ORLANDO, Fla. — The American International Automobile Dealers Association named its new chairman while honoring a former holder of the post with the organization's lifetime achievement award.

Receiving the honor as the David F. Mungenast Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award winner was Tim Smith of Calabasas, Calif., a longtime AIADA member and past chairman. Smith was bestowed the award during the association's 40th annual meeting and luncheon in Orlando, Fla.

Smith opened Bob Smith BMW back in 1973. In January 2004, he added a Mini franchise to his dealership. Association leadership described Smith as someone who has been a steady advocate for the dealer community.

Smith served as chairman of AIADA in 2003. Currently he's a director of the California New Car Dealers Association and the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association. He also served two years on the Board of Trustees of the National Automobile Dealers Charitable Trust.

"We selected Tim for this award because he embodies so many of the qualities of its namesake," explained AIADA president Cody Lusk.

"His strength of character, commitment to his family, integrity in his business practices, and involvement in his community is unparalleled," Lusk added.

AIADA also pointed out that Smith earned the honor that's named after the late St. Louis dealer because of his work beyond the dealership, as well. Smith is active in several educational pursuits in his local community.

Smith is a regent emeritus of his alma mater, Santa Clara University, and a trustee of the Catholic Education Foundation of the Los Angeles Archdiocese. He also has served as a board member and chairman of the Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy in La Canada Flintridge, Calif.

DeSilva is New AIADA Chairman

Following in the footsteps of Smith and many others as AIADA chairman is New Jersey dealer Rick DeSilva.

"I am looking forward to AIADA's 40th year — to spending it with dealers and legislators from around the country, to helping for sound and lasting policies for our industry, to protecting the interests of our members," DeSilva stated in remarks during the association's luncheon.

"And most of all, I'm looking forward to the re-growth of this industry we all love," DeSilva continued.

"For us, 2010 will be a game changer, and I'm excited to be a part of it," he added.

AIADA pointed out that both of DeSilva's New Jersey dealerships — Liberty Subaru in Oradell and Liberty Hyundai in Mahwah — are family-run businesses. The association mentioned that DeSilva has been recognized with the Time Quality Dealer Award as well as the AIADA All-Star Dealer Award.

Before being named AIADA chairman, DeSilva served as chair of New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers and the Subaru National Dealer Advisory Board.

Besides DeSilva, AIADA also named the officers for its 2010 board of directors. The group includes Russ Darrow, of Menomonee Falls, Wis., as immediate past chairman; Jim Smail, of Greensburg, Pa., as chairman elect; Ray Mungenast, of St. Louis, as vice chairman; and Larry Kull, of Marlton, N.J., as secretary/treasurer.