Northwood University honored a special group of industry leaders during a Dealer Education Awards Breakfast during the NADA Show in New Orleans, Louisiana.
“These exceptional leaders have significantly shaped the automotive retail industry and exemplify the values of hard work, innovation, and integrity,” said Dr. Matt Bennett, vice president of enrollment, strategic alliances, and the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies at Northwood University.
Michigan honorees include:
- Terry Burns, former executive vice president, Michigan Automotive Dealers Association (Lifetime Achievement Award recipient)
- John M. Leese, president/owner, Harvey Automotive, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Additionally, Diane Maher was named the Barbara Cox 2025 Woman of the Year. Maher is president and chief strategy officer for DP Fox Ventures LLC, and president and chief operating officer of Fox Motor Group.
More than 30 Northwood University students attended this year’s NADA Show, which is touted as the auto industry event of the year.
“To have 34 students in attendance at the 2025 NADA Show is a testament to Northwood’s enduring relationship with the industry, as many of the students who went to New Orleans were sponsored by companies within the automotive world,” noted Elgie Bright, chair of Northwood University’s automotive marketing and management degree program, which is part of the Center for Automotive & Mobility Studies at Northwood University…read more
