DENVER and ALCOA, Tenn. -

Michele Noblitt is retiring from her position as executive vice president of Dealers Auto Auction of the Rockies, and the company says that since she started in 1999, the auction and its stakeholders “have enjoyed the velvet-gloved service Michele and her team delivered.”

The company said Noblitt’s influence was widely felt “as the little auction caught traction” in the early 2000s. Dealers Auto Auction wrote in a news release that Noblitt continued developing its stakeholders along the way with the same patient approach.

National accounts manager Shelly Frank said she would always admire Noblitt’s knowledge and dedication to the auction industry.

“I am very appreciative of her willingness to guide me into the various associations and committees that our industry has to offer, and I will always be grateful for her mentorship,” Frank said.

Frank continued, “I wish her much success, happiness and good health in her retirement and future endeavors.”

Marketing manager Alex Zyla said she was grateful for the opportunity to work with Noblitt and learn from her.

“Her dedication to her team, the auction and our industry was not only seen but felt,” Zyla said.

Zyla continued, “I appreciate the knowledge she shared and the guidance she gave me as I developed in my career. I look forward to continuing to build upon what she leaves behind and wish her the best as she enters this new chapter of retirement.”

The company wrote that Noblitt led its staff through the challenging economic environment in 2008 and 2009 “with strength and integrity.”

“So we thank Michele for her sacrifice and service and wish her peace, love and happiness going forward in her retirement,” the company wrote.

In other news, Kim Hunt is now systems and communications administrator for the International Automotive Remarketers Alliance.

IARA executive director Tony Long said Hunt is a familiar face to many IARA members. She is a former co-chair of the IARA Membership Committee.

“We are thrilled to have Kim back in the IARA family,” Long said.

Hunt replaces Sharon Sutton, who Long said was instrumental in the initial setup and modifications of IARA’s association and learning management system.

“Everyone at IARA is very grateful for Sharon’s many contributions over the past few years,” Long said.

IARA president Paul Seger said Hunt was “a welcome addition to the Alliance’s efforts.”

“She has a wealth of industry experience and brings a project management skillset to the table that will help us work with our committees to bring IARA to the next level,” Seger said.