Ellie Johnson Assumes NAAA Presidency
BOSTON, Mass.—Ellie A. Johnson assumed the office of president of the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA) at the organization’s 66th annual convention in Boston, Mass., this September. Serving with her on the executive board for the 2014-2015 term is President-elect Mike Browning and Vice President Jerry Hinton.
The general manager of Manheim North Carolina, Johnson is the fourth female elected to NAAA’s top leadership spot since its founding in 1948. She will head an association representing more than 300 member auctions and 100 associate members in North America.
Prior to her becoming part of the executive team, Johnson served on the board of directors of the NAAA’s Southern Chapter and held the office of that chapter’s treasurer, vice president and president. Currently she represents the Southern Chapter on the Political Action Committee and continues her more than 10 years of service on the association’s Membership Committee.
“It has been my pleasure to serve NAAA for over a decade and I’m grateful for the membership’s support in my past capacities and appreciate their confidence in me to continue making contributions as their president,” Johnson said. “I eagerly look forward to doing much more for both our members and the industry.”
A top priority in her new role will be legislative advocacy. “Staying abreast of changing laws and fighting legislation that hinders our industry is very important to me,” Johnson noted. “We’re already seeing the value of strength in numbers in the positive results of our advocacy efforts and strategic industry partnerships. Cooperation is key to our ongoing success. I am committed to working together to be a strong voice on the issues that can impact our members.”
One such item on her advocacy agenda would be a push for a uniform title system to streamline processes for more efficient, cost-effective operations. Another goal is to help members keep up with technology that can improve management, boost sales, strengthen service and enrich customer satisfaction.
“Ellie’s background in both the independent and corporate auction worlds has provided her with a well-rounded perspective that helps her understand and serve the needs of all of the association’s members,” remarked NAAA Past President and Chairman of the Board Paul Lips. “Not only is she an extremely qualified professional, Ellie is also a very enthusiastic and devoted member of the association. We’re proud to have her as our president.”
Johnson literally has a lifetime of experience in the auction profession. Her father, Kenneth Aycock, was an auctioneer who after almost 30 years in the business started Aycock Auto Auction in 1984. It’s now Manheim North Carolina, in Kenly , N.C., where Johnson has been general manager since 1997. She joined her father at the auction soon after earning an accounting degree and real estate broker’s license, working the front office processing vehicle registrations, then as business manager and controller.
In addition to NAAA, her professional memberships have included the Carolinas Independent Automobile Dealers Association (CIADA) and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association (NIADA), which twice honored her with its Eagle Award for outstanding achievement in membership development.
Residing in Kenly, Johnson is involved with numerous civic groups and charitable organizations. She is active in the Chamber of Commerce, Community Watch, the town planning board and tourism committee. Johnson established two scholarships for graduating high school seniors and avidly supports the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, raising over $100,000. Her auto auction also gives back to the community by sponsoring local FHA and 4-H programs as well as the annual food and toy drive.
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