Academy Instructors

Michael brings 40-plus years of auto-industry experience to NADA. Throughout his career Michael’s greatest satisfaction has come from helping build teams and sharing tools to promote growth and success. As a franchised auto dealer, he supported a team that led the market in sales penetration and Distinguished Service awards, culminating in the coveted Chairman’s Award. Michael has been honored by Time magazine and served the Vermont dealers as state association president; legislative and NADA PAC director; and member of the NADA Board of Directors. Working in the remarketing industry as chief operating officer of the National Auto Auction Association and as vice president of dealer development with an electric vehicle startup has given Michael unique perspectives on opportunities for graduates of NADA Academy, where he focuses on variable operations and marketing instruction.

Robert joined NADA in 1996 and offers 55-plus years of auto-industry experience. Previously he owned and operated an automotive repair center and was a service manager for several of the largest metro dealers in Baltimore. In addition, Robert served as an arbitrator for the Maryland attorney general’s office, consumer protection division, and an instructor at a local community college. He has been a top-rated workshop presenter at the annual NADA Show and ATD Show, as well as at numerous state association and NADA 20 Group meetings. Because of his experience as a dealership technician, service advisor and service manager, Robert offers students a unique insight. Couple that with his law degree and business owner expertise and it’s easy to see why the service department training Robert offers is No. 1 in the industry.

Steve is a 40-year veteran of automotive retail with experience as an OEM field manager, dealership owner-operator and owner-operator of an automotive parts distributorship. He is a strong advocate of education and training, with instructor credentials from the University of North Texas at Dallas (dealership management) and Northwood University (automotive marketing) in the United States, and Jilin University/Lambton College (automotive industry management) in the People’s Republic of China. His book, Introduction to the Global Auto Industry and Dealership Management (available via Amazon Kindle), is assigned reading at the University of North Texas at Dallas and Northwood. As an instructor at NADA’s Dealer Academy, he is unabashedly passionate about the career opportunities available in automotive retail.

Chuck brings over 24 years of automotive industry experience to NADA. He started in detail and quickly worked up through variable and fixed roles in the dealership. He has experience in sales, inventory acquisition, sales management, F&I and service. His most recent role was as Variable Operations Director for a mid-size, multi-franchise auto group. Chuck also served as a dealer performance manager for three years, consulting with dealers on inventory engineering and management. As an NADA Academy alum, he offers a unique perspective to NADA students, having served in all areas of the dealership.  

Brian brings 21-plus years of fixed operations experience to NADA. Before joining NADA he was involved in all aspects of dealership parts operations, including 12 years in parts management. Brian’s passion for teaching, mentoring and process improvement led him to NADA. He is certified in change management and as a Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. Brian currently facilitates Fixed Operations 1—Parts Department.

Sharlene joins NADA as a dynamic Academy Instructor with a robust background in automotive management. As a graduate and now instructor with the NADA Academy with extensive experience as a General Manager, Director of Operations, and Controller, she brings profound insights into automotive accounting, accounting operations workflow, retail operations, and leadership dynamics. Additionally, she holds an HRCI–SPHR Certification, underscoring her dedication to professional development.

Ed brings 25-plus years of experience in the medium- and heavy-duty commercial truck industry, having worked in dealerships of all sizes and in key markets as a leading revenue-producing sales professional. Ed has represented top national truck brands, including Hino, International, Isuzu and Mitsubishi-Fuso. His technology experience includes working as a top-producing dealer account manager at Verizon Connect (formerly Telogis) to introduce GPS location-based software to Ford, GM, Hino and Volvo Mack commercial truck dealerships in the Northeast.

Larry is an auto-industry educator with over 27 years of experience. He joined NADA in 2016 as a management instructor, focusing on improving the customer experience and productivity in fixed operations. His experience includes automotive and truck inspection, repair and service. He is a certified Senior Master Technician, specializing in both automotive and diesel repairs, and a certified Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. Larry promotes proficiency in collecting, analyzing, interpreting and developing specialized information about equipment and performance issues to find consistent solutions. By inspiring, mentoring and educating students, Larry pushes them to exceed their expectations and thereby boost their efficiency, productivity and performance.

