ARLINGTON, Texas -

NIADA’s executive committee dramatically changed to begin the second month of the year.

Late on Friday afternoon, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association said it received an official notice of resignation from its president, Andy Gabler, dated Thursday, effective immediately.

In accordance with NIADA bylaws, Henry Mullinax of Mullinax Auto Sales in Oxford, Ala., has been named president of NIADA and will immediately begin serving the unexpired term vacated by Gabler.

Mullinax was elected NIADA president-elect by the association’s board of directors during its annual meeting last June in Orlando, Fla.

According to a news release distribed by NIADA, Gabler said only that his decision was “necessary and in the best interests of me, my family and the association.”

Via multiple media reports originating from Erie, Pa., BHPH Report learned that Gabler is being investigated by federal authorities. Scott Brady, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania and based in Pittsburgh, issued the following statement in response to media inquiries.

“On Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019, Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed court authorized federal search warrants at 4844 Buffalo Rd., Erie Pa.; 808 E. Main St., Girard Pa.; 10215 W. Main St., North East, Pa.; and 7598 Belle Rd., Harborcreek, Pa., as part of an ongoing investigation.”

The media reports indicated those addresses correspond to Gabler’s home as well as his Chevrolet and Buick franchised rooftops and independent lot.