Jackson Heights, NY–Ms. Jody DeVere of Ventura County, California, was appointed to the New York City-based United Spinal Association Board of Directors at its December 2007 meeting.

Ms. DeVere has more than 25 years of achievement as a successful entrepreneur focused on sales and marketing leadership, including 10 years developing web-based business solutions across diverse industries.

Ms. DeVere is president of AskPatty.com, Inc., a website that provides advice to women from an expert panel of women in the automotive industry about car buying, selling, repair, care, and safety.

Ms. DeVere also serves as President of the Women’s Automotive Association International, an organization that supports upcoming women race car drivers, diversity, and charitable giving, and provides scholarships for young women seeking careers in the automotive industry.

Ms. DeVere currently chairs the United Spinal Association Motorsports Committee, which encourages people with disabilities, including persons who use adaptive automotive equipment, to participate in competitive motorsports. This committee also cultivates partnerships within the motorsports industry to raise awareness about spinal cord injuries and disorders.

“Supporting the United Spinal Association has become a personal passion for me due to my son’s spinal cord injury in 2005 and diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2000,” stated Jody DeVere. “The many United Spinal Association services, educational programs and opportunities to improve the quality of life for those with spinal cord injuries or disorders have truly made a huge difference in our own lives personally. It is an honor and a privilege to serve in my new role as a member of the board of directors.”