SAN DIEGO -- The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) has elected John McEleney as chairman for 2009. McEleney, owner of McEleney Autocenter Inc. in Clinton, Iowa, and McEleney Autoplex Inc. in Iowa City, has been part of NADA's leadership for the past five years. He currently serves as the association's vice chairman.

A lifelong resident of Clinton, McEleney joined the family car business after receiving a business administration degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1973. After working in the family's dealership in various capacities, including sales consultant and body shop estimator, McEleney became general manager in 1976. Today, his two dealerships sell Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Cadillac, Toyota and Hyundai brand vehicles. His two grown children represent the fourth generation of the family business. In addition to his service to NADA, McEleney has served on numerous civic boards in his community. 

The NADA board of directors also elected Edward Tonkin as 2009 vice chairman. Tonkin is vice president of Ron Tonkin Dealerships in Portland, Ore.

The election was held at NADA's board of directors meeting in San Diego. McEleney and Tonkin will officially take office after an induction ceremony at the NADA Convention & Exposition in New Orleans Jan. 24-27.