STATESVILLE, N.C. -

Auction industry veteran John Rea has a new executive role with a technology company that develops auction management software.

Rea — who was president of the National Auto Auction Association back in 2008 — was tapped to be the chief operating officer for Auction Software (ASI). Chairman of the board Ron Ball chose Rea Thursday to oversee day-to-day management and operations for the company that currently provides software to more than 100 auctions.

Rea — the grandson of Cecil Rea, who founded Rea Brothers’ Mid-South Auto Auction in Pearl, Miss. — began his industry experience as a youth, serving as a “Jack of All Trades" on sale days and worked in the family business until 1994. At that time, he became the fleet/lease manager of ADESA’s Charlotte auction.

Then from 1997 to 2000, he was general manager at ADESA Austin before returning to Rea Brothers, which was purchased last year by the American Auto Auction Group to be one of its flagship facilities.

Rea stayed on to be general manager of what is now known as Mid-South Auto Auction until Bob Sullivan took over that position earlier this year.

The veteran jumped at the chance when the COO position with ASI came along.

“I love the auction industry, and this is such a good fit with my computer science and sales training, as well as my auction management background,” Rea explained.

“I am excited to be part of the ASI team,” he added.

Besides being NAAA president in 2008, Rea also served on the association’s board of directors and chaired several committees in his history with the organization.

He insisted that he takes pride in developing relationships and says that excellent customer service will remain his top priority when tailoring ASI software to various auctions.

“John’s experience in the industry as an auction owner/manager coupled with his strong computer science background will certainly prove to be an asset to our organization and of great benefit to our customers,” Ball declared.