EY, a provider of assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, has announced that Autobytel president and CEO Jeff Coats is a finalist for its Entrepreneur Of The Year 2016 Award in Orange County, Calif.

The awards program, in its 30th year, recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence in areas such as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. The program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries throughout the world. 

“I am honored and humbled to be named a finalist of this prestigious award, and I extend my sincere thanks to the (EY member firm) Ernst & Young team for their consideration,” said Coats, who was selected by a panel of independent judges. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding to lead a team of creative innovators who aren’t afraid to disrupt and improve an entire industry for our clients and for the millions of consumers who buy cars each year. Autobytel continues to inspire and motivate me today just as it did when I first became a board member 20 years ago. Congratulations to all of the finalists for a job well done.”  

Award winners will be announced at a June 17 gala at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, Calif. Regional winners are then eligible for consideration for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National program.  Award winners in several national categories, as well as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, Calif., on Nov. 19. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth ForumT, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Founded and produced by EY, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored by SAP America, Merrill Corp. and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Orange County is sponsored by Stradling Yocca Carlson Rauth, Hollencrest Capital Management, Lockton Cos., Smart Business, Tangram, Woodruff Sawyer & Co. and HKA Inc. Marketing Communications.

Click here to view other finalists.