Eleanor Gulla, managing partner of Larchmont Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in suburban Larchmont, N.Y., has been appointed chairwoman of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, the association announced.

Gulla has been a member of the GNYADA board since 2018, serving as vice chairwoman and chair of the employee relations plan committee, as well as a member of an ad hoc committee created to address the growing challenges around direct sales and broker practices.

The association called her “an accomplished automotive executive, community leader and advocate for the next generation of dealers” with “deep industry experience and a lifelong dedication to her family’s legacy.”

Gulla heads a family-owned dealership that was founded by her father, Alfredo Gulla, who immigrated from Catanzaro, Italy in the 1950s and built a business that has lasted more than 60 years.

Eleanor Gulla has overseen operations since 1992, with the dealership earning honors including the FCA/Stellanits Customer First Award for Excellence Certified by J.D. Power every year since 2019. She also works with the dealership’s related business, Alfa Romeo of Larchmont.

Gulla is a founding member of the National Automobile Dealers Association’s NextGen program, which mentors and prepares the next generation of dealers and general managers through education, advocacy and networking.

“Being named chairwoman is an incredible honor,” she said. “This industry has given so much to my family and others, and it faces extraordinary challenges. I’m deeply committed to supporting our members, advocating for our shared interests and building on the legacy my father started.”

Gulla recently attended the NADA Legislative Conference in Washington D.C., meeting with New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Reps. Grace Meng and Nicole Malliotakis to discuss federal issues impacting the retail automotive industry.

“Eleanor represents the next generation of automotive leadership,” GNYADA president Mark Schienberg said. “Her dedication to our industry, her thoughtful advocacy on complex issues and her commitment to customer service make her an outstanding choice to guide the association forward.”

As a woman in automotive retail leadership, Gulla is vocal about the importance of representation and mentorship.

“This has long been a male-dominated industry, but women have proven that we have an important role in its future success,” she said. “I’m so proud to be part of this exclusive group.”

Drive Choice acquires Ohio Ford dealership

Oleg Kislyansky of Drive Choice has acquired Dick Masheter Ford in Columbus, Ohio from Bob Masheter, who is retiring, according to Performance Brokerage Services, which advised on the transaction.

Drive Choice operates 10 dealerships in Ohio, New Jersey and Florida, representing Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, Nissan, and Mitsubishi.

The dealership was established in 1967 by Dick Masheter, a U.S. Air Force veteran with a lifelong passion for automobiles. His son, Bob Masheter, joined the business in 1981 and eventually assumed daily operations.

The store will be renamed Capital Ford of Columbus.