Roger Keller at the VADA Annual Convention with legislators Laura Jane Cohen (D-Fairfax), left, and Brianna Sewell (D-Woodbridge), right. Sewell carried VADA’s warranty legislation bill in the 2025 General Assembly. Roger Keller didn’t set out to chair two state automobile dealer associations. In fact, he wasn’t even looking to leave Indiana. But after nearly four decades in the automotive industry, Keller has proven himself to be a leader defined by consistency, humility and a deep respect for the people and communities he serves. Today, Keller serves as vice president and platform director for Sheehy Auto Stores, overseeing seven dealerships in Virginia (three in Richmond, one in Warrenton and three in Fredericksburg). And as of July 1, he is the newly appointed chair of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association — believed to be the only person to serve as an automotive trade association chair in two different states, having previously held the role in Indiana. Don Hall, VADA’s president and CEO since 1988, says Keller brings a rare mix of operational excellence and personal integrity to the role. Introducing Roger Keller, 2025‑26 VADA Board Chair A Steady Hand, Relentless Work Ethic and a Commitment to Communities “Roger is a statesman, a steady hand and a servant leader,” Hall says. “He listens more than he talks, puts people first and leads with humility. While Roger doesn’t come from a family of auto dealers, this industry is absolutely in his blood, and dealers and their teams across Virginia will benefit from his wisdom and quiet strength.” ROOTED IN THE MIDWEST, GROWING ON THE EAST After graduating from Troy University, Keller joined the auto industry in 1987 following a stint in business phone sales at AT&T. Encouraged by his wife, Teresa, and intrigued by the opportunity and entrepreneurial nature of dealership life, he joined Tom Wood Automotive Group in Indianapolis. It turned out to be a nearly 31-year career with the company, one that saw him rise from finance manager to chief operating officer. In 2017, Keller made the leap to Sheehy, prompted by longtime industry colleagues and a serendipitous series of conversations — including a memorable Zoom interview with Paul Sheehy, conducted by the co-owner and used car director from a pub in Ireland. Sheehy Auto Stores is the 32nd largest dealer group in the nation and sells more than 45,000 vehicles a year across 30 dealerships from Hagerstown, Maryland, to Richmond, Virginia. The decision meant moving his family from Indiana to Northern Virginia — a change he didn’t take lightly. “My wife stayed behind for three years while our kids finished school,” recalls Keller. “She held the fort down. She deserves so much credit. I couldn’t have made this transition without her.” Today, the couple lives in Great Falls. Their daughter, Kate, works at a Montessori school in Herndon, and their son, Sam, is in his third year of medical school at Penn State. 6 Virginia Auto Dealer
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