Manheim and AutoTrader Group presented its 9th annual Barbara Cox Anthony Automotive Woman of the Year Award to Susan Scarola, vice chairman of DCH Auto Group. This honor is awarded to women who have demonstrated business leadership, community advocacy and a commitment to furthering the automotive industry. Manheim and AutoTrader Group President Sandy Schwartz presented the award during Northwood University’s annual breakfast at the National Automobile Dealers Association convention.

“Susan is an exceptional business leader, innovative thinker and has the passion for delivering an excellent customer experience,” Schwartz said. “She has played a key role in positively influencing the industry, while continuing to shape DCH as one of the leading dealership groups in the country. This award is named after the late Barbara Cox Anthony, one of our owners and mother of our chairman, Jim Kennedy. Susan and Mrs. Anthony have many things in common, and courage is at the top of the list. I am honored to have the opportunity to present this award to Susan on behalf of Manheim, AutoTrader Group and Cox Enterprises.” 

In her role as vice chairman of DCH Auto Group, which operates 27 new and used car dealerships in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and California, Scarola assists the chairman with the strategic direction of the company.

She frequently represents the company’s interests in public forums and is a strong advocate for The DCH Way both internally and externally. Scarola is also President of the DCH Auto Group Charitable Foundation which funds an array of nationally recognized teen safe driving programs in partnerships between DCH employees and local high schools in all of the communities in which DCH conducts its business.

“Susan is an outstanding role model for women within and outside the automotive industry,” said Andrea Kane, Chief People Officer for Manheim and AutoTrader Group. “Her dedication to her profession, commitment to lifelong learning and endless contributions to mentor employees and colleagues is an inspiration to all of us.”   

Scarola, who joined DCH in 1985, helped the company grow through its early years in the automotive industry, solidifying treasury functions, spearheading its first human resources department and developing strategy for growth. 

“I am extremely honored to accept the Barbara Cox Automotive Woman of the Year Award showcasing women in the automotive industry,” Scarola said. “I am especially proud of the ongoing commitment by Manheim and AutoTrader Group to encourage more women to consider careers in this rapidly evolving sector. I’m thrilled that with this award, Manheim and AutoTrader Group also provide a scholarship opportunity to a deserving student.”

Prior to her current role, Scarola served as DCH’s chief financial officer and senior vice president overseeing human resources and other administrative functions. From 2007-10, she served as DCH’s president and CEO. During her career Scarola worked for the human resources department of a large New York City engineering firm. After obtaining her MBA from New York University, she joined KPMG’s Private Business Advisory Services and obtained her CPA license.

Scarola was the recipient of the 2008 Women’s Automotive Association International Professional Achievement Award, the 2010 Women Certified Vision Award and was recently selected by Automotive Newsas one of the top 100 women in the North American auto industry. She is also a member of the Board of the New York State Auto Dealers Association and the Board of Directors for Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).

Previous winners of the Barbara Cox Anthony Automotive Woman of the Year Award include: Rachel M. Richards, vice president of retail strategy and chief marketing officer for Sonic Automotive; Tamara Darvish, executive vice president of DARCARS Automotive Group; Lorraine Schultz, Women’s Automotive Association International’s founder and chief executive officer; Sandra Moss, independent dealership owner; Tracey Doi, Toyota executive; Pam Nicholson, Enterprise Rent-A-Car executive vice president and chief operating officer; Marcy H. Maguire, Maguire Automotive Group president; and Alexis Jacobs, Columbus Fair Auto Auction owner.

In conjunction with the award presented to Scarola, Manheim and AutoTrader Group will make a $10,000 scholarship contribution to Carolyn Buchner, a junior automotive retail management student at Northwood University in West Palm Beach, Fla. The award is part of an annual scholarship to a deserving junior or senior student at Northwood.

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