The next chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association does business only a long test drive away from the organization’s headquarters.

On Tuesday, the 65-member board of directors of elected Geoffrey Pohanka as its 2023 chairman.

Pohanka, who currently serves as NADA vice chairman, will succeed Mike Alford, who is dealer principal of Marine Chevrolet in Jacksonville, N.C., and Trent Buick GMC and Trent Cadillac in New Bern, N.C.

Pohanka is a third-generation dealer who serves as chairman of the Pohanka Automotive Group in Capitol Heights, Md.

“As someone who grew up in the car business and with my family’s involvement with NADA for generations, I am honored to take the reins as the next NADA chairman,” Pohanka said in a news release. “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, who represents new-car dealers in Washington state and currently serves as chairman of NADA’s Dealership Operation Committee, was elected NADA vice chairman for 2023.

 “I am very honored to be trusted with the responsibility to do things that matter for dealers,” said Gilchrist, president of Gilchrist Chevrolet Buick GMC, Inc. in Tacoma, Wash. “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. It’s been an amazing ride for the past year serving as the Dealer Operations Committee chair and the NADA treasurer the year before. And I am so looking to the future working with the incredible NADA staff,” Gilchrist continued in the news release.

William Willis Jr., president of Willis Automotive Group and representing Delaware dealers on the NADA board, was elected as secretary.

Kirt Frye, president of Sunnyside Automotive Group in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, was elected as treasurer.

The election took place at NADA’s board meeting in Dallas.

The new terms begin at NADA Show 2023 in Dallas in January.