Patek, 40, of Pittsburgh, specializes in working with non-profits. For the past decade, Patek was Executive Director of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity and Phi Alpha Public Service Center. He has an undergraduate degree in history from Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Pa., and a J.D. degree from Duquesne in Pittsburgh. He was hired by the BMW CCA Board of Directors at its quartely meeting Jan. 19.

Patek succeeds Wynne Smith, the club’s Executive Director since the beginning of the decade, who left last fall to work with the BMW CCA Foundation. The Executive Director oversees daily operations of the BMW Car Club of America, manages a staff of a half-dozen, and works with the club’s publishing arms: Roundel and BMWCCA.org.