In its effort to reach out to more diverse crowds, the National Automobile Dealers Association created a new position that is currently being held by Myra Dandridge.
She joined the NADA in 2020 as its first executive director of external affairs and public policy, with a focus on creating strategic partnerships with professional associations, government agencies, and third party groups.
“My primary focus is going to be on developing relationships and building bridges where none may have existed before,” said Dandridge during an NADA Show session on February 11. “Building bridges with civil rights groups and other associations.”
Dandridge previously worked as a senior lobbyist for a trade association in Washington, D.C. Prior to that she was the communications director for the Congressional Black Caucus, and educated the media and the public on the historical significance of the caucus and its legislative priorities.
“A large part of what I will be doing also is education,” said Dandridge. “Educating (various) diverse groups on constituencies and the (positive) impact that franchise dealers have on local communities across the country, as well as the economy at large.”
This includes groups like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), among others.
Dandridge said some groups may not be aware of what dealers are offering to help their customers, such as dealer-assisted financing, and how that can impact their members.
“That’s why I’m here: to educate and to build and develop those relationships, and maintain strategic relationships with these groups,” said Dandridge.
Her goal echoes that of 2021 NADA Chairman Paul Walser, who will aim to increase diversity in the dealership so as to reflect the broad range of cultural diversity and customers reflected in many communities.
The virtual 2021 NADA Show runs from Feb. 9-11, 2021. Stay tuned for more coverage of the event, which will appear on our Canadian auto dealer website and in our March issue.
