ORLANDO, Fla. — Michael Alford, president of Marine Chevrolet Cadillac in Jacksonville, N.C., was named the Ally Financial-sponsored 2013 TIME Dealer of the Year. 

Alford was selected from among an elite group of U.S. dealers who were recognized at the 96th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention & Exposition in Orlando, Fla. Tim Russi, president of Ally Auto Finance, and Brad Young, chief marketing officer for TIME, announced the winner and finalists during the formal opening ceremony of the convention.

"So many dealers are heroes in their communities because of their commitment to local charitable causes, and we are proud to support the work they do," Russi said. "Ally has provided more than 100 grants to nonprofit organizations in connection with TIME Dealer of the Year, and we are pleased to recognize 2013 winner Michael Alford, as well as the three finalists, for the extraordinary efforts they have put forth in their communities." 

In its second year as exclusive sponsor, Ally announced that in addition to contributing $10,000 to the winner's 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of choice, it will also be donating $5,000 to charities selected by each of the three regional finalists. Ally also donated $1,000 to charities selected by each of the 57 dealer nominees.

The three regional finalists for the 2013 TIME Dealer of the Year award were Dominick Carbone, director of the Carbone Auto Group in Utica, N.Y.; Sam Mansker, president of Olathe (Kansas) Ford Lincoln; Bill McCurley, CEO of McCurley Integrity Dealerships, a Cadillac, Chevrolet, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and Subaru dealer in Tri-Cities, Wash.

All nominees are featured on the newly redesigned website, AllyDealerHeroes.com, which highlights the philanthropic contributions and achievements of auto dealers across the United States. 

2013 Dealer of the Year winner Michael Alford

2013 Dealer of the Year finalist Dominick Carbone

2013 Dealer of the Year finalist Sam Mansker

2013 Dealer of the Year finalist Bill McCurley