As the organization also got its preparations in motion for its annual convention, the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA) reinforced its government advocacy on Wednesday with the addition of Christina Perez as director of government affairs.

NIADA highlighted that Perez joins vice president of government affairs Brett Scott in advancing the association’s engagement with federal legislators and regulators.

According to a news release, Perez will also be heavily involved in NIADA’s political action committee (NIADA-PAC).

“NIADA continues to expand our footprint in Washington D.C., by bringing on top talent that will ensure NIADA is the authoritative voice for the used-car industry,” Scott said in the news release.

“Christina brings a wealth of knowledge in both PACs and government affairs, and her experience will be an excellent addition to our team,” he added.

Perez, who is based in Washington, D.C., comes to NIADA with experience on Capitol Hill, having served as a staff assistant for Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.) and interned for Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) and Rep. Sue Myrick (R-N.C.).

NIADA mentioned Perez also has extensive experience in government affairs, public affairs and project management with the Commercial Real Estate Finance Council, Outdoor Industry Association, Cruise Lines International Association, Asian American Hotel Owners Association and UPS.

“I am very excited to be joining NIADA’s growing government affairs practice,” Perez said. “I look forward to representing the voice of the used-car industry in Washington D.C.”

Perez is an active member of Women in Government Relations, serving as co-chair of the PACs, politics and grassroots task force and a member of the personal and professional development committee.

NIADA issues call for convention speakers

In other association news that arrived this week, NIADA also issued its call for speakers to present dealer education sessions at the 2022 NIADA Convention and Expo.

Proposals will be accepted through Feb. 18, and applicants will be notified in March, according to NIADA.

NIADA’s event will be held June 20-23 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“The past two years have been nothing short of transformational for the used-vehicle industry,” the association said in another news release. “Rapidly evolving market conditions mean independent dealers need cutting-edge insights and education to navigate the new environment and succeed in this hyper-competitive landscape.”

The association said its 76th annual NIADA Convention and Expo will provide those insights with comprehensive dealer training tailored for the independent space. The agenda will include workshops and panel discussions covering every aspect of dealership operations.

Topics suggested by NIADA include:

• Fixed operations (service, parts, reconditioning)

• Human capital

• Leadership

• Marketing

• Variable operations (sales, inventory acquisition and management, etc.)

• Digital retailing

• Financing and capitalization

• Underwriting and collections

• Legal and compliance

• Insurance and warranties

• Tax and accounting

• Certified pre-owned

• Succession planning

For more information or to submit a proposal, visit niada.com/speakers.