North Carolina dealer elected next NADA chairman

The next chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association hails from the same state as two of nation’s largest dealer groups — as well as this very publication.

Mike Alford, president of Marine Chevrolet Cadillac in Jacksonville, N.C., was elected Tuesday by the NADA board to be the association’s 2022 chairman.

Alford is NADA’s current vice chairman.

He will be the second NADA chairman in the past nine years from the Tar Heel State, which is home to Sonic Automotive and Hendrick Automotive Group.

David Westcott of Burlington, N.C., was the 2013 chairman.

“It is an honor and privilege to be elected to serve as NADA board chairman for 2022,” Alford said in a news release. “Since 1917 NADA has been an ardent advocate for franchised new-car dealers. The opportunity to chair this dynamic group of automotive leaders is both exciting and humbling.

“We have an engaged board and talented team that stands ready to advance the interest of our more than 16,000 franchised dealers,” he added. “I appreciate the trust and confidence of the board as we tirelessly pursue our work with all stakeholders on behalf of the dealer body.”

Alford will succeed current NADA chairman Paul Walser.

During its meeting, which was held in Charleston, S.C., on Tuesday, the NADA board elected Geoffrey Pohanka as vice chairman for 2022.

Pohanka is president of Pohanka Automotive Group. He represents Metro Washington, D.C. dealers on the NADA board and is chairman of the association’s industry affairs committee.

“I grew up in the car business. It’s an amazing, rewarding and exciting business, and we’re all so fortunate to be in it,” Pohanka said in a release.

“My family has been involved in NADA for generations. NADA helped our company tremendously, and we’ve been giving back ever since. NADA has an amazing board and an amazing staff,” he said. “And if we can help create a good environment for the industry, we can help create a vibrant economy and stronger communities. That’s what I want to do, and I promise to give it my utmost 110%.”

Castriota Chevrolet owner Tom Castriota of Florida was elected NADA secretary. Sunnyside Automotive Group president Kirt Frye was elected treasurer.

Each of these officers will start their terms in March at NADA Show 2022 in Las Vegas.