Special Guest Spotlights

VADA Live S1:E30 – Leadership, Legacy, and the Road Ahead with Roger Keller, VADA’s 2025-26 Chairman

In this episode, we sat down with Roger Keller, the incoming Board Chair for VADA, to learn more about his experience with VADA, and how his vision for the future of automotive will fuel his decisions as Chairman for the year ahead. As the only Chairman to have been at the helm of two automobile associations (his other being Indiana), Roger brings insight to supporting the industry and provides key takeaways for VA dealers in the rapidly changing retail auto landscape.

VADA Live S1:E27 – Talking Perspective with H. Carter Myers III

H. Carter Myers III, a 60-year veteran of the auto industry and leader of the century-old Carter Myers dealership group, joins VADA Live to share his unparalleled perspective. Drawing from a career that includes serving as VADA Chair and being named Dealer of the Year, Mr. Myers discusses how to stay on the leading edge of retail auto. He explores the importance of industry associations, the unique tradition of sharing ideas, and the foundational advice on leadership and customer focus that has stood the test of time.

VADA Live S1:E28 – The Importance of Retail Auto in Virginia with Speaker of the House Don Scott

Join Dan Carrigan for an insightful conversation with Virginia’s Speaker of the House, Don Scott. Speaker Scott shares his unique perspective on the vital role the automotive industry plays in the Commonwealth, highlighting how Virginia’s pro-business climate supports over 60,000 strong jobs across sales, service, and fixed operations. He passionately discusses the critical importance of the franchise model in protecting consumers and fostering deep community ties, drawing from his own experiences as both a lawmaker and a car consumer.

VADA Live S1:E14 – Enhancing Communication Skills with Page Fehling

Elevate your leadership communication! In this episode of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan talks with Page Fehling, covering public speaking, relationships with local media and fostering a positive culture. Plus, hear about Page’s recent car-buying experience, and what impressed this communications expert.

VADA Live S1:E21 – Get to Know Virgil Thornton, Sr., Candidate for VA House of Delegates

What inspires a veteran of Virginia’s auto industry and a lifelong community advocate to run for the House of Delegates? On this edition of VADA Live, Jeff Kelley sits down with Virgil Thornton Sr., candidate for the 86th District and a familiar face from decades in Virginia dealerships. They discuss his unique journey from nuclear testing and automotive leadership to his current campaign, the core philosophies like “Kaizen” and “Omotenashi” that guide him, and his vision for his district and the Commonwealth. From his deep experience as a foster parent and NADA Academy graduate to his key priorities of education, healthcare access, and economic development, this conversation offers an insightful look at a pro-business, pro-dealer candidate rooted in service.

VADA Live S1:E5 – Get to know VADA’s General Manager, Bruce McGeorge

In this episode of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan sits down with Bruce McGeorge, VADA’s new general manager, to discuss his impressive journey to VADA. A proud U.S. Naval Academy graduate and retired Marine Corps captain, Bruce brings more than 30 years of expertise in the automotive and logistics industries. From his early exposure to the dealer business to leading innovative solutions at CarMax and ACV Auctions, Bruce shares his insights.

VADA Live S1:E9 – Importance of Education with Reynolds Community College President Paula Pando

In this episode of VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan sits down with Dr. Paula Pando, President of Reynolds Community College, to discuss how community colleges are helping dealers bridge the skills gap. Dr. Pando shares how Reynolds is preparing students for real-world success — and how dealers can engage to strengthen the talent pipeline. Watch this important conversation on the future of automotive education and the dealer’s role in shaping it!

VADA Live S1:E7 – Get to Know 2025 Virginia Time Dealer of the Year Dave Perno

For this edition for VADA Live, host Dan Carrigan sits down with Dave Perno, President of Loyalty Automotive and Virginia’s 2025 TIME Dealer of the Year, to discuss his journey in the automotive industry. From lessons learned working in his father’s dealership to leading a family business, Dave reflects on the importance of supporting employees, giving back to the community and planning for the future. He also shares his perspective on industry trends like EV adoption and what 2025 might bring for dealers.

VADA Live S1:E29 – Modernizing the DMV with Commissioner Dr. Gerald Lackey, Ph.D.

Join Jeff Kelley from VADA Live for a conversation with Dr. Gerald Lackey, Commissioner of the Virginia DMV. With two and a half years at the helm, Commissioner Lackey shares his transformative vision, bringing a fresh, energetic approach from the private sector to public service. More critically for dealers, Dr. Lackey details the ambitious multi-year journey towards a fully digital, electronic titling process and how his unique “in the weeds” leadership style, including time spent in dealerships, is shaping a more responsive and partner-focused DMV.