Fast-growing America’s Group is adding to its leadership team with two new vice presidents.

The parent company of America’s Auto Auction and AXLE Funding has promoted Melissa Miller to vice president of marketing and Summer Ernsberger to vice president of customer experience, moves the company said reflect its “ongoing commitment to recognizing talent and advancing leaders who drive meaningful results, inspire teams and excel throughout the organization.”

In a news release, America’s Group said the new VPs will work together to align marketing and customer experience strategies throughout its network of 46 auctions nationwide, focused on strengthening customer engagement, messaging and service.

Miller is a longtime veteran of the auto auction industry with 27 years at America’s Auto Auction Kansas City, beginning in sales before moving into marketing and becoming executive director of marketing for America’s Group in 2022.

The company said she has led initiatives that directly responded to customer needs, boosting visibility and growth, adding her “mindset and ability to craft campaigns that resonate” have contributed to the company’s explosive growth, which includes the acquisition of six auctions so far this year.

“I’m honored to step into this role and continue building a brand that reflects the expertise and care our teams bring to the auction experience every day,” Miller said. “Marketing isn’t just about visibility. It’s about connection, and I look forward to enhancing our marketing strategies to deepen those connections with buyers and sellers across the country.”

Ernsberger’s resume includes almost 20 years with ADESA/KAR Global, the last 10 in vice president roles, before joining America’s Group in 2023. The company said her experience in the remarketing industry provides “a strong track record of driving buyer engagement, enhancing client satisfaction and building high performing teams” with a data-driven approach and focus on long-term customer value.

“I am eager to build on our customer service initiatives and continue to raise the bar on the customer experience we provide,” she said. “Our customers are our top priority, and I am dedicated to developing strategies that will make their interactions with us seamless and rewarding.”

America’s Auto Auction chief revenue officer Jason Ferreri said the promotions “are a testament to the talent, dedication and leadership Melissa and Summer bring to the company. Their impact is already driving meaningful results across our teams, operations and customer experience, and we’re proud to have them help lead the growth of America’s Auto Auction.”

Sammy Hagar back for DAA Northwest’s 30th Rock & Roll Sale

For its 30th annual Rock & Roll Sale, McConkey Auction Group is turning back the clock — just a little.

The company announced the headliner for its signature event at its flagship DAA Northwest auction is Sammy Hagar, returning for his second appearance at the sale.

The two-day event is coming up July 16-17 at the auction in Spokane, Wash., featuring a wholesale auto auction with some 3,000 units and a private concert, drawing industry leaders, national accounts and dealers from across the country.

Hagar, who previously played at the 2022 Rock & Roll Sale, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007 as a member of Van Halen, and has also scored hits as a solo artist, including “I Can’t Drive 55”.

The event begins with a full auction lineup Wednesday morning followed by a private party and concert that evening for invited customers and guests, and a consignment sale Thursday.

“This event is more than just an auction — it’s a celebration of relationships and a testament to our team’s commitment to creating memorable experiences,” DAA Northwest general manager Collin McConkey said. “Bringing people together through music and business is what this sale has always been about, and we’re honored to welcome Sammy Hagar back to help us mark three incredible decades.

“I’m so proud of the DAA Northwest crew and everything they’ve done to make this event what it is today.”

The first Rock & Roll Sale in 1996 featured Jerry Lee Lewis, and has since hosted stars such as The Doobie Brothers, Pat Benatar, Heart, Barenaked Ladies and Sugar Ray, among many others.

Bo Jackson to speak at NAAA World Remarketing Convention

Bo knows … auto auctions?

Bo Jackson knows for sure he’ll be the closing speaker at the National Auto Auction Association’s World Remarketing Convention, coming up Sept. 22-25 at the Loews Kansas City Hotel in Kansas City, Mo.

The legendary two-sport star, famous for his jaw-dropping performances on the football and baseball fields and his “Bo Knows” ads for Nike, will wrap up the event with his address, “Beyond the Game: Lessons in Legacy and Leadership”.

The previous day, AI futurist Steve Brown will discuss the present and future impact of artificial intelligence in his keynote, “AI Now and Next: Getting Ready for the Future of AI”.

More information about the convention, including registration, is available here.