NADA board elects Geoffrey Pohanka as 2023 Chair, Gary Gilchrist tapped for Vice Chair

The 65-member board of directors for the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has elected Geoffrey Pohanka as its 2023 Chairman and Gary Gilchrist as its 2023 Vice Chairman. The election occurred at NADA’s board meeting on October 18 in Dallas, Texas. Pohanka will assume the role at the 2023 NADA Show, which will be held in Dallas next January.

Pohanka, 65, currently serves as Vice Chairman for NADA and will succeed Mike Alford in the role. Pohanka is a third-generation dealer who serves as chairman of the Pohanka Automotive Group in Capitol Heights, Maryland.

“As someone who grew up in the car business with my family’s involvement with NADA for generations, I am honored to take the reins as the next NADA chairman,” Pohanka said. “The auto industry is a rewarding and exciting business, and I’m fortunate to be a part of it. NADA has an amazing board and an amazing staff. Together, we can create a stronger environment for the industry, to help create a vibrant economy and stronger communities.”

Gary Gilchrist, 69, was elected to take Pohanka’s place as Vice Chairman. Gilchrist currently serves as Chairman of NADA’s Dealership Operation Committee and is President of Gilchrist Chevrolet Buick GMC, Inc. in Tacoma, Washington.

“I am very honored to be trusted with the responsibility to do things that matter for dealers,” said Gilchrist. “The auto industry has always changed with the times and we can do it again. We’ve got to take a hard look at ourselves and find ways to adapt to new technology and new demands.”

NADA also elected William H. Willis Jr., President of Willis Automotive Group, the Secretary for the NADA board. Kirt Frye, President of Sunnyside Automotive Group in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, was elected Treasurer.

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