John Altman – President
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the WANADA team, thank you for your continued membership and engagement.
The Washington metro area remains one of the most competitive automotive markets in the country. In an environment like this, having a strong, focused trade association isn’t optional — it’s essential. The regulatory and economic landscape continues to evolve, and it’s critical that dealers have a unified voice.
At the federal level, we’re seeing a more constructive and stable regulatory climate, with policymakers showing renewed interest in practical, pro-business approaches. That said, challenges remain closer to home. In both Maryland and Virginia, proposals continue to surface that could negatively impact franchised dealers. WANADA is fully engaged alongside our sister associations in Annapolis and Richmond to make sure your interests are represented and protected.
Three major operational themes continue to shape our industry, and much of WANADA’s work centers around these areas.
First, affordability remains top of mind — for our customers and for our stores. The Washington, DC Auto Show is one of our most powerful tools in addressing this. It brings policymakers and OEM leaders together for Public Policy Day and provides consumers with the opportunity to compare a wide range of brands and models in one place during the 10-day public show.
Importantly, our show is now the first in the country able to track real vehicle sales generated by attendees. That means measurable ROI for exhibitors — and real proof of value. If your brand isn’t currently participating, I strongly encourage you to connect with WANADA and take a fresh look at how accessible and impactful the show can be.
Second, fixed operations remain the backbone of dealership profitability. WANADA’s ADEI apprenticeship program has developed into the strongest technician pipeline in our region. It provides dealerships with motivated apprentices who grow into productive, full-line technicians at a fraction of traditional training costs. In today’s environment, that matters.
Third, while AI is enhancing many aspects of dealership operations — and we’re all experimenting with it — it cannot replace relationships. It cannot replace peer learning. And it cannot replace the strength of a dealer community that shares insights and supports one another. WANADA continues to create those touchpoints through events like the WANADA Open, the Annual Meeting, and even this Membership Directory. Technology can assist us, but it will never substitute for sitting across the table from a fellow dealer and having an honest conversation.
As Chairman, I’ve personally benefited from all three of these pillars — participating in the Auto Show, hiring ADEI apprentices who have grown into valuable members of our teams, and building lasting relationships through WANADA events. I’m honored to serve and grateful for your partnership as we continue working together to strengthen automotive retail across the Washington metropolitan region.
Sincerely,
John Altman
President of Beyer Auto Group
John O’Donnell – President & CEO
The retail automobile industry continues to operate in an environment defined by ongoing challenges, from regulatory scrutiny and workforce constraints to rising operating costs and growing criminal activity targeting dealerships. In this climate, WANADA’s role as your strong, proactive trade association is more important than ever. Nationally, WANADA is widely viewed as a leader among metropolitan dealer associations—setting the standard for advocacy, operational support, and innovation—and that leadership directly benefits our members here in the Washington region.
One of the most significant challenges facing dealers today is the Federal Trade Commission’s intensified enforcement of dealer advertising practices. While the FTC’s objectives are clear, many aspects of its enforcement approach leave unanswered questions for franchised dealers operating in real‑world conditions. WANADA has taken a leadership role by assisting NADA in its advisory capacity to the FTC, helping regulators understand how advertising and compliance work in practice and identifying gray‑area issues that enforcement actions alone do not address. This proactive engagement ensures that the dealer perspective is clearly represented and that future guidance reflects operational realities.
Workforce development remains another defining issue for our industry, especially in service departments that anchor dealership profitability. Through the Automotive Dealer Education Institute (ADEI), WANADA operates the largest dealership‑run technician apprenticeship program in the country. In addition to its cornerstone technician pipeline, ADEI provides training for state safety inspectors and service advisors, offering dealers a comprehensive and scalable solution to today’s staffing challenges. No other regional association delivers workforce development at this scale or breadth.
Equally important is WANADA’s Employee Benefits Program, which continues to stand out as an industry leader. Because the brokerage is owned by dealers, for dealers, WANADA is able to deliver the same scope of services as national firms—often at lower cost—while remaining exclusively focused on the unique needs of dealership employers and employees in our market. The program helps members manage rising healthcare costs, remain competitive in hiring, and navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Beyond these core programs, WANADA leads on a broad range of issues vital to dealership operations. We work closely with law‑enforcement partners to combat auto theft and fraud across the region; engage in coordinated government relations efforts alongside MADA and VADA in Annapolis and Richmond; spearhead local political advocacy throughout the Washington metropolitan area; and serve as a central networking hub for dealers through events like the WANADA Open and the Annual Meeting. These connections—between dealers, policymakers, and community leaders—remain essential to our collective strength.
WANADA exists to ensure that dealers are not navigating these challenges alone. I am proud of the association’s leadership and deeply appreciative of the engagement of our members. I look forward to working with you throughout 2026 as we continue defending, supporting, and strengthening franchised automotive retail in our region.
Sincerely,
John O’Donnell
President, WANADA