For the past 17 years, Paul Brian has served as Director of Communications and spokesman for the Chicago Automobile Trade Association — better known as CATA.  The trade group is the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan franchised new-car dealer organization, managing local, county and state legislative, regulatory and continuing education affairs for its members. The CATA is probably best known as the producer of the nation's biggest auto show every February at McCormick Place.
 
Paul is a 35-year-veteran Chicago broadcaster. His weekly WLS radio show — Drive Chicago 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. on Saturdays — has been twice recognized as the nation's best automotive program by the International Automotive Media Association. Now in its 13th year on air, Paul is one of our nation's best-known and respected automotive industry experts, focusing on the local, national and global automotive scenes featuring industry news and newsmakers, product reviews, motorsports, and (of course) a flurry of questions from listeners.
 
Paul's background in the automotive industry dates back much further than he'd care to admit and includes a 3-year stint in managing the Alfa Romeo IndyCar Team based in Milan, Italy—with legendary drivers Danny Sullivan, Roberto Guerrero and Al Unser, Sr. sitting behind the wheel.

He is a past president of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and is the recipient of two "Emmy" awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Science for production of television specials featuring the Chicago Auto Show. Brian was the recipient of the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award from The Legends of Motorsport Guild for his support and activities surrounding the sport he loves. Paul has also been recognized with a rarely presented Lifetime Membership in the Sports Car Club of America for his "countless hours and years of promoting our sport, its events and the safety and spirit of the group's competitors."
 
Paul is a US Army veteran and is proud to serve as an active member of the US Army Chicago Recruiting Battalion's Grassroots Advisory Board. In that capacity, Paul continues to work to expand the Army's presence at the Chicago Auto Show and other Chicago events. He also serves on the Illinois Board of Directors of Operation Homefront. In 2009, he had "the great honor and thrill" of being invited to jump with the US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team. Brian also collaborated as a voice talent and executive producer of a holiday CD, "The Soldier's Christmas Project," that benefits the Wounded Warriors Project.
 
Paul is an accomplished chef, enthusiastic golfer and was the winner of the 1983 World Championship Chili Cook-off.

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