BY MARSHALL JESPERSEN CHAIRMAN, NHADA, ICL AUTOS As my tenure as chairman of the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association (NHADA) comes to a close, I reflect on the past two years with great pride and appreciation. It has been an honor to serve our association, working alongside a dedicated team of professionals who remain committed to advancing New Hampshire’s motor vehicle industry. I am excited to pass the gavel to our next chairman, Jason LaCroix, VP of AutoFair and Managing Partner at AutoFair Honda of Manchester. Jason’s term began on May 1, 2025, and he will be joined by John Crowley, Dealer Principal of Best Ford, serving as Vice Chair. I have no doubt that under Jason’s leadership, NHADA will continue to thrive and grow. One of the most significant milestones during my time as chairman was welcoming NHADA’s new President, Dan Bennett. His leadership has already brought fresh energy and perspective to the association, and I have been fortunate to work closely with him as he stepped into this pivotal role. Additionally, I made it a priority to maintain a strong in-person presence with the NHADA staff, reinforcing our internal culture and assisting the management team with operations. Legislative advocacy has always been a cornerstone of NHADA’s mission, and during my term, we took meaningful steps to amplify our collective voice. Encouraging our members to engage with key legislation, particularly regarding the state’s vehicle safety inspection and emissions program, has been critical. A major enhancement to our government affairs efforts was the successful hiring of Jay O’Leary, former NH State Police Lieutenant, and Troop Commander of Troop G, as Government Relations and Compliance Specialist. This strategic move ensures NHADA remains well-positioned to navigate legislative challenges and opportunities in the years ahead. Beyond advocacy, one of my greatest joys has been participating in NHADA’s events and fundraisers. Showing up, engaging with our members, and fostering a sense of community within our industry has been truly rewarding. While my time as chairman may be concluding, I remain dedicated to supporting NHADA’s mission and will continue championing our initiatives as the immediate past chairman. Looking ahead, I have full confidence in Jason LaCroix’s ability to steer NHADA toward continued success. As chairman, Jason will play a vital role in strengthening our member-support initiatives, with a particular emphasis on retention and promoting our Workers’ Compensation and Insurance services. Additionally, his leadership comes at an exciting time, as the NH Automotive Education Foundation prepares to launch the NH Auto Careers brand. This initiative will introduce a dynamic new website and job board, as well as a vinyl-wrapped trailer equipped with hands-on automotive education activities — an innovative way to inspire and educate the next generation of automotive professionals. As I pass the gavel to Jason, I extend my gratitude to the NHADA staff, board members and the entire dealer community for their unwavering support. Our association is strong because of the collective efforts of its members, and I am confident that with Jason at the helm, NHADA will continue to drive progress for New Hampshire’s motor vehicle industry. Thank you for the opportunity to serve, and here’s to the next chapter! PASSING THE GAVEL A New Chapter for NHADA Board Leadership A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR 8
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