McLEAN, Va. (Feb. 20, 2013) - The Automotive Trade Association Executives has elected Robert C. Israel as chairman for 2013. The ATAEs represent the executives of 115 state and metropolitan new-car and -truck dealer associations in the U.S. and Canada.

"I am honored to have been selected by my peers to lead this dynamic organization. I am eager to follow the footsteps of so many close friends who have served before me," Israel said. "The partnership of ATAE and the National Automobile Dealers Association has proved its worth time after time as we responded to challenges and changes, and I am sure under the leadership of Peter Welch, the new president of NADA, we will do so in the future."

Since 1983, Israel has served as president of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association. Prior to LADA, he served in several positions with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry beginning in 1974.

Over the past several years, Israel has developed a partnership between business, education and government to advance automotive and diesel technician training and improve the image of the automotive industry as a vital and rewarding career.

He is past president of the Louisiana Society of Trade Association Executives and the Louisiana Association of Self-Insured Employees. In addition, he has served on the board of directors of the National Automotive Trade Association Executives and has served on various NADA committees.

Israel is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, and a U.S. Navy veteran who served in Vietnam.

The ATAEs respond to the challenges that new-car and -truck dealers face on state and local legislative, regulatory, business and consumer-related issues. Israel's announcement as ATAE chairman was made at its annual meeting, held earlier this month during the NADA Convention and Expo in Orlando, Fla.