Texas Automobile Dealers Association Names New President
Extensive National Search Concludes with Local Austin Business Leader
AUSTIN, Texas (December 18, 2019) – Darren Whitehurst has been named President of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association (TADA). Darren is joining TADA after spending fifteen years at the Texas Medical Association. Darren’s career has been dedicated to leadership roles where, time and time again, he has led organizations to new heights.
Bill Wolters, retiring President of TADA, said, “We are excited to have Darren leading TADA into the future. Darren Whitehurst reflects the family values and community spirit embraced by Texas’ franchised dealers. His extensive history of success in government affairs will provide TADA with the leadership necessary to continue to serve Texas and Texans throughout our great state.”
Prior to joining TADA, Darren enjoyed a 15+ year career in senior leadership with the Texas Medical Association. Darren’s first job at the Capitol in 1991 was a clerkship for the Texas House of Representatives Transportation Committee.
“TADA conducted a thorough search considering dozens of candidates before narrowing on the sole finalist for the job. Darren’s long-standing reputation of leadership was exciting to the TADA board,” said Nancy Harper, TADA 2020 Board Chairman.
“Darren brings the vision we need to maintain the stellar reputation TADA and our member companies have established at the Texas Capitol,” said Donnie Buckalew, TADA 2019 Chairman of the Board.
Darren and his wife Lissa and their two children have called central Texas home for many years. Darren has been involved at a board level with numerous state and federal groups, including the American Medical Association’s Advocacy Resource Center and Scope of Practice Partnership, the Texas Alliance for Patient Access, the Coalition of State Medical Societies, and The Settlement Home of Austin.
“It is an honor to step into this role with TADA. The board, staff and incredible base of member companies have built a terrific organization with an incredible reputation at the State Capitol. The work the local dealers do in their communities to create jobs and give back is why dealers are so influential. Dealers build communities. I look forward to working with them on innovative ways to continue to grow their presence and impact. I found the mission and professional opportunity at TADA irresistible,” said Darren Whitehurst.
Darren earned a BBA in Accounting from Baylor University, a Master of Public Affairs from The University of Texas at Austin, and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Trinity University.