Anthony Bento Chief Legal Officer Hometown: Sacramento, California With CNCDA since: January 2017 Tell us about your background. How did you end up at CNCDA? I double-majored in film and digital media and in politics in college. After college, I worked as a photographer in New York, but I realized it wasn’t a great career choice. After that, I held a series of jobs back in California and went to law school. After graduating from law school in 2013, I joined a mid-sized law firm in Sacramento as an associate. In late 2016, I decided it was time for a change when a recruiter contacted me about a job opportunity at CNCDA. What does your current position entail? I’m the Chief Legal Officer, which means I’m the association’s lead in-house attorney. In addition to reviewing contracts and other routine legal matters, I manage our association’s litigation efforts. I help our lobbying team understand the impact of proposed legislation and regulations on our industry, and I serve as the chief architect of our member compliance resources, including manuals and webinars. I am also the architect of many state franchise laws that protect California dealers from unfair practices. When should a dealer member reach out to you? Dealers should contact me if they’re encountering issues with their manufacturers or need information about California law. Dealers can also contact our legal hotline at (916) 441-2599 for help. My colleague, Les Swizer, is the lead on the hotline, and he’s a very knowledgeable resource. What’s a project you’re currently working on that directly impacts our members? My biggest project right now is our lawsuits against VW/Scout and Honda for their unlawful direct sales plans. It’s not an overstatement to say that the outcome of this litigation will greatly impact our industry for decades to come. It’s critical that dealers draw a line in the sand to block unfair competition from their automaker partners. What do you enjoy most about working with California’s dealer community? People who work at dealerships are dynamic, interesting and hard-working. They’re a critical part of the state’s economy, and it’s a privilege to work in an industry that is undergoing such incredible changes. It feels like every day, something is new in retail automotive. What’s something about you that people might be surprised to learn? I’m getting married in October! I also just bought a house with my fiancée, Liz. We’re very excited. Coffee or tea? Early bird or night owl? Both. I need my coffee in the morning, but tea often gets me through the afternoon. And I’m definitely a morning person. My brain doesn’t want to work hard after dinner. What was your first car? A 2001 Saturn L300. Any hidden talents or fun facts most people don’t know about you? I still love taking photos, especially landscapes. I’m also an avid skier and cyclist — when I’m not working on my new home! Under the Hood 14 California New Car Dealer Quarterly
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