It is a true honor to step into the role of chairman of the Board for the Mississippi Automobile Dealers Association. Having spent my entire life and career in the car business, this opportunity to serve our association is both a professional privilege and an exciting challenge.

I grew up in Northeast Mississippi, where my dad was in the wholesale car business. Learning from him at an early age sparked my passion for buying and selling automobiles and laid the foundation that led me to where I am today.

Over the years, as a longtime member of MADA, I have experienced firsthand the incredible strength of our association when we have a unified voice as Mississippi’s franchised automobile dealers.

I have seen the highest highs of our industry, but I have also weathered the challenging lows. This includes the reality of a factory shutting down brands that I represented. Those experiences were extremely difficult and kept me awake at night. Yet, those trying times teach you resilience, and more importantly, they reinforce why having strong franchise laws is vital to our survival and success.

Protecting and Advancing Our Mission

As chairman, my primary goal is simple: to lead the effort in supporting and advancing MADA’s core mission to promote, advance and protect Mississippi’s franchised car dealers.

Serving in this position gives me a meaningful way to give back to an industry and an organization that has given so much to me, my family and my employees over the years. I look forward to traveling across the state and visiting with our local dealers. Our dealerships do far more than sell and service vehicles — we make a tangible difference in our hometowns. Mississippi dealers create thousands of good-paying jobs, drive local economies and continually give back to the schools, charities and civic organizations that make our communities strong.

The Year Ahead: Advocacy and Leadership

Looking ahead to next year, MADA has a crucial role to play with 2027 elections for state officeholders and legislators. It is vital that our association remains at the forefront of advocacy. Legislative and regulatory decisions directly impact how we operate our businesses, employ our workforce and serve our customers. MADA will continue to work to ensure that we remain one of the most powerful and influential trade groups in Mississippi.

Our MADA PAC, led by Chairman Roger Bacon, will play an exceptionally important role in guiding our political action efforts during this key cycle. I strongly encourage every member to support the MADA Auto PAC with your contributions. Your financial support enables us to back candidates who understand our business, champion our cause and help safeguard the franchise system across Mississippi.

Strong Leadership, Strong Future

I am incredibly fortunate to take on this role alongside an exceptional team. It is such an honor to work with MADA President Marty Milstead and our dedicated Board of Directors, whose hard work keeps our association moving forward every day.

I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Immediate Past Chairman Jeff Smith. Jeff did an awesome job leading MADA over the past year, setting a high standard of leadership and commitment that I intend to build upon.

Here to Serve You

MADA exists to serve its members. As I serve as your chairman this year, please do not hesitate to reach out if I can help you in any way.

Thank you for your trust, your membership and your commitment to making Mississippi’s auto industry stronger than ever. I look forward to working with all of you in the year ahead.