Abigail Balk is the Marketing/ Communications Manager at Greater Rockford Auto Auction. She joined the Greater Rockford team in 2016 as Marketing Coordinator. Her passion for learning and strong work ethic led to her promotion in 2022 to Marketing/ Communications Manager. She has earned her MBA from Northern Illinois University and her BA in Accounting, Business Management, and Marketing from St. Ambrose University. She also hosts and produces the ARA Hearing Voices Podcast. In 2023 Abigail was honored as a member of the “40 under 40: Auto Industry” class.

A dedicated professional with over 19 years of experience in the automotive industry. Professional passions include developing innovative solutions for traditional problems, training design, development and delivery, and mentoring others.

Cynthia Meyer serves as Vice President of Business Development at Auction Management Solutions, Inc., bringing more than 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. She has built a successful career partnering with auctions and commercial consignors to grow market share, optimize operational performance, and deliver on strategic business objectives. Prior to her current role, Cynthia held leadership positions including Director of Sales and Marketing with Manheim and ADT, National Sales Director for Dealers Auto Auction Group, and Vice President of Sales with Liquid Motors. Cynthia is a graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Business and a recipient of the Women in Remarketing award. She currently chairs the Independent Auction Group Marketing Committee and serves as a committee chair for both the ARA Conference Planning and Marketing Committee and the ARA Membership Engagement Committee. She also previously served on the board of the Automotive Remarketers Alliance.

Dave Blake is an automotive remarketing executive with more than 30 years of experience in the auto auction industry. He began his career at the Auto Auction of New England before advancing into executive leadership roles, including serving as General Manager of DAA Seattle with McConkey Auction Group. Throughout his career, Dave has spent more than 20 years leading auction operations and organizational growth and continues to serve the McConkey Auction Group. Dave serves as the Executive Director of the Independent Auction Group (IAG), where he works alongside auction owners, industry partners, and association leaders to strengthen the independent auction community through collaboration, education, innovation, and advocacy. He is passionate about helping independent auctions remain competitive while fostering meaningful relationships across the remarketing industry. Known for his servant-leadership philosophy, Dave believes that great leadership begins with personal growth, integrity, and a commitment to serving others. His experience spans operations, organizational culture, strategic planning, and leadership development, and he is recognized for bringing people together to solve challenges, develop future leaders, and create organizations where both people and businesses can thrive.

With more than 50 years of experience in the automotive industry, I have been involved in virtually every aspect of the business. My automotive journey began as a young teen in 1973, working at my uncle's Volkswagen dealership, followed by service in the U.S. Air Force and a brief period in electronics repair.

After returning to the automotive industry, I worked in vehicle sales, Pontiac and DeLoreans, used car management, and dealership purchasing, where I developed a passion for the auction business. My career evolved through dealership operations, vehicle acquisition, and fleet remarketing with organizations including CFR Leasing, Lend Lease, ARI, and LeasePlan.

I later joined the auction industry with Manheim and Houston Auto Auction, helping develop new auction facilities and supporting the growth of Big Texas and Belton Auto Auctions. Today, I continue my work in fleet and lease remarketing with Auto Financial Group (AFG), bringing decades of experience in automotive operations, auctions, and end-of-term vehicle management.

Emma brings more than a decade of experience in the automotive industry, having begun her career with NextGear Capital Canada in 2013. She initially held roles in client experience and project management before being promoted in 2018 to Manager of Risk and Business Performance. In 2019, her scope expanded to include oversight of Canadian business operations, where she led efforts across risk, recovery, records, funding, and customer care.

In 2022, Emma joined the newly established North American Auction Relationships team, where she played a key role in strengthening and growing NextGear Capital’s partnerships with auction organizations across the United States. She relocated from Canada to the United States in 2024 to support this work and further expand her impact across the North American market. She transitioned into Customer Care leadership in December 2024 and, in March 2026, was promoted to Senior Manager of Customer Care. In this role, she provides strategic leadership across multiple contact center workflows, strengthening the experience for both dealers and auction partners.

Emma is actively engaged in industry and community initiatives. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Automotive Remarketers Alliance (ARA) Membership Committee. Since 2024, she has also served as the Cox 34 x 34 Ambassador for Carmel, overseeing local volunteer efforts. Her contributions have earned notable recognition, including a President’s Choice Award from Cox Automotive in 2020. She was named one of the “Automotive Industry’s Most Influential Women” by the Trillium Automotive Dealers Association (TADA) in 2022 and was honored as a Women in Automotive: Profiles in Leadership recipient at Canada’s Used Car Week in 2023.

