Another accolade handed out during the recent National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) Conference went to Wise F&I regional vice president of client success Amy Counts, who was named the 2026 NAMAD Woman of the Year.

NAMAD said the award recognizes outstanding female leadership, dedication, and impact within the automotive industry, honoring women who champion minority dealers, build meaningful industry relationships, and promote diversity and inclusion.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition from NAMAD. Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of building relationships with many incredible industry leaders. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting and advocating for the people who make this industry so special,” Counts said in a news release.

Counts has built a distinguished career in the automotive industry spanning three decades. She began her career with Reynolds and Reynolds in 1996, where she spent 17 years and earned numerous honors, including four inductions into the 300 Sales Club and recognition as Variable Operations Specialist of the Year for the Central Area Market in 2012. She also received the company’s Core Value Award and a NAMAD Appreciation Award in 2004.

In 2015, Counts joined Wise F&I, where she currently serves as regional vice president of client success. With more than 10 years at Wise F&I, she has played an integral role in building strong relationships and supporting the success of dealers and industry partners.

“Amy’s impact reaches far beyond her role at Wise F&I,”, of Wise F&I president and CEO Matt Croak said in the news release. “She has spent her career investing in people, building meaningful relationships and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

“What makes this recognition so special is that it reflects the person Amy has always been, an exceptional leader, a dedicated advocate and someone who genuinely believes in giving back. We couldn’t be more proud to see her recognized for the impact she has made throughout her career,” Croak continued.

Beyond her professional career, Counts has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to education, leadership and community service.

From 2017 to 2023, Counts served on the Missouri State University Board of Governors, becoming the first woman of color to serve as board chair in 2022. She continues her service to the university as a member of the Missouri State University Foundation Board of Trustees, where she serves on the executive committee.

Her philanthropic efforts include the creation of the Amelia Counts Scholarship and an estate commitment establishing the Amelia Counts Chair in the College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

Counts currently serves on the boards of directors of Great Southern Bancorp, Inc. and Great Southern Bank, a $5.7 billion financial institution headquartered in Springfield, Mo. She began her service on the boards in January 2024, bringing her extensive leadership experience and industry perspective to the organization.

In addition, Counts is also a passionate advocate for women’s leadership and student success. She has been an active member of Bears WIN (Women’s Impact Network) since 2022 and will assume the role of chair this year. In 2024, she served as vice chair of the Missouri State University Presidential Search Committee and was recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the Missouri State University Alumni Association.

Her commitment to community extends to the St. Louis area, where she has served for 17 years on the Board of St. Louis ArtWorks, supporting programs that provide diverse teens with life skills, confidence and paid creative work experience. She is also a member of FOCUS St. Louis, a network of civic leaders working to advance a thriving and equitable region.

“Across her career and community service, Counts has consistently demonstrated the leadership, generosity and commitment to inclusion that the NAMAD Woman of the Year award represents,” Wise F&I said.