Your Club – From the Executive Director
Mike Regennitter
Shoot for The Star
Arguably, The Star is the top member benefit the Mercedes-Benz Club of America offers its members. MBCA's publication is the best magazine of its kind and has garnered hundreds of awards to prove its quality and value.
Thanks to the leadership of Gary Anderson, editor-in-chief of The Star for over 11 years, our magazine has set a high bar in quality of content and its modern design. Gary has made it the best in class.
However, times do change, and Gary is set to retire from his duties in June of this year. The club is indebted to the hard work, professionalism, and knowledge that he has shared with members. Thank you, Gary, for making The Star the best enthusiast publication ever.
Not to worry. There is a succession plan. An Editor-in-Chief Search Committee diligently worked to find The Star's next Editor-in-Chief to fill Gary's big shoes. Chaired by Laura Simonds, past national vice-president, the committee members (Jason Burton, Midwest Region director; Cliff Reyle, national secretary; Drew Webb, Northeast Region director; Julie Bruggner, national president) were charged with searching, vetting and recommending the next editor-in-chief. The committee did well, and I thank them on behalf of the club for their careful due diligence and very thorough work.
I want to introduce Jeff Zurschmeide as the next editor-in-chief for The Star. Jeff has broad experience in the automotive publishing scene. He has received awards for his publishing work for Loud Pedal, an SCCA regional publication. Jeff is the publisher for Amici di Maranello, a monthly publication for the Northwest Region Ferrari Club of America, and was editor-in-chief for Maximum Drive magazine.
Jeff possesses a wide range of knowledge with classic and collector cars, automotive technical topics, new model and auto show coverage, motorsports, and the automobile industry in general. He will assume his role in June of this year.
Jeff, welcome to the team. I look forward to working with you in providing members with a top-notch publication for many years to come.
Without professionals like Gary and Jeff, we would not be able to provide you with relevant and meaningful content delivered in a prized package. I encourage you to share your gratitude for Gary's commitment and to welcome Jeff to the club.