Emma holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Windsor and graduated from Auction Academy, Class 8, in 2025.

Greg Lubrani is a senior automotive remarketing executive with nearly four decades of hands-on experience across wholesale auctions, vehicle diagnostics, and remarketing operations. As CEO and President of CarDr.com, he leads a vehicle-diagnostic technology platform deployed at major U.S. auto auctions and automotive dealer networks — delivering pre-certification scans, condition reports, trade appraisals, and post-sale inspections powered by full-module OEM diagnostic protocols.

Greg’s career spans leadership roles at some of the industry’s most recognized organizations, including Enterprise, Manheim, ACV Auctions, Repairify, and Copart, giving him a uniquely broad perspective on the forces shaping vehicle remarketing today. He is a recognized advocate for raising transparency and consistency across the wholesale channel, including advancing industry-wide diagnostic standards.

A trusted voice on auction operations, arbitration policy, and the evolving role of vehicle data in remarketing, Greg brings both operational depth and strategic vision to every conversation.

Holly Vollant currently serves as Manager – North American Remarketing, at Holman. In her current role at Holman, Holly leads the charge in growing the business and working with clients to maximize the value of their remarketing portfolio through a detailed and consultative approach.

Holly has more than 15 years of experience leading teams and working to drive clients’ success in automotive remarketing and wholesale remarketing for national, regional, and local fleet management companies, leasing companies, banks, credit unions, specialty finance companies, dealers, wholesalers and corporate fleet managers of all sizes.

Holly has been widely recognized for her accomplishments in the auto industry including being recognized as one of Auto Remarketing’s Top 40 Under 40 as well as it’s Women in Retail award.  She has been an active member of the Automotive Remarketing Alliance for nearly 10 years, currently serving as Co-chair of the Marketing and Engagement Committee and previously served on the Executive Committee as the Executive Board Secretary for 2 years. She is committed to the growth and success of IARA. 

Holly is a Lifetime Certified Automotive Remarketer, IARA ACT Certified, and holds a Bachelors Degree in Business and Finance.

Houston Gordon is the General Manager at Greensboro Auto Auction, one of the leading independent auctions in the country. A third-generation family member, Houston has spent 12-year tenure working across multiple positions to develop a core understanding of the business. He credits the auction's continued success and industry reputation to the dedication and expertise of his exceptional team. 

When he isn't managing a massive footprint of vehicles, he's likely traveling, talking about cars, or hunting his golf ball in the rough. He lives in North Carolina with his wife of five years, Monika, and their seven-year-old spaniel, Tucker, who is the real boss of the household.

Jane Morgan was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, hence her love of the beach and one of the main reasons why she resides in Surfside Beach, SC. She attended Texas A&M, but graduated Summa Cum Laude from Baylor University with a BBA in Accounting. 

Jane’s auction career began as a controller in 1989 at Dallas Anglo-American Auto Auction (now Manheim Dallas), and she advanced to Assistant GM at Gulf States Auto Auction (now ADESA Dallas), General Manager of ADESA Charlotte, Regional Vice-President of the ADESA Eastern Region and finally, President of the ADESA specialty division and off-site solutions. As a GM, Jane received more than fifteen awards including ADESA Outstanding Customer Service Auction and multiple years of Auction of the Year from Bank One, World Omni, Honda, Citi-Financial and Nuvell. 

After over 30 years with ADESA, Jane retired, but not for long. Pyle Family Auctions offered her the Chief Client Officer role to focus on sales growth and the client experience, as well as operational efficiencies at both Capital City and Mountain State Auto Auctions. In addition to that role, she has also become an industry consultant and auction expert trial witness for various clients. 

Jane serves as Treasurer and part-time Executive Sales Director of the ARA, as well as an active member of the ARA Membership Committee, while continuing to serve as councilwoman and Treasurer for Global Remarketing Opportunities for Women (G.R.O.W.). She is also on the Membership Committee for the Independent Auto Auction Group. Jane received the 2024 Legends Award, 2018 NAAA Warren Young Fellow, 2018 Leading Women in RV Industry, 2014 Laurie Dobberphul Award for Outstanding Industry Female and 2009 Women of Remarketing Award of Excellence. She held numerous positions with the NAAA including National Board of Directors for three years, Southern Chapter Board Chairman, President and Vice-President, Committee Chair for Arbitration, Co-Chair for the Legislative Committee and Financial Committee member. 