As an experienced automotive facilitator, Mark offers 45 years of experience, including 15 years in auto retail, 25 combined years of OEM and allied industry experience, and five years as a NADA Academy instructor. His broad dealership management and departmental expertise includes accounting (general ledger, schedules, accounts receivable, accounts payable, manufacturer financial statements), fixed operations and analysis, including parts inventory. Mark specializes in teaching best practices of the dealership parts department.

Georgia joined NADA in 2017, bringing almost 25 years of auto-industry experience. She began her automotive career at Ford Motor Co., spending eight years in several field offices and positions before moving on to the Ciocca Auto Group in Philadelphia for five years as a general manager and president. After almost 14 years in the automotive business, Georgia transitioned to the transportation industry, where she became regional vice president of the South at XTRA Lease (a Berkshire Hathaway Company). There she led her team to all-time records for ROI year over year while increasing both the size and investment value of her region. With her unique background, Georgia now shares her knowledge through facilitating the new NADA Professional Series program across the country. She is shaping the minds of new and high-potential dealership managers, giving them the skills they need to run successful departments and become leaders in their industry.

Jim brings almost 20 years of automotive industry experience to NADA. He has held key roles in service operations and dealership management with domestic and import brands, significantly improving culture, profitability, and efficiency. Starting as a valet, Jim advanced to management roles as Service Manager, General Manager, and Corporate Fixed Ops Director. Additionally, Jim spent time working as a Fixed Operations Specialist, enhancing dealership operations and coaching staff nationally through OEM programs. He has had the privilege of working on high-level dealership pilot programs with both new car dealerships and leading aftermarket chains. Jim embraces technology, enjoys being an early adopter, and has consulted on automotive SaaS products in beta and pilot development stages. An alumnus and Class President of the NADA Academy, Jim is energized by ideas and recharged by learning. He is dedicated to supporting the success of the next generation of automotive professionals.

Brian brings 25+ years of extensive dealership experience across multiple dealer groups and a deep understanding of automotive operations to NADA. His career began in the parts department, progressing from Wholesale Manager to Parts Director before transitioning to a specialized role as a Parts and Service Data Analyst for a large dealer group spanning 10 campuses with 24 franchises. He now leverages that diverse background to drive efficiency and performance for the NADA classroom.  

Andy brings over 3 decades of retail automotive experience to NADA. He has worked closely with dealerships, including prominent brands like Toyota, Lexus, and Audi and has held roles as a Dealer Sales Trainer. Andy is known for his expertise in modern retailing, dealer website management, and CRM implementation. Additionally, he has experience as a Sales Manager, where he led daily operations, desking deals, training initiatives, and successfully built high-performing BDC teams. His extensive industry-related training and awards further underscore his dedication to excellence and continuous improvement.

Blair brings 40-plus years of experience spanning retail "frontline" and vendor/supplier roles. He is a dedicated lifelong learner with a passion for the automotive industry. Blair's comprehensive understanding of the automotive variable space is unparalleled. His career began humbly as a porter at a Honda dealership, and he worked through various dealership departments, eventually earning the role of General Manager. Blair's rich background and continuous pursuit of knowledge make him a valuable asset to the NADA Academy, guiding and influencing the development of the industry's future leaders and executives.

Matt brings 35 years of automotive experience to NADA. He first started a detail/mechanical reconditioning business serving the public, as well as various municipalities and dealerships in the metro Washington, D.C., area. Prior to joining NADA, Matt served as general manager of three dealership franchises under two rooftops: Mazda, Volkswagen and Volvo. Matt also has extensive OEM experience in CPO, fixed operations and variable operations with Mazda North American Operations, Nissan USA, Toyota USA and Southeast Toyota Distributors. His broad retail and wholesale background provides students with a strong base of operational skill sets. He is a graduate of the NADA Academy and is certified by the Association for Talent Development as a Master Trainer.

As a second-generation dealer principal, Heather offers 20-plus years of auto and medium-duty truck experience. She previously worked in all aspects of dealership operations, including as a digital marketing/IT manager, salesperson, F&I director and general manager. She was also treasurer of the Sioux Falls Region Chevrolet Advertising and Marketing Group. Heather is a Mark of Excellence Award winner, and her family’s flagship store is a two-time Ford President’s Award winner. She specialized in purchasing troubled stores and turning them into profitable operations. A 2003 graduate of the NADA Academy, Heather is now a financial management instructor there and is certified by the Association for Talent Development as a Master Trainer. Her strategy is management by the numbers, specializing in inventory management and process development around strategic culture.