ELYRIA, Ohio — Nicholas K. Petek, an engineering supervisor for Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, has been elected to serve a three-year term as one of the 18 members of the national board of directors of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

Petek, who has 25 years experience in the automotive industry and is a registered professional engineer in the state of Ohio, has been active in the Cleveland-area chapter of SAE for 12 years.

My enthusiasm for SAEs mission has motivated me to pursue increasing levels of leadership, first at the local level in Cleveland, then on an intermediate operating board, and now on the national board of directors, said Petek. During the process, Ive contributed to my community, gained leadership experience, benefited my companys business, and made a positive impact on society in general through the advancement of mobility.

SAE has more than 90,000 members, which include engineers, business executives, educators and students from more than 97 countries. Members share information and exchange ideas for advancing the engineering of mobility systems.

Petek joined Bendix in 2000 as an engineering supervisor for air compressor design.

“Nick’s appointment to the SAE board is a benefit to both the association and Bendix. We benefit firsthand from his bringing best practices back to Bendix, while he serves as the catalyst for sharing our knowledge that can further the entire industry,” said Steve Mance, vice-president and general manager for Bendix.