The National Auto Auctions Association's World Remarketing Convention held in Chicago Sept. 25-28 made industry news through the achievements of many industry names.

Founded in 1948, the NAAA represents more than 340 auto auction members and 140 associate members in North America. It maked its 75th anniversary last week during the convention held at the Chicago Hilton.

Passing of the Presidential Gavel

Eric Autenrieth was formally installed as president of the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) on Sept. 28 for the 2023-2024 term. Autenrieth became president during a passing of the gavel ceremony from outgoing NAAA President Garrison Hudkins during the annual awards gala.

Autenrieth grew up in the auto auction industry. His parents, Henry and Patty Stanley, are both NAAA Hall of Fame members, and they are owners of the Stanley Autenrieth Auction Group, which consists of Indiana Auto Auction and Carolina Auto Auction. Henry Stanley also served as NAAA President in 2000. Autenrieth currently serves as CEO of the Stanley-Autenrieth Auto Auction Group.

With a successful nearly 30-year career in the auto auction industry, Autenrieth has had numerous accomplishments. Stanley Autenrieth Auction Group has captured several Auction of the Year awards from multiple commercial accounts under Autenrieth’s leadership. He is also the former president of ServNet Auction Group. Autenrieth has demonstrated both marketing and operational excellence throughout his career.

Autenrieth is a graduate of Auction Academy and is CAR certified. He has been a dedicated supporter of NAAA and served as president of both the NAAA Midwest and Southern Chapters. He is a member of NAAA’s Executive Committee and has also served on NAAA’s Legislative/PAC and Safety Committees.

Lafferty Elected Vice President

Eddie Lafferty was elected vice president of the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) for the 2023-2024 term.

Lafferty has had a successful 35-year career in the automotive industry and began his career in retail working in the sales, finance, and service departments for several auto dealerships in the state of Washington. He transitioned over to the wholesale side of the business in 2008 when he joined Manheim, starting in a client services role, and then in 2013 he was promoted to assistant general manager of Manheim Seattle. In 2015, he became general manager of Manheim Nevada and then transitioned back in 2019 to Manheim Seattle to be general manager, the position he currently holds today.

Lafferty has been a longtime supporter of NAAA and currently serves on NAAA’s Education and Training Committee. He has also been involved with the International Automotive Remarketers Alliance (IARA), Washington State Independent Auto Dealers Association (WSIADA), and Washington State Auto Dealers Association (WSADA).

Longtime Industry Chamption, Guide and Mentor Named NAAA Industry Pioneer

John Poteet on Sept. 26 was named an Industry Pioneer for his inclusive and innovative leadership and outstanding service to the wholesale auto auction industry, his community, and NAAA.

NAAA’s Industry Pioneer Award, given to those who have worked in the wholesale motor vehicle industry, recognizes individuals who have innovated or enhanced methods of improving services to remarketers through NAAA member auctions, have championed NAAA member auctions as providing services for motor vehicle remarketers unavailable from any other source, and have consistently followed the standards of the NAAA Code of Ethics.

Poteet’s distinguished career in the automotive industry spanned more than 40 years. He served as CEO and Managing Partner of Louisiana’s 1st Choice Auto Auction (LAFCAA) for two decades.

He led LAFCAA to multiple Auction of the Year awards from both consignors and NAAA and he was instrumental in developing its culture and motto, “outstanding service begins with outstanding people.” He helped lead LAFCAA through multiple challenges including Hurricanes Katrina and Ida, the economic crash of 2008, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Poteet earned his MBA from Tulane University and his Ph.D. in Organization and Management from Capella University. He has served on numerous NAAA and industry boards, including Auto IMS, Auction Edge, and ServNet. He has been an active supporter of Options, a local charity organization that helps adults with disabilities live and work independently, and he has served for several years on its board (past president).

He is also on the Southeastern Louisiana University Foundation board and Lion Athletics Association (past president). He has served on the Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission since 2009 and has been chairman since 2011. Before LAFCAA, he had tenures with the Greater Group, Cox Automotive, and Big H Auto Auction.

Throughout his career, Poteet and his wife Georgianne have demonstrated compassion, concern for others’ well-being, and have worked hard to build a vibrant culture at LAFCAA that permeates into all aspects of the auction. Their legacy will continue to have a positive impact on LAFCAA and the surrounding community for generations to come.

NAAA Names Four Distinguished Fellows to Prestigious Program

Emily Barber, Billy Willis, Brandon Thompson, and Nicole Graham have been honored by NAAA as Warren Young Fellows for their many contributions and their distinguished service to the auto auction industry following their term as president of their respective NAAA chapters.

NAAA honors them with a $2,500 donation each to the NAAA Warren Young, Sr. Scholastic Foundation, Inc. (“Foundation”). A Warren Young Fellow is someone who donates, or, in whose honor or memory a contribution is made, in that amount or above.

Since its establishment in 2004, the Foundation, named in honor of industry pioneer Warren Young, Sr., has helped students pursue dreams of higher education as well as assisting individuals in their time of need and providing support to other charitable organizations whose missions align with the Foundation. Scholarships are awarded annually by the Foundation for study at accredited institutions.

• Emily Barber served as NAAA Eastern Chapter President and is Partner of State Line Auto Auction.

• Billy Willis served as NAAA Southern Chapter President and is General Manager of Greenville Auto Auction.

• Brandon Thompson served as NAAA Midwest Chapter President and is President of Mid-State Auto Auction.

• Nicole Graham served as NAAA Western Chapter President and is VP of Portfolio Management with NextGear Capital.

NAAA congratulated Barber, Willis, Thompson, and Graham for earning the lifetime distinction of being named a Warren Young Fellow and for joining this exclusive group of individuals who further the legacy of Warren Young.