The American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) today announced that Hagerstown, Md., dealer Paul Ritchie will serve as its 2017 chairman. Ritchie, who is the president of Hagerstown Honda and Hagerstown Kia in Hagerstown, Md., and Altoona Honda in Altoona, Pa., took over the position during AIADA's 47th Annual Meeting and Luncheon, held today in New Orleans, Louisiana.

"My job for the next 12 months is to preserve the American dream for dealers and ensure that it is available for future generations who want to take a leap of faith," said Ritchie during AIADA's meeting. "Right now, that means working with everything we have in Washington, D.C. to promote dealer interests, protect global trade, and fight back against the devastating border adjustment tax."

Ritchie has been involved in the automotive industry since 1976, opening Hagerstown Honda in 1990 followed by Hagerstown Kia in 1997 and Altoona Honda in 2013. A member of AIADA's board of directors for several years, he is a recognized leader in the auto industry. In the past, he served as Chairman of the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) and was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year Award in 2009. In addition to running three successful dealerships, Ritchie also makes time for several community causes, including local educational programs, service organizations, and the local Chamber of Commerce.

Serving alongside Ritchie in leadership positions on the AIADA Board of Directors are Greg Kaminsky, Immediate Past Chairman (El Cajon, Calif.); Brad Strong, Chairman-Elect (Salt Lake City, Utah); Howard Hakes, Vice-Chairman (City of Industry, Calif.); and Steve Gates, Secretary/Treasurer (Richmond, Ky.).

Also during its Annual Meeting, AIADA presented Greensburg, Pa., dealer Jim Smail with the 2017 David F. Mungenast Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award. Smail is the president of the Smail Auto Group, a collection of ten dealerships that has been family-owned and operated for over 75 years.