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Sandy Angello (L) and Rob Cochran

TYSONS, Va. (Oct. 14, 2025) — The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Board of Directors has elected Rob Cochran as its 2026 chairman. Cochran, Chairman and CEO of #1 Cochran, the largest automotive retailer in Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, will succeed Tom Castriota, owner of Castriota Chevrolet, Inc. in Hudson, Fla.

“I am incredibly humbled at the opportunity to serve as the next Chairman of NADA,” stated Cochran. “At a time when the automotive industry is undergoing rapid transformation—from global trade uncertainty to challenges to the franchise system—it’s essential that America’s franchised dealers continue to work with all stakeholders on behalf of the dealer body. I look forward to working with the NADA board, along with state and metro dealer associations, to ensure the needs of Main Street dealers and their customers remain at the forefront of policy, education, and advocacy.”

Rob Cochran began his automotive career in 1987 after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University. A second-generation leader, he has guided the family-owned business for more than three decades, expanding it into a dynamic enterprise defined by innovation, diversification, and an unwavering commitment to its customers and communities. Today, the company operates 35 dealerships representing 20 brands, 12 collision centers, and a wholesale parts distribution center. A member of the NADA Board of Directors since 2020, Cochran has also served as chairman of the Pennsylvania Automotive Association and president of the Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association. Additionally, he currently serves as a Pittsburgh Branch Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. 

Sandy Fitzgerald Angello, Vice President and Dealer Operator of Pohanka Automotive Group in Salisbury, Md., was elected as NADA Vice Chairman for 2026. With over 40 years of experience in the automotive industry, Angello has strategically guided the significant growth of Pohanka Automotive Group across several locations. Angello has represented Maryland's franchised new-car dealers on the NADA Board of Directors since 2021.

“I am honored to serve as the Vice Chairman on the NADA Board of Directors for the upcoming term,” said Angello. “This position allows me to amplify the voice of dealers and continue my decades-long commitment to improving the automotive industry. I look forward to working with my fellow board members, NADA staff, and fellow industry leaders to support franchised dealers and the customers we serve.”

Joe Massarelli, president of Liberty Auto City in Libertyville, Ill., was elected as secretary. Kirt Frye, president of Sunnyside Automotive Group in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, was re-elected as treasurer.
The election took place at NADA’s board meeting on Oct. 14, 2025. The new terms will begin at the NADA Show 2026 in Las Vegas in February.