Earlier this week, the National Automobile Dealers Association’s board of directors elected its chairman for 2016.

The post went to Jeff Carlson, who is currently serving as NADA vice chairman. Carlson is president of Glenwood Springs Ford and Glenwood Springs Subaru in Glenwood Springs, Colo., and co-owner of Summit Ford in Silverthorne, Colo. His term as chairman officially begins in January.

The ceremonial event of “passing the gavel” will occur at the 2016 NADA Convention and Expo in Las Vegas.

“This is a great honor, and I’m eager to lead NADA as we continue the important job of protecting the interests of America’s 16,500 franchised new-car dealerships, and the more than 1 million people they employ nationwide,” said Carlson, who represents Colorado’s franchised dealers on NADA’s board.

Mark Scarpelli, who represents metropolitan Chicago’s franchised dealers on NADA’s board, was elected vice chairman. He is president of Raymond Chevrolet and Kia in Antioch, Ill., and is co-owner of Ray Chevrolet in Fox Lake, Ill.

Bill Willis, president of Willis Automotive Group (Chevrolet, Buick and Ford) in Smyrna, Del., was elected secretary. Neale Kuperman, president of Rockland Toyota in Blauvelt, N.Y., was elected treasurer.

The election took place at NADA’s board meeting in Palm Beach, Fla.