In her spare time, Jane loves to spend time with her family, work in the yard, swim, go to the beach and cheer for her Texas Aggies and the Dallas Cowboys!

Jeff Martin joined the NIADA as the Chief Executive Officer in March 2023 and has been throughout the country visiting with dealers and association members in the past nearly two years.

Since Martin joined NIADA, the association has grown its events and influence on Capitol Hill on behalf of independent auto dealers.

Martin has more than 20 years of experience working in the association industry, including serving as the executive director of TIADA since 2006. He 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.

The Native Texan graduated from Tarleton State University and lives in Austin, Texas. 

Jim began his career with Holman in 2004 and has over 30 years of industry experience, currently overseeing remarketing venues and programs across North America. Before Holman, Jim held positions at Insurance Auto Auctions and ADESA Impact, and he holds certifications including IARA Lifetime Certified Remarketer and I-CAR Automotive Collision Repair, also serving as co-chair on the ARA Education and Conference committee [1] [2].

Jimmy Douglas is the founder and CEO of Plug, the first and only EV wholesale marketplace. Jimmy’s unique expertise stems from years leading the world's largest used EV remarketing operation at Tesla, a career that began on the front lines of dealership fixed operations, and deep connections in Silicon Valley as a startup investor and entrepreneur. A recognized leader in automotive remarketing, Jimmy has been named to Auto Remarketing’s ’40 Under 40: Industry’ and has earned his Automotive Remarketing Alliance Certified Automotive Remarketer (CAR) Certification

Joe Miller is the Founder of Awareness to Action Coaching where he aims to help members of our industry and the community unlock their full potential through 1:1 coaching, team and group workshops, event facilitation, and content designed to improve the journey of current and future leaders. After 15 years in the heart of our industry as an executive at AutoIMS, Joe brings a unique understanding of the remarketing industry and a passion for helping leaders reach their potential. Learn more about Joe on LinkedIn or schedule time with him here: www.calendly.com/coachjoemiller. Contact Joe at 678-464-0544 or joe@a2acoach.com.

As Vice President of Commercial Solutions, John Combs oversees commercial clients throughout the United States. With a diverse skill set of auction operations, sales, and management, he brings both strong leadership and significant insight to the ADESA sales team.

Combs has more than 35 years of industry experience. His professional remarketing career began in 1991 as the Reconditioning Manager for ADESA Memphis; he was later promoted to Fleet/Lease Manager and Arbitration Manager there. Since then, he has held multiple management positions including Fleet/Lease Manager and General Sales Manager for Dealers Auction of Dallas, Remarketing Manager for Sunstar Acceptance Corp., and National Auction Remarketing Manager for Bank One Credit Company. In 2000 he opened a greenfield site, ABC Indianapolis, as General Manager. He returned to ADESA in 2006 to serve in key roles, including Executive Sales Director and General Manager of ADESA San Diego, before taking on the role of Vice President of Commercial Customer Solutions. In 2023, Combs was named Vice President of Sales at ADESA.

My go to hobby is boating and nothing beats a day on the lake with my kids and grands followed by a cookout!

Combs holds a bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis on marketing from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University–Bloomington.

Josh Combs joined Dealers Auto Auction in 2024 as Vice President of Sales, where he is dedicated to driving a superior customer experience for dealer and commercial partners. With over a decade at OPENLANE, Josh has held strategic leadership roles across several business units, including PAR North America, ADESA, and High Tech Locksmiths, where he consistently demonstrated expertise in national account management and operational excellence within the automotive remarketing industry.

Most importantly, Josh recently welcomed his first child, a baby boy, in July and while there are many sleepless nights in his future, he couldn’t be more excited for this new journey!

Josh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Leadership Studies, with a specialization in Strategy, from Ball State University.

Lauren Baker serves as Director of Growth and Operations at ARA, supporting member engagement, strategic initiatives, and programs that strengthen the association. With more than 15 years of experience in the automotive remarketing industry, including leadership roles with PHH and Element Fleet Management, she is passionate about developing future leaders, fostering industry connections, and creating meaningful member experiences. Lauren lives in Pennsylvania with her three children.

