The International Automotive Remarketers Alliance (IARA) has named Sharon Sutton as its new systems and communications administrator, where she will be responsible for managing the content and records for the Alliance’s MemberLeap online platform.

In her new role, Sutton will be responsible for managing the IARA’s website, its membership learning system, its learning management and event management systems, as well as the CAR Certification program. She will act as a liaison with the Alliance’s software/website provider, IARA committees, and members and website visitors, according to the IARA.

“We’re utilizing MemberLeap to the best of its abilities,” she said.

Her role in overseeing MemberLeap will also entail her coordinating Alliance surveys, releasing email announcements and newsletters, and many other administrative tasks. She will function in a part-time role for the IARA and will work remotely from Michigan and Florida throughout the year.

“I come to the Alliance with non-profit management experience and systems exposure, combined with my automotive background, this position puts me in a good spot as systems and communications administrator because I’ve worked with similar systems,” she said. “I’ve got the IT background and I understand the IARA from having an automotive background.”

Sutton has 12 years of experience working in non-profit management at Rochester Area Neighborhood house, which aids residents of Rochester Hills, Mi., who are hit with a sudden financial crisis as a result of traumatic experience, including sudden job loss, divorce, death of a spouse, etc.

Serving as the non-profit’s operations manager, she has experience managing client, donor and volunteer relations. She was responsible for setting the organization’s information technology strategy for website design and content, social media plans and membership database usage, according to the IARA.

Additionally, she has 12 years of experience working in the automotive industry while at General Motors, working in IT support and automotive system development. Her knowledge of the automotive industry and her experience supporting website and systems will be utilized with the IARA in terms of leveraging its new member management system.

“The IARA provides the opportunity for members to come together from various organizations to leverage information, set up common standards and address issues, and really work as a group to impact the industry,” she said. 

Sutton will be the primary contact for all member service needs. She can be reached by phone or email at 1 (248) 923-1748 and Sharon.sutton@iara.biz.