Kevin Reilly chosen as WANADAês 2016 Time Dealer
WANADA is pleased to announce that Kevin Reilly, president of Alexandria Hyundai, will represent the Metropolitan Washington area as a 2016 Time Magazine Dealer of the Year. The dealers are put forth by auto dealer associations across the U.S. who are recognized at the NADA Convention, which this year is set for April 1, 2016 in Las Vegas. The Time Dealer of the Year program honors new-car dealers who exhibit exceptional performance as automotive retailers, industry change agents and community leaders. Reilly was nominated by WANADA President John OêDonnell.
The Time Dealer of the Year Award nominees are stellar business people and pillars of their communities, who have each given generously to support important charitable causes, said Tim Russi, president of auto finance for Ally Financial, the exclusive sponsor for the fifth year running. Ally is proud to honor these dealers and to recognize their commitment to making a difference.
Reilly started in the automobile business at age 13, washing Lincoln and Mercury cars at the dealership operated by his father. He sold Hyundais part-time while attending Georgetown University, later applying for an open Hyundai point in Alexandria in 2000 which he opened in 2001.
Having a law degree from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Duke University came in handy when Reilly started his career in the auto industry. He was instrumental in helping dealers nationwide get paid under the Cash-for-Clunkers program and trained other dealers on getting paid through the program. As part of that role, Reilly created a training document for government administrators to reference when reviewing claims.
Reilly was appointed by two Virginia governors to the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board, serving from 2005 to 2013, with his last two years serving as vice chairman. For his service to learning and educational initiatives in the auto industry, Reilly received the Northwood University Dealer Education Award in 2009.
Reilly joined the WANADA Board of Directors in 2007, subsequently joining The Washington Auto Show Committee where he served as chairman in 2014 and 2015. We set an all-time attendance record in 2015, and Washington is now recognized as a tier one auto show on the global industry circuit, he said.
Reillyês charitable work is focused on the city of Alexandria, where he supports a variety of organizations, schools, churches and community activities. He is also committed to the Hyundai Hope on Wheels program, which helps fight pediatric cancer.
Tapped for numerous honors for his good works, Reilly is proud to have received several community service awards, from the Hopkins House Heart of the Community Award to the Potomac West Business Association STAR Award. The STAR Award was special to me because it exemplified what Iêve worked hard to do my entire career find common ground and arrive at solutions that benefit all parties involved, he said.
WANADA wishes Kevin Reilly the very best on the well-deserved recognition.
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