CATA DRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE AWARDS

About CATA's Drive for Excellence Awards

The Chicago Automobile Trade Association is proud to introduce the new Drive for Excellence Awards, recognizing the individuals and dealerships setting the standard for excellence across Chicagoland.

These awards highlight achievement in five key areas:

Next-Gen Award — The Next-Gen Award recognizes an emerging leader in the retail automotive industry who is making a meaningful impact early in their career. This individual demonstrates leadership potential, innovation, and a strong commitment to the future success of their dealership and the industry. Nominees are rising professionals who embody the next generation of automotive leadership.

Outstanding Sales Performer Award — The Outstanding Sales Performer Award honors a dealership sales professional who consistently delivers exceptional sales results while providing an outstanding customer experience. This individual sets a high standard for performance, professionalism, and relationship-building in automotive sales.

Parts & Service Superstar Award — The Parts & Service Superstar Award recognizes an exceptional professional in fixed operations who goes above and beyond to support dealership success and customer satisfaction. This individual demonstrates expertise, reliability, and a commitment to delivering outstanding service in the parts or service department.

Community Impact Award — The Community Impact Award recognizes a dealership that demonstrates outstanding commitment to supporting and strengthening its local community. Through charitable initiatives, partnerships, volunteerism, and outreach, this dealership exemplifies the important role automotive retailers play in making a positive local impact.

Innovative Marketing Award — The Innovative Marketing Award honors a dealership that has developed and executed a creative and effective marketing strategy or campaign within the 2025 calendar year. This award recognizes dealerships that think outside the box to reach customers, strengthen their brand, and drive measurable business results.

Congratulations to the 2026 award recipients

Pictured (left to right) are 2026 CATA Drive for Excellence Award recipients Olivia Alfirevich (Apple Chevrolet), Kelly Webb Roberts (Webb Auto Group), Jackie Webb Hibner (Webb Auto Group) and Kevin Keefe (Brilliance Subaru). Also honored this year, but not pictured, are Damian Gabrus (Hawk Volkswagen of Joliet) and James Carver (Romeoville Toyota).

Next-Gen Award
Recipient: Olivia Alfirevich, Apple Chevrolet
Olivia was recognized for her leadership in transforming Apple Chevrolet's human resources, marketing and digital engagement efforts through innovative technologies and forward-thinking strategies that position the dealership for continued success.

Finalists: Andreas Korallus, Volvo of Lisle; Ray Scarpelli III, Ray Chevrolet; and Salina Villarreal, Fields Lexus Glenview.

Outstanding Sales Performer Award
Recipient: Damian Gabrus, Hawk Volkswagen of Joliet
Damian was recognized for helping lead Hawk Volkswagen