Wilson Becomes First Woman to Lead NIADA - AutoSuccessOnline

Wilson Becomes First Woman to Lead NIADA

Wilson named interim CEO after Voltmann’s retirement.

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) has announced Bob Voltmann has resigned from his position as CEO.

The NIADA Board of Directors unanimously selected chief financial officer, Melanie Wilson, as interim chief executive officer, handling day-to-day operations.

Melanie Wilson

Wilson has served as the NIADA CFO for six years and is familiar with NIADA’s dealers, industry partners and industry challenges. She is supported by Jeremy Beck, vice president of dealer development and Brett Scott, vice president of government affairs.

“It has been an honor to support the association as CFO for the past six years, and I look forward to taking this next step,” Wilson said. “The NIADA staff and Board are committed to the association, its members and our industry partners. There is a bright future for NIADA, and I’m thrilled to play a part in any role that is needed.”

Wilson will be the first woman to lead the association in its 75-year history.

“We’re excited to have Melanie take on this role. We’re extremely confident going forward with her leadership,” said Scott Allen, president of the NIADA Board of Directors.

Voltmann led the association for two years.

“I have enjoyed my time at NIADA, building a team dedicated to helping our members succeed and enjoyed working with our amazing members, but I have decided to retire,” Voltmann said. “I know that both the industry and the association will continue to thrive. Thank you for letting me be a small part of this success.”

“We appreciate the years of service that Bob gave to the association and wish him the best on his future endeavors,” Allen said. “We have high confidence in the staff and our ability to navigate the transition. Your board is committed to the association, members, partners and the industry as a whole as we move forward.”

The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association was founded in 1946 and has represented quality independent automobile dealers for over 75 years. NIADA’s mission is to assist its members in becoming more successful within the used motor vehicle industry, providing industry education, information, services and benefits to members through an ever-changing marketplace.

You May Also Like

Survey Finds Only 12.6% of Dealers Leverage Analytical Data

Many dealership executives still rely on gut instinct, highlighting need for predictive modeling solutions.

Lotlinx, a VIN-specific data company for dealership inventory management, announced results from its Automotive Retail Industry Pulse Survey to better understand where automotive dealership professionals are facing challenges with managing vehicle inventory and to take the pulse on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to help mitigate inventory risk. 

Kelley Blue Book 2024 Consumer Choice Awards Winners

Honda scores most wins from new-car shoppers in non-luxury categories for 2024 in renamed Kelley Blue Book Awards.

Ship.Cars Announces Partnership with Logytext

The partnership will also introduce Driver Chat to the Ship.Cars SmartHaul TMS platform, aiming to centralize driver communication.

Informed.IQ Survey Shows Improvements in Leveraging AI

Deal jacket errors without AI and automation still cost lenders Millions; many C-Suite executives still trying to understand AI benefits.

vAuto Expands Upside to Texas

Dealers are maximizing their profitability with a wholesale solution that’s now available across more than two-thirds of the U.S.

Other Posts

Tim Lamb Group Brokers Sale of Metro Toyota

The purchase of Metro Toyota marks Victory Automotive Groups’ 11th Toyota Dealership, previously owned by Jerry Schneider.

Digital Custom Forms from Rapid Recon Simplifies Dealership Life

Digital documents are more secure and easier for personnel to find, and electronic storage ends paper document handling, physical storage and retrieval personnel.

Help Shape the Future of Dealership Technology

Your input is invaluable in understanding the evolving needs and preferences of automotive professionals toward emerging technologies.

Future Technology Survey
Honda North Receives the American Honda President’s Award

Honda North earns the Top Honda Dealership for the 16th time overall, an esteemed recognition of top Honda dealerships.