Keynote Speakers
NADA Chairman's Address
Bill Underriner
Billings, MT
2012 NADA Chairman
2:30pm, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 - Orange County Convention Center, Exhibit Hall D
William P. Underriner, president and co-owner of Underriner Motors in Billings, Mont., is chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association and represents Montana’s franchised new-car dealers on the association’s board of directors.
In the automobile business since 1984, Underriner took over the family business in 2001. He currently owns Honda, Hyundai, Buick and Volvo franchises in Billings. Previously, he served three terms as Treasurer of NADA and on the association’s Executive, Industry Relations, Dealership Operations and Membership committees. He has also served as chairman of the association’s Finance and Convention committees. Underriner has held a variety of offices with the Montana Automobile Dealers Association, including chairman of the board. He has been a member of the Dealers Election Action Committee’s (DEAC) Presidents Club for five years.
Active in his community, Underriner has served as past president of the United Way of Yellowstone County and has served on the boards of directors for the following organizations: Yellowstone Art Museum; Zoo Montana; National Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse; American Cancer Society Relay for Life; and Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Helena branch. Underriner is also an active supporter of the Billings Symphony, Festival of Trees, Boy Scouts of Montana, Billings Chamber of Commerce and the Billings YMCA.
Industry Message
John Krafcik
President & CEO, Hyundai
2:30pm, Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013 - Orange County Convention Center, Exhibit Hall D
John Krafcik, president and chief executive officer of Hyundai Motor America, is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the company’s operations in the United States.
Krafcik joined Hyundai in 2004 as vice president of Product Development and Strategic Planning after a long tenure at Ford Motor Company. With his guidance, Hyundai reshaped its American lineup with industry-leading positions in design, innovation, and fuel efficiency.
After moving to his current role in late 2008 as president and chief executive officer, Krafcik and his team have increased Hyundai’s U.S. market share over 50% under challenging market conditions on the strength of growing accolades, breakthrough products, and innovative marketing programs.
Krafcik holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University and a Master of Science degree in Management from MIT Sloan School of Management. Hebegan his career in the auto industry in 1984 at the GM/Toyota joint-venture, NUMMI.
Inspirational Message
Captain Mark Kelly
Commander of the Space Shuttle Endeavour's Final Mission
9:00am, Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 - Orange County Convention Center, Exhibit Hall D
Mark Kelly is an American astronaut, retired US Navy Captain, best selling-author, prostate cancer survivor, and an experienced naval aviator who flew combat missions during the Gulf War. The winner of many awards, including the Legion of Merit, two Defense Superior Service Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses, Kelly was selected as an astronaut in 1996. He flew his first of four missions in 2001 aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour, the same space shuttle that he commanded on its final flight in May 2011. He has also commanded Space Shuttle Discovery and is one of only two individuals who have visited the International Space Station on four different occasions.
Already a celebrated American, Kelly became the center of international attention after the January 2011 assassination attempt on his wife, former US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. In their best-selling memoir, Gabby, the couple shares their story of hope and resilience with the world. The inspirational memoir has topped multiple best-seller lists, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon. Kelly and Giffords have captivated the nation with their story, appearing in an exclusive Diane Sawyer interview, and on Nightline and The Daily Show, among others, and have appeared on the covers of People and USA Today. Named on of the Esquire’s 2011 "Americans of the Year,” Kelly was also featured on the cover of and profiled in the magazine. Kelly is currently working on a children’s book titled Mousetronaut: A Partially True Story, which is expected to be released in October 2012.
Kelly’s identical twin brother, Scott, is also an astronaut who served as commander of both the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. They share the distinction of being the only siblings who have traveled in space.With 6,000 flight hours in more than 50 different aircraft, 375 aircraft carrier landings, 39 combat missions and more than 50 days in space, Astronaut Mark Kelly is one of our country’s most experienced pilots. A sought-after keynote speaker, Mark Kelly is an American hero who inspires others to be their best while remaining true to their core values. He exemplifies leadership, the importance of teamwork, and courage under pressure.
Incoming NADA Chairman's Address
David Westcott
Burlington, North Carolina
2012 NADA Vice Chairman
2013 Incoming NADA Chairman
3:30pm, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 - Orange County Convention Center, Exhibit Hall D
David W. Westcott, president of Westcott Automotive, Burlington, N.C., is 2012 vice chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association and represents North Carolina’s franchised new-car dealers on the association’s board of directors.
A new car-dealer since 1981, Westcott previously was NADA's Region II vice chairman and a North Carolina Auto Dealers Association (NCADA) chair to the Self-Insurance Fund. He was also chairman of the Buick National Dealer Council, GM President’s Council and Buick’s Brand Team.
From 1995 through 1996, Westcott was president of the NCADA, during which time he also received the TIME Dealer of the Year Award from NADA and TIME Magazine. Active in his community, Westcott has served as a board member to the United Way, Cancer Society, YMCA and the Rotary Club, where he received the Paul Harris Fellow Award. As past president and current trustee of the Boy Scouts, Westcott received the Silver Beaver Award.
Keynote Address
Robert M. Gates
Secretary of Defense, 2006 - 2011
3:30 pm, Monday, Feb. 11, 2013 - Orange County Convention Center, Exhibit Hall D
Dr. Robert M. Gates served as the 22nd Secretary of Defense (2006-2011) and is the only Secretary
of Defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in that office by a newly-elected President.
President Barack Obama is the eighth president Gates has served. He previously served under
President George W. Bush.
On Gates' last day in office, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of
Freedom, America's highest civilian honor.
Before becoming Secretary of Defense in 2006, Gates was the president of Texas A&M University,
the nation's seventh largest university. Prior to assuming the Texas A&M presidency, on August 1,
2002, he served as interim dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at
Texas A&M from 1999 to 2001.
Gates joined the Central Intelligence Agency in 1966 and spent nearly 27 years as an intelligence
professional. During that period, he spent nearly nine years at the National Security Council, The
White House, serving four presidents of both political parties.
Gates served as director of Central Intelligence from 1991 until 1993. He is the only career officer in
CIA's history to rise from entry-level employee to director. He served as deputy director of Central
Intelligence from 1986 until 1989 and as assistant to the President and Deputy National Security
Adviser at the White House from January 20, 1989, until November 6, 1991, for President George
H.W. Bush.
Gates has been awarded the National Security Medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal, has three
times received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, and has three times received
CIA's highest award, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal.
He is the author of the memoir, From the Shadows: The Ultimate Insiders Story of Five Presidents
and How They Won the Cold War, published in 1996.
Until becoming Secretary of Defense, Gates served as chairman of the Independent Trustees of The
Fidelity Funds, the nation's largest mutual fund company, and on the board of directors of NACCO
Industries, Inc., Brinker International, Inc. and Parker Drilling Company, Inc.
Gates currently serves on Starbucks’ Board of Directors. He has also served on the Board of
Directors and Executive Committee of the American Council on Education, the Board of Directors of
the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges and the National Executive
Board of the Boy Scouts of America. He has also been president of the National Eagle Scout
Association.
A native of Kansas, Gates received his bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary, his
master's degree in history from Indiana University and his doctorate in Russian and Soviet history
from Georgetown University. Gates was installed as Chancellor of the College of William and Mary,
beginning in February 2012. He is the first William and Mary alumnus in the modern era to serve as
Chancellor of the College.