Ally recognizes Illinois Ford dealer for leadership excellence

Karen Sutton-Ford, dealer principal at Sutton Ford in Matteson, Illinois, has won the 2024 Ally Sees Her Award at the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) conference in Miami.

For 7 years, Ally and NAMAD have honored women of color in the auto industry who make meaningful contributions to business and community.

Quick facts:

• Automotive leadership runs in Sutton-Ford’s family. Her parents, Mallory and Nate Sutton, purchased their first dealership in 1989. But taking over the family business wouldn't come easy.

• After earning a finance degree from Hampton University, she started her career as a financial analyst at IBM in New York City. From there, she joined Toyota Motor Sales, where she grew from management trainee to district service manager.

• Returning to the family business in 2015 with an MBA from Emory University, Sutton-Ford quickly rose through the ranks. She also became a key figure in NAMAD’s Next Gen program, where she is set to take on the role of vice president.

What they’re saying: "This award reinforces my belief that I fulfill my purpose when I build others," Sutton-Ford shared. "My mission is to show that women of color belong and can have a huge impact in the auto business."

• Perry Watson IV, president of NAMAD, added, "Karen and her family are the epitome of excellence and the possibilities the auto industry offers. This recognition shows what women of color bring to the industry."

• Natalie Brown, of Ally, discussed Sutton-Ford's dedication to learning and community service. She said, "Her heart and dedication to her community are what makes her a natural for the Ally Sees Her Award."

What's next: To honor her leadership, Ally is donating $10,000 to the Seeking Vision, Gaining Success Foundation. It provides scholarships for HBCU students, a nod to Sutton-Ford’s roots at Hampton University.

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