The National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) named Mike Stanton a Warren Young Fellow, which recognized the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the National Automobile Dealers Association for dedicated support of NAAA and its member auctions. 

NAAA, which represents about 350 wholesale auto auctions and more than 140 associate members, bestowed the award with a $2,500 donation in Stanton's name to NAAA's nonprofit Warren Young Scholastic Foundation. A Fellow is a donor at that level, or in whose honor or memory a contribution is made in that amount, to support the scholarship organization, NAAA said.

Since its establishment in 2004, the Scholastic Foundation, named in honor of Warren Young, Sr., a pioneer of the auto auction industry who retired after 35 years of service to his profession and NAAA, has helped 180 students pursue dreams of higher education and raised more than $2.5 million. It awards $52,000 in merit scholarships annually for study at accredited institutions. 

Stanton joins an exclusive group of 124 others who have attained the lifetime distinction of being named a Fellow. He received a gold medallion, a framed commemorative certificate, and will have his name engraved on a plaque of esteemed Fellows at NAAA headquarters.

"Mike has been a trusted friend and consistent supporter of our association and members for more than a decade," said NAAA President Laura Taylor. "He's attended every NAAA convention since 2006, sponsored the lovely luggage given to our incoming presidents, presented the Hall of Fame ring to the inductees, and was instrumental in helping secure automotive industry analyst Glenn Mercer to prepare NAAA's Auction of Tomorrow 2027 report."

Taylor added that under Stanton's 11-year leadership of the AuctionNet relationship for NADA/JD Power, NAAA's share of AuctionNet revenue grew an astounding 231%, and the project has generated more than $20 million for the association in this period.

Additionally, Stanton has been actively involved in the joint advocacy efforts of NADA and NAAA in Washington, D.C. He continues to offer strong support on federal issues that can impact the members of both organizations and the industry. 

"When you need something done on Capitol Hill, it's nice to know you have Mike Stanton in your corner to get things done,” said NAAA Chief Executive Officer Frank Hackett.