Lauren Wilbor has joined SEMA and PRI as manager of digital communications and partnerships, adding new capabilities to the organization in an area of significant opportunity. Wilbor will support SEMA and PRI's communications and grassroots efforts by leading outreach and relationship management with a variety of stakeholders and online content creators in the automotive enthusiast community, including influencers. She will be based out of SEMA and PRI's Washington, D.C., office. 

Wilbor has amassed significant experience in grassroots advocacy and relational organizing over her career, including a stint as Field Director for United Democracy Project, where she developed and executed the organization's first-ever field organizing effort, helping to secure key victories in Congress. Wilbor has also run advocacy campaigns mobilizing voters nationwide to engage in legislative priorities impacting the oil and gas industry. 

"It is with great excitement that we add someone of Lauren Wilbor's caliber to the SEMA Government Affairs team," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA and PRI's senior vice president for public and government affairs. "Lauren brings a unique set of skills to grassroots organizing, and we're excited to tap into her expertise to engage not just our members, but also the broader community of automotive enthusiasts, to affect change on the issues that matter most to their passions, whether restoring cars, racing them, or taking them offroad. Lauren's ability to connect with people from across political, economic, and geographic divides, and unite them behind singular causes, will be a significant boost to the automotive aftermarket industry's ability to maintain and grow its $337 billion annual economic impact on the U.S. economy." 

"I grew up around cars, and through my family have experienced first-hand the innovation and excitement that comes from the automotive aftermarket industry," Wilbor said. "The best advocates bring with them an infectious energy and willingness to share their stories and perspectives, and that to me describes perfectly the outlook of those in the community of automotive enthusiasts with whom I'll be meeting and supporting on a daily basis."    

Wilbor, a native of San Diego, holds a degree in political science from the University of Colorado Boulder.