At their most recent meeting, the 65-member board of directors of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) elected Gary Gilchrist as its 2024 chairman.
“It’s with great humility — and a deep sense of responsibility — that I take the helm as the newly elected chair of this great organization. I am honored and grateful for your trust and confidence in me and allowing me to help lead us into the future,” said Gilchrist, president of Gilchrist Chevrolet Buick GMC, Inc. in Tacoma, Washington. “Our achievements have been the result of dedication, commitment, and sacrifice from dealers, staff, and the ATAEs who have worked tirelessly to uphold the values that define NADA. Now, as we look forward, we will remain committed in our quest to embrace change; remember it is a force for positive transformation.”
Gilchrist, 70, who currently serves as NADA vice chairman, will succeed Geoffrey Pohanka, chairman of Pohanka Automotive Group in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Gilchrist began his career in the automotive industry when he began selling cars in 1977 after graduating college. He currently serves as president of Gilchrist Chevrolet Buick GMC, Inc. in Tacoma.
Tom Castriota, 69, who represents new-car dealers in Florida and currently serves on the NADA Finance Committee, was elected NADA vice chairman for 2024.
“I am really humbled by the honor to serve this tremendous organization. I have a sincere desire to do the hard work and serve as the voice of the dealer,” said Castriota, owner of Castriota Chevrolet, Inc. in Hudson, Florida. “Working hand-in-hand towards a shared vision is as important as the outcomes we want to achieve. I look forward to working alongside my friend and colleague Gary Gilchrist to maximize the work of our board.”
Robert Vail, president of Vail Buick GMC in Bedford Hills, New York, and serving at Region I vice chairman on the NADA board, was elected as secretary. Kirt Frye, president of Sunnyside Automotive Group in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, was elected as treasurer.
The election took place at NADA’s board meeting on Oct. 17, 2023, which was held in Palm Beach, Florida. The new terms begin at NADA Show 2024 in Las Vegas in February.