Lisa Prestidge is from a small town in Canada on the outskirts of Toronto and has spent more than three decades building a career in the automotive industry, with deep expertise in vehicle remarketing. She began her journey with GMAC/SmartAuction and later joined Element Fleet Management, where she has proudly contributed for the past 12 years. With over 25 years dedicated to the remarketing sector, Lisa brings a wealth of experience, industry knowledge, and genuine passion for the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of automotive. Though she once considered pursuing a different career path, the energy, relationships, and opportunities within the industry kept her firmly rooted in the work she loves. Outside of her professional life, Lisa is an avid traveler and enthusiastic foodie. Her greatest life accomplishment is raising a kind, successful son who proudly calls her mom.

Mark Strand is Senior Director of Economic Industry Insights for Cox Automotive, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises. Cox Automotive includes Manheim North America and consumer-facing media properties Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book, as well as a suite of companies that provide software tools to help dealers and manufacturers manage their inventory and advertising online.  

 In his role with Economic & Industry Insights/Research & Market Intelligence, Mark is responsible for tracking market trends that drive the shifts in automotive industry and analyzing such trends to produce industry forecasts. Mark keeps an eye on the pulse of the automotive industry in all aspects, from economics and finance impacting vehicle demand to consumer trends impacting the way we shop for, buy and own vehicles. 

Mark has seen the industry from a variety of angles, including both dealer and manufacturer perspectives. Prior to joining Cox Automotive, Mark was a Market Analyst with the National Automobile Dealers Association and was formerly with IHS Automotive, providing analytical products and industry insights to OEMs. 

Mark Coleman has served as Executive Director of ARA (Automotive Remarketing Alliance) since 2023.  Prior to ARA, Mark's career spanned 25 years in automotive, including stints with Element Fleet, GE Fleet and Chrome Systems.  He lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife of 38 years and their three grumpy cats.

Matt Arias is an automotive remarketing executive with more than 25 years of experience in auction operations, arbitration, inspections, sales support, reconditioning, and operational excellence.

He has held senior leadership roles with Cox Automotive/Manheim, America’s Auto Auction, ACV Auctions, and Mid Kansas Auto Auction. Matt is recognized across the industry for his expertise in NAAA auction standards, arbitration, damage analysis, mediation, negotiation, vehicle certification, and operational risk reduction.

A U.S. Army veteran, Matt has served in standards leadership roles with NAAA and IARA/ARA, helping shape best practices across the remarketing industry. He holds various degrees including an M.B.A. and one of the original Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation Master’s Class.

Today, Matt leads Mid Kansas Auto Auction with a focus on trust, transparency, operational discipline, dealer relationships, and results-driven performance.

Mere Rangel entered the automotive auction industry in 2016 with a passion for serving others and advancing the industry he loves. As Assistant General Manager of Big Valley Auto Auction, for over 10 years, he has built a reputation for leadership, innovation, and operational excellence. CAR Certified since 2017, Mere is a graduate of Auction Academy Class 6 and was honored as co-recipient of the inaugural Maria Acuna Essence Award. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the CAR Certification Committee, is a member of the ServNet Board of Directors, serves as Western Chapter Vice President, leads IAG's Digital Sales & Strategy Committee. Mere is committed to servant leadership, empowering others, and helping establish higher standards throughout the automotive auction industry. He lives by the belief, "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life."

Michael is Director of Client Solutions at Recurrent, an EV data company. He leads their dealer and remarketing partnerships. Over the last 14 years, he has worked across multiple automotive segments including retail, wholesale – and now as a technology vendor for both segments.

Michael Will is the Sr. Director of Commercial Customer Solutions at OPENLANE Canada and currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Canadian ARA. With over 35 years of experience in the Canadian automotive industry, Michael has held a wide range of roles across retail sales, captive finance, sales and marketing, and remarketing. His career includes management positions with BMW Canada, Manheim Canada, and now OPENLANE Canada.

Paul has been in the auction industry since 1996 serving in various executive roles at ADESA until his departure in 2022. Shortly after leaving ADESA he assumed the role of Executive Director at NAAA. Paul was the President of NAAA in 2013.

Penny Wanna holds dual roles as Vice President of Administration for TPC Management Company and President of Auction Academy (Founded by TPC Mgt.). Her TPC Management responsibilities range from due diligence management in acquisitions/divestitures, accounting, and project management to conference and event strategies for its many clients and associated companies, including, Auction Academy and Interstate Automotive Services. She has been an active member of the Auto Auction industry since 2004 and proudly holds several Industry Certifications: IARA Certified Automotive Remarketer, IARA Audit & Compliance, NAAA Safety, and NAAA Data Privacy. Wanna serves as one of the Directors on the IARA Executive Board, Co-Chair of the IARA Education Committee, and holds committee positions for IAG Education, NAAA Education, and NAAA New Members Ambassadors. Simultaneously to her time with TPC Mgt and Auction Academy, she spent 12 years working with the ServNet group as their VP of Admin between the years of 2011-2018. Penny was honored in 2018 as a member of the “Women in Remarketing” class group and again honored with the prestigious NAAA Warren Young Fellowship award in 2021 for her countless volunteer work and commitment to the Remarketing Industry. Prior to her association with TPC Management, Wanna spent ten years with Comcast in Minneapolis, MN as a report analyst for the company’s resource management department. She holds an Associates of Applied Science Degree from Columbia State College., where she graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Penny joined the staff at TPC Management in 2004 as an Executive Assistant and Office Manager. She and her husband Jiles, who is Vice President of Client Services at TPC Management, have three children. They are based in Franklin, Tennessee.

Peter Kelly’s focus — OPENLANE’s purpose — is simple: “make wholesale easy so our customers can be more successful.” Leveraging his deep technology expertise and roots as a digital pioneer, Kelly has spearheaded the company's transformation to become North America's leading digital marketplace for wholesale used vehicles while delivering innovative new products and services to meet the changing needs of customers.

Sheila Tedesco is a highly regarded automotive remarketing leader with more than 35 years of experience driving innovation, operational excellence, and industry collaboration. During her 30-plus years with Lobel Financial, she built the company's Remarketing Department from the ground up, developing the operational infrastructure, compliance procedures, and nationwide auction network that supported a high-performing remarketing operation. She led a national team,

implemented best practices that increased retention and conversion rates, and established strategic industry relationships that contributed to long-term performance, growth, and portfolio success.

Today, Sheila serves as a Consultant with South Bay Remarketing Services, where she advises on remarketing strategy and industry best practices. She is Co-Founder and Vice President of GROW

(Global Remarketing Opportunities for Women), an organization dedicated to advancing and supporting women in the automotive remarketing industry. Sheila also serves on the ARA

(Automotive Remarketing Alliance) Board of Directors representing Consignors and is a member of

the ARA Event Committee.

As the Director of Industry Insights for Cox Automotive, Stephanie Valdez Streaty is responsible for research and analysis, specializing in the transition to electric vehicles. Her focus is providing insights to clients and the industry on key trends impacting electrification.  Previously, Stephanie was the Senior Director of Corporate Responsibility for Cox Automotive, where she was responsible for building and executing the sustainability strategy across the company. Stephanie is a board member of the Georgia Tech Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business Advisory Board, as well as a graduate of the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership program. Stephanie graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and organizational development.

See LinkedIn

Tom Stewart is a seasoned veteran of the wholesale automotive auction industry and is the President and Founder of Auction Management Solutions, Inc. Auction Management Solutions is a consulting firm working with auto auctions, auto finance companies, vehicle manufacturers, corporate fleets, commercial lessors, third party servicers, and e-commerce companies. 

With decades of experience, he has established himself as a trusted leader and innovator in the automotive industry, having launched his career with Anglo American Auto Auctions. He later served as Director of Remarketing for KeyBank in Cleveland, Ohio, where he gained valuable leadership and operational expertise. For the past 15+ years, Stewart has led a variety of consulting projects, focusing on developing strategies that drive profitability, boost productivity, and enhance customer service for AMS partners. In addition to his professional work, he currently serves as Chair of the ARA Conference and Events Committee, contributing to the advancement of industry standards and collaboration.

Tyler Nowicki is Manager of Fleet Lifecycle at Inspiration Fleet, the first and only eFMC® built from the ground up to simplify and accelerate the transition to evolved, electric fleets. With eight years in the automotive industry spanning auction facilitation at CarMax, title and registration operations at Rivian, and now end-of-lease remarketing and disposal at Inspiration, Tyler brings operational depth to every stage of the fleet lifecycle. CAR certified and customer-focused, he pairs hands-on experience with a data-driven approach to fleet performance and remarketing strategy.