NEW ORLEANS (Jan. 23, 2025)— Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association (WATDA) President and CEO Bill Sepic was elected the 2025 chairman of the Automotive Trade Association Executives (ATAE) at the ATAE annual winter meeting in New Orleans.

Sepic has led WATDA since 2008. Prior to WATDA, Sepic spent his career leading regional chambers of commerce, including those representing Lansing, Mich., Lawrence, Kan., Rochester, Minn., Grinnell, Iowa, and Decorah, Iowa. 

“I learn every day from the Wisconsin dealers, their staffs and their customers. I am excited to bring that knowledge to the ATAE leadership and learn from my fellow association executives and their members,” said Sepic. “I look forward to working alongside the metro and state associations to continue to advance our members’ priorities.”

As the chief advocate for Wisconsin’s auto and truck dealers, Sepic is dedicated to advancing the common good of the association’s members, consumers and communities by promoting professionalism and prosperity through education, advocacy, information and service. WATDA has pioneered franchise laws to protect dealers. 

“It is a significant time for dealers across the country as the industry continues to evolve and develop,” said ATAE President Jennifer Colman. “Change always comes with opportunities and growing pains, and we are grateful to have Bill at the helm to guide ATAE through 2025.” 

Members of ATAE, which represents more than 100 state and metro new-car and commercial truck dealer associations in the U.S. and Canada, work together on legislative and regulatory challenges facing dealers and support their respective members with educational and training programs, auto shows, conferences and other business services.