McLEAN, Va. — The National Automobile Dealers Association has named a new vice president of dealership operations to replace Carl Ragsdale, who is retiring after nine years of service.

The NADA announced that John Lyboldt will replace Ragsdale this week. Previously, Lyboldt served as president of the Rochester Automobile Dealers Association for 17 years and was elected as the president of the Automotive Trade Association Executives in 2005. The ATAE represents 112 state and metropolitan dealer associations in both the U.S. and Canada.

As the new vice president of dealership operations, one of Lyboldt's duties will include directing programs, which are designed to help dealers become more profitable and efficient. He will also direct management education and 20 Group initiatives.

He previously served as a member of the NADA board of trustees for the dealers election action committee, in addition to being a part of the NADA national dealers charitable foundation.

"John brings a wealth of experience to NADA from his years of work advancing dealer interests in New York and across the country, and he will be a valuable addition to our staff," explained Phil Brady, president of NADA.