The National Automobile Dealers Association has set up succession plans for chairmanship of the trade group.

NADA said Tuesday that its board of directors has elected current vice chairman Gary Gilchrist to be its 2024 chairman, and selected to be the next vice chairman is Tom Castriota.

Gilchrist, who is president of Gilchrist Chevrolet Buick GMC in Tacoma, Wash., will succeed current chair Geoffrey Pohanka, who is chairman of Capitol Heights Md.-based Pohanka Automotive Group.

The election of the 2024 officers was held at NADA’s board meeting Tuesday in Palm Beach, Fla.

“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 news release.

“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,” he said. “Now, as we look forward, we will remain committed in our quest to embrace change; remember it is a force for positive transformation.”

Castriota, who owns Castriota Chevrolet in Hudson, Fla., added: “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.

“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.”

Also elected Tuesday were:

  • Secretary: Robert Vail, president of Vail Buick GMC in Bedford Hills, N.Y.
  • Treasurer: Kirt Frye, president of Sunnyside Automotive Group in Middleburg Heights, Ohio