The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) announced Jeff Martin as its new Chief Executive Officer today.

The NIADA Board of Directors selected Martin, the Executive Director of the Texas Independent Automobile Dealers Association, to lead the 75-year-old dealer driven association.

“Jeff is absolutely the right person to carry us forward,” said Scott Allen, President of the NIADA Board of Directors. “In our search for a CEO, we explored our options, and there was one particular person who checked all the boxes. Jeff has a servant’s heart, is full of integrity and has empathy for our community and industry.”

Martin has more than 20 years of experience working in the association industry, including serving as the executive director of TIADA since 2006.  He’s helped TIADA grow its annual budget from $630,000 to more than $2 million and increased membership from 850 to nearly 1,300. 

Martin started his career as a field representative with the Association of Texas Professional Educators, rising to Director of Member Services and helping the association grow from 65,000 to 107,000 members.

“I could not be more excited to join NIADA,” Martin said. “There is a very talented, professional and dedicated group already at NIADA, and I can’t wait to be a part of that team. I look forward to working with the dealers, industry partners, staff and state executives to build the association they all deserve.”  

Martin will be starting his new role March 20.

Since mid-December, Melanie Wilson has served as NIADA’s interim CEO. She previously was the CFO for the association. 

“I want to applaud Melanie and the entire NIADA staff for their professionalism and focus during this interim,” Allen said. “I look forward to seeing what the NAIDA team will accomplish moving forward.”