Derek Russell named chairman of the Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association board

Derek Russell named chairman of the Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association board

Ford of West Memphis GM tapped for leadership role

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A longtime car salesman in West Memphis has been tapped to head the state’s auto dealers association.

Derek Russell, general manager of Ford of West Memphis was elected Chairman of the Board of the Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association.

The AADA is a trade organization which represents over 250 Arkansas franchised automobile and truck dealers.

“It is an honor for me to serve as chairman,” Russell said. “It’s one of the premiere organizations in Arkansas. It is really well respected.”

Russell has been on the AADA board of directors for about the past seven years and said he is looking forward to his new role.

“We keep dealers up to date on the various new regulations and we provide different services to dealers to help with tag and title work when they have issues,” Russell said. “I will have to give a couple of speeches and hold meetings and a few things like that, which really isn’t my thing. But I am excited to serve.

We have an annual trip we take to Washington, D.C.

with the National Automobile Dealer Association. So we meet with all of our Arkansas senators and representatives and give them what our priorities are and feelings are to help business out.” Russell has been with Ford of West Memphis since 1995.

AADA President Dennis Jungmeyer said Russell brings a long tradition of family service to the AADA. His father served as past chairman.

“His family has been very active with the association,” Jungmeyer said.

“We’re really excited to have him. Derek is one of our younger representatives and he is going to do a great job.”

By Mark Randall