on many other boards over the years.

Tony ensures that AAA Western and Central New York leads the way on association initiatives. For example, AAA offers driving lessons in electric vehicles and has tested EV charging, sponsored a workshop on future mobility issues, and provided on-site support for a Foundation-led crash test. Tony is committed to AAA’s Slow Down, Move Over campaign, hosts a safety rodeo every year to promote technician safety and offers dispatching services for several AAA clubs.

Despite his busy schedule, Tony prioritizes family time with his wife, three children and one grandchild.