LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. -

The International Automotive Remarketers Alliance board of directors announced the appointment of a new executive director, tapping a former president of the National Auto Auction Association.

Taking on the role effective this past Sunday is Tony Long.

“Tony is a genuine industry veteran and professional,” said Levi McCoy, the newly installed president of the IARA and director of remarketing for LeasePlan USA.

“With the skills and abilities he brings to the table, I expect to see great things from the IARA in the coming months and years,” McCoy continued.

Long is succeeding Stephen Houston, who was the interim executive director and served the IARA in that capacity since Matt Marks passed away unexpectedly last October.

“I am pleased to have served as the interim executive director of the IARA for the past 11 months following the passing of Matt Marks,” Houston said.

“As a past president and chairman of the board, I am excited about the future if the IARA. I also look forward to assisting Tony as he transitions into his new role with the alliance,” Houston added.

Long's most recent position was with Credit Acceptance Corp. as its Knoxville market area manager.

“Tony Long is a consensus builder with a proven track record of bringing diverse groups together to accomplish common goals,” said Don Fowler, IARA’s search committee chairman.

“He has exhibited an understanding of what it takes to manage a voluntary industry organization and has demonstrated his ability to be a results oriented leader,” Fowler added.

Long resides in Alcoa, Tenn., with his wife, Denise, and daughter, Kristen.

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