Keeping pace with trends in the ever-changing traditional and social media landscape, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, producer of the Chicago Auto Show, announces a new communications and marketing team hire, Hayley Feichter, designed to further grow the association's and auto show's marketing reach.

Hayley Feichter will join Mark Bilek, senior director of communications and technology, and Jim OBrill, director of marketing. Collectively, each brings a diverse background to create a communications and marketing team that's uniquely qualified to meet the changing needs of today's marketing and public relations initiatives.

"We're thrilled to have this new team in place due to the unique and dynamic skillsets that Mark, Jim and Hayley bring to the Chicago Auto Show, the show's exhibitors and the association's dealer and allied members," said Jennifer Morand, general manager of the Chicago Auto Show and co-president of the CATA. "Due to their collective experience, we're perfectly positioned to continue to tackle all of the challenges in this dynamic industry, and we look forward to the road ahead."

Feichter comes on board as the communications and marketing manager and will lead strategic media relations efforts, including social media initiatives, for the Chicago Auto Show, the CATA and DriveChicago.com, the association's consumer-facing car shopping website that promotes its dealer members' inventory. In addition, Feichter will assist in all marketing and sponsorship programs.

Feichter previously served as a Chicago Auto Show intern in 2015 and 2016 and was the show's communications specialist in 2017. Prior to returning to the CATA this month, Feichter was a senior communications and marketing coordinator at Smithbucklin where she oversaw event marketing management and member communications for several client associations.  

"I couldn't be more excited to return to the CATA in this new role," said Feichter. "I look forward to combining my enthusiasm for the industry with my experience and knowledge to amplify the great work this team is already doing," said Feichter. "The Chicago Auto Show has a special place in my heart. I haven't missed a show since interning at the show in 2015, and I look forward to continuing that streak for many years to come."