The New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJ CAR) announced Nov. 21 that Laura Perrotta is succeeding longtime leader Jim Appleton.

In August, Appleton announced he would step down after 27 years leading the organization. The coalition serves more than 500 new car dealerships throughout the state.

Perotta has more than two decades’ experience working in the association world. Most recently, she served as president of the American Truck Dealers. Before that, she was president and CEO of the American Highway Users Alliance.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead NJ CAR, an organization with a well-known dedication and commitment to serving its dealer members that represent a $43 billion industry here in New Jersey,” Perrotta said. “I look forward to working with the Coalition’s incredible team to continue building on its stellar reputation in Trenton, and across the nation, as a fierce and well-respected advocate for both New Jersey dealers and consumers.”

The organization also announced the promotions of Greyson Hannigan to senior vice president of Legal & Regulatory Affairs and Magdalena Padilla to senior vice president of Government Affairs, effective Dec. 1.

“I am so pleased to have such an outstanding leadership team at NJ CAR,” Perrotta added. “Greyson and Magdalena bring a lot to the table, and we want to recognize what they have accomplished and will do for our dealer members long into the future.”

NJ CAR leadership:

At the beginning of the year, longtime industry veteran and dealerships owner Eric Nielsen assumed the chairmanship of NJ CAR. Read more >>