TYSONS, Va. — The National Automobile Dealers Association’s 63-member board of directors elected Mark Scarpelli as chairman for 2017, the association announced this week.

Scarpelli — president of Raymond Chevrolet and Raymond Kia and co-owner of Ray Chevrolet and Ray Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram in Illinois — represents metropolitan Chicago’s auto dealers on the NADA’s board. According to the announcement, Scarpelli’s dealerships employ more than 350 people. The group has been in operation for 56 years.

“I'm honored to be elected chairman, and look forward to working with the NADA board and new-car and -truck dealers across the country,” Scarpelli said. “Traveling this past year as NADA vice chairman, I can tell you that the NADA is well prepared for any issues that come its way.”

He added that he plans to continue initiatives that will benefit consumers, dealers and manufacturers.

“Moving forward, I plan on continuing with many initiatives, which include promoting the consumer benefits of the franchise system, working with auto manufacturers and advocating our issues on Capitol Hill, as well as identifying and getting the next generation of dealers involved with the NADA,” Scarpelli said. 

Additionally, Wes Lutz, who represents Michigan new-car dealers on the NADA"s board, was elected vice chairman.This appointment, according to the NADA, puts Lutz in line to be chairman of the association in 2018.

Bill Willis, president of Willis Automotive Group, was reelected as secretary, and Brian Hamilton — president of Midway Chevrolet-Cadillac-Buick, Midway Chrysler-Dodge -Jeep and Beardmore Subaru in Nebraska — was elected treasurer.

The new chairman's term officially begins at the 2017 NADA Convention and Expo, which will be held in New Orleans in January.