A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP Founded in Richmond in 1943 as the Automotive Trade Association of Virginia, the organization emerged from a simple yet powerful realization: the state’s growing auto industry needed a strong, united advocate in the halls of government. By 1973, the group adopted its current name, reflecting its mission to serve and represent automobile dealers across the Commonwealth. Since 1996, Don Hall has served as VADA’s President and CEO — only the fifth person to hold the role in the association’s eight-decade history. His tenure has been marked by steady leadership, strategic advocacy, and a deep commitment to protecting the franchise system that underpins the U.S. auto market. “We’ve always been a bridge between local dealerships and policymakers in Richmond and Washington,” Hall says. “Our job is to protect the franchise system and ensure consumers have choice, competition, and transparency. That mission hasn’t changed since we began, but the challenges and opportunities certainly have.” In April, VADA hosted Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott (right), and 86th District candidate and retail automotive leader Virgil Thornton Sr. (standing next to Hall). At left is Dan Banister of Banister Automotive, who was VADA chair at the time. 21 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 11 VIRGINIA AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION
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