LEXINGTON, Ky. — Dealers' Financial Services recently announced that it named a new president and chief executive officer, along with other initiatives.

The company's new president and CEO is Robert Nelson. Prior to joining DFS, Nelson served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer for several companies in the public and private sectors.

According to officials, he was most notably one of the founding members of United Auto Group.

While with United Auto Group, he served as COO and CFO, along with being on the board of directors.

DFS also pointed out that Nelson had direct responsibility for United Auto Group's wholly owned auto finance and warranty companies. He is a certified public account.

"Bob's experience in the automotive and financial industry is incredibly beneficial," said Vince Tyra, operating partner for Southfield Capital Advisors and chairman of the DFS board.

"He has the experience and the background to provide successful strategic direction to DFS as we expand and product more products to our customers," he continued. "I'm excited to see DFS flourish with Bob as the organization's leader."

DFS Joins DealerTrack

In another announcement, DFS reported that it is joining the DealerTrack network to support its Military Installment Loan and Educational Services program.

Via the integration, MILES certified dealerships will be able to use DealerTrack's platform for application submission to the MILES program, which offers automated and immediate loan approvals.

Basically, MILES is a program created by DFS to assist and protect active duty military personnel when they purchase vehicles.

"We are pleased to add DFS to our growing network," said David Trinder, senior vice president of network solutions at DealerTrack.

"The efficiencies driven by our online credit application system will benefit DFS, as well as participating dealers and their customers, and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship," he continued.

Steve Hoback, senior vice president at DFS, added, "The majority of our MILES certified dealerships are already active users of DealerTrack. We are excited to join the DealerTrack network because it allows us the opportunity to provide our dealership customers the ease and speed to assist the MILES military customer in their auto purchasing and financing experience."

DFS Also Teams up with RouteOne

In other recent news, DFS said it is now integrated with RouteOne's credit application management system.

Similar to the DealerTrack partnership, through this integration, MILES certified dealerships can used RouteOne for application submission to the MILES program.

"DFS is pleased to become a part of the RouteOne network of finance sources. This relationship will provide numerous benefits to our dealers customers nationwide," said Sherri Helmond, senior vice president at DFS.

Hoback added, "A large majority of our certified dealer base are currently active with RouteOne. This partnership will increase the accessibility and utilization of the MILES program, which brings excitement to both us and our dealership customers."

Mike Jurecki, RouteOne's CEO, also noted, "We are pleased and proud to offer the services of DFS to our dealer customers. We are excited to enter into this market, which is previously untapped by RouteOne. We believe this integration will provide excellent benefits to our service men and women, and we are happy to serve them in this capacity."

DFS Sponsors Military Kids to Camp Hope

Finally, the company announced that it sponsored five military children to attend Camp Hope at Cedar Ridge Camp and Retreat Center in Louisville, Ky.

Basically, Camp Hope is a free overnight camp for children of military personnel who are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan or returning veterans. Camp Hope was held the last full week of June. It is specifically for children who are 8 to 14 years old. And, apparently, this is the first year Cedar Ridge hosted the special camp.

Camp Hope is designed to allow children to enjoy outside activities such as canoeing, archery, trail hiking, swimming and ropes courses on the 64 acres that make up Cedar Ridge.

Along with the traditional camping activities, campers also had the opportunity to address the stressors of life as a military child with on-site chaplains and counselors. Additionally, the campers put together care packages to send to U.S. military members in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as make a yellow ribbon, four-rail fence decorated with messages for their loved ones.

"Being a military child often means you will have to endure the stress of being separated from a parent who is in harm's way. DFS is proud to support Cedar Ridge and Camp Hope in their efforts to bring joy to the lives of these deserving children," concluded Nelson.