Auto Remarketing is recognizing the 2026 Women in Remarketing honorees in the April edition of the magazine and will be posting Q&As with each of these outstanding leaders on the website.  Next up, in alphabetical order by first name, is Donna Dukes, SVP of technology operations at AutoTec. The Women in Remarketing program is presented by Ally.

What prompted/inspired you to join the auto industry and what do you enjoy most about it?
My first real job was as an AuctionACCESS customer support representative, a role I took on to help put myself through college at Samford University while earning my business management degree. What I didn’t expect was how much I would fall in love with the industry itself.

A few years in, I realized it was more than just a job. The auctions, the people, the fast-paced environment all drew me in. The connections I built with the folks at AuctionACCESS and across the industry made it feel like a community, and that’s when I made the conscious decision to turn it into a career.

What I enjoy most is the combination of challenges and people. No two days look the same, and I thrive on solving problems and finding solutions that make a real difference. But at the end of the day, it’s the people that keep me energized and passionate about what I do.

What is the top trend you’re watching in the used-car industry this year?
Without a doubt, it’s artificial intelligence and the impact it’s having on the way we do business. The changes AI is bringing to this industry are nothing short of incredible and what’s most striking is the pace at which it moves.

From streamlining operations to enhancing the customer experience, AI is reshaping how we think about remarketing, data analysis, and decision-making at every level. What used to take significant time, and resources can now be done faster and smarter, and that’s opening new possibilities that we’re only beginning to explore.

What excites me most is that we’re just scratching the surface. The organizations that lean into these changes, embrace technology, and find ways to integrate it thoughtfully into their workflows are going to be the ones leading the way. It’s an exciting time to be in this industry, and staying ahead of that curve is something I’m deeply focused on. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career?
When I reflect on my career, the accomplishment I am most proud of isn’t a project or a milestone — it’s the teams I’ve had the privilege of helping to build.

Early in my career as VP of customer support for AuctionACCESS, I learned that the strength of a team is everything. Building a group of talented, dedicated people who are aligned in their purpose and passionate about what they do is one of the most rewarding things a leader can accomplish. Those early experiences shaped how I approach leadership to this day.

Now, as SVP of technology operations, that same philosophy carries forward. Building strong, capable teams doesn’t just happen — it takes intentionality, trust, and a genuine investment in the people around you. When I look at the teams I work with today, I feel an incredible sense of pride knowing that together we are driving real impact and pushing the business forward.

At the end of the day, you can have the best technology and the best strategy, but it’s the people who make it all come to life. That’s what I’m most proud of — the people.

What book, film or song has inspired you personally or professionally?
That’s an easy one, “Good Day” by Forrest Frank. It’s my go-to song before I walk into the office, and honestly, it never gets old.

It has become more than just a song to me it’s my family’s theme song. There’s something powerful about starting your day with that kind of intentional positivity. Life is busy, work can be demanding, and let’s be real — some days are just tough. But the message is simple and it sticks with you: no matter what comes your way, you are determined to have a good day.

That mindset carries over into everything I do, both personally and professionally. When challenges arise, and they always do, I try to lead with that same spirit. You can’t always control what happens around you, but you can absolutely control how you choose to show up. And I choose to show up with a “Good Day” attitude.

If you haven’t heard it, I highly recommend adding it to your morning playlist. It might just become yours, too!

Who is someone who has inspired you personally or professionally?
There are so many people throughout my life that have inspired me.  Some were put in my life for a season, exactly when I needed them, while others have been a constant source of inspiration for years and continue to be to this day.

Without hesitation, my biggest supporters personally and professionally are my husband, Chris Dukes, our two girls, Blair and Ava, and my family.

Chris inspires me every single day. He has this incredible ability to push me to become a better version of myself, not just professionally but as a person. He believes in my dreams and aspirations sometimes even more than I do, and that kind of unwavering support means everything. He seamlessly takes on so many different roles behind the scenes, handling so much on the personal side of life so that I can stay focused on my career and the goals I am working toward. That is a true partnership, and I don’t take a single moment of it for granted.

And then there are Blair and Ava — they inspire me in ways I never anticipated. Being their mom pushes me to lead by example, work hard, and show them that with determination and the right people in your corner, anything is possible.

They say behind every successful woman is a strong support system, and for me, that is my family. They are my rock, my biggest cheerleader, and the reason I can show up every day and give my very best.