The 65-member board of directors for the National Automobile Dealers Association elected Gary Gilchrist, president of Gilchrist Chevrolet Buick GMC, 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,” Gilchrist said in a NADA press release.  

Gilchrist, 70, will step into the position previously held by Geoffrey Pohanka, chairman of Pohanka Automotive Group in Capitol Heights, Md. His new term starts at the NADA Show in February.

Gilchrist entered the automotive industry in 1977, when he began selling cars after graduating college.  

The NADA board also elected Tom Castriota, a representative on the NADA Finance Committee and owner of Castriota Chevrolet Inc., as the 2024 NADA vice chairman.

“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 in the release. “Working hand-in-hand toward 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, N.Y., and serving as Region I vice chairman on the NADA board, was chosen as secretary. Kirt Frye, president of Sunnyside Automotive Group in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, was appointed treasurer.

The board conducted the election during NADA's Oct. 17 meeting in Palm Beach, Fla.