It was announced this week that an executive from Volkswagen Group of America has been named “Woman of the Year” by the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers.

The recipient of the award, Machelle Williams — general manager of organizational development and diversity, human resources  at VW Group of America — was selected for her “industry leadership and outstanding contributions to advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace,” officials noted.

Williams has been with the company for 17 years.

The award recipient was recognized during a ceremony at NAMAD’s 2012 Annual Membership Meeting in Las Vegas on July 26.

"Machelle’s longstanding service to the Volkswagen family, and her commitment to promoting diversity within the organization has earned her well-deserved recognition," said Jonathan Browning, president and chief executive officer, VW Group of America.

"She is an exceptional asset to our company, the automotive industry and to the communities she serves; we couldn’t be more delighted to see her receive this award,” he added.

The company also highlighted Williams’ tenure with VW in more detail.

“Over the years, Williams’ hard work and dedication have afforded her remarkable growth and advancement within the Volkswagen family,” officials shared.

And after a decade working with Volkswagen Credit in Libertyville, Ill., she has spent the past seven years leading Volkswagen Group’s Talent Management organization, which includes talent strategy, employee development and engagement, leadership development, recruiting and executing high-impact diversity initiatives, the company explained.

And when the exec isn’t working, “Williams is also devoted to the betterment of rising minority leaders in her community and the communities in which Volkswagen has operations,” officials said.

She currently serves on the board of the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga and the InRoads Mid-Atlantic board.

In other news from the company, also recognized at the meeting was Carl Barnett, Sr., president of the Barnett Auto Group, who has earned the National Automobile Dealers Association’s  Lifetime Achievement Award.

Barnett owns Onion Creek Volkswagen in Austin, Texas, among other dealerships across the country.