NHADA chief to retire at end of year

Dan McLeod, longtime president of the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association, will be retiring at the end of 2007.

“It’s been a great ride,” said McLeod, who has been with the organization for 27 years. ”The folks I’ve worked for over the years are just wonderful people. They’re wonderful in the work they do, the service they provide and in what they give back to their communities.”

McLeod, 60, joined the NHADA as a field representative and “government relations guy” in 1981 and was named president seven years later.

Among the accomplishments marked by McLeod during his tenure are the numerous recognitions by the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award selection committee amassed by association members.

According to McLeod, New Hampshire automobile dealers are always well represented on the list of award winners and finalists.

“This is a big deal, and New Hampshire has more finalists and more winners than any other state in the nation,” McLeod said. ”We stand out, and when these folks are successful they give back to their communities. I am proud to be working for these folks.”

While McLeod will remain in his position at NHADA for another nine months, he is looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and pursuing his love of woodworking when he finally says “good-bye” at the end of the year.

Although McLeod’s replacement has not yet been found, a search committee has been formed and the selection process is under way. – TRACIE STONE