Detroit Auto Dealers Association Announces Officers for 2010-2011

TROY, Mich., Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA), one of the nation's largest and most influential dealer organizations, today announced its new slate of officers for 2010-2011. The announcement was made by DADA Executive Vice President Rod Alberts at the organization's annual member meeting.

Newly elected officers are: James T. Seavitt, president; Robert R. Shuman, vice president; and Scott LaRiche, treasurer-secretary.

President James T. Seavitt

Seavitt is president of Village Ford in Dearborn, and began his auto retailing career in 1973 with Hines Park Lincoln Mercury, where he served as finance and insurance manager, sales manager, and general sales manager. He purchased Village Ford in 1982. During his 29 year tenure, Village Ford has received 12 President's Awards from Ford Motor Company, five Triple Crown Awards, 22 "Top 100 in Sales" Awards, and seven Partners in Quality Awards (from Ford Motor Credit). Seavitt follows former DADA President William M. Perkins, president of Bill Perkins Automotive Group (Taylor Chevrolet, Taylor, Mich.; Merollis Chevrolet, Eastpointe, Mich.)

Vice President Robert R. Shuman

Shuman is president of Shuman Chrysler-Jeep in Walled Lake. A third-generation dealer / owner, Shuman took a different path prior to embarking on a career in automotive retailing. Holding an accounting degree from Michigan State University and a law degree from the University of Michigan, Shuman practiced law with the firm of Beier Howlett in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., eventually being named a partner in the firm. Shuman resigned his position with the firm to take over the family dealership in 1997, upon the retirement of his father.

Treasurer-Secretary Scott LaRiche

LaRiche is executive manager/vice president of Lou LaRiche Chevrolet in Plymouth, Mich., which was established in 1970 by Scott's father, Lou. Scott LaRiche is a third-generation dealer and has been part of the family business with his father and brothers, John and Robert, for more than 30 years (all of whom are active in day-to-day operations at various locations). LaRiche is active in the Plymouth-Canton and Northville communities, and is a member of the Plymouth Rotary Club. LaRiche attended Eastern Michigan University where he was part of the 1978 National Championship Forensics Team.  

About the DADA

The DADA was founded in 1907 by 17 local car dealers, and has grown to more than 220 member car and truck dealers, who donate their time and resources to a host of community activities. Currently, the DADA members collectively employ approximately 16,000 people.

Many members participate in the NAIAS, LLC, which is responsible for the production of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). The most significant charitable venture of the DADA is the annual NAIAS Charity Preview, which has raised more than $44 million for children's charities in southeastern Michigan since 1976. To find out more, visit www.dada.org and www.naias.com.

SOURCE Detroit Auto Dealers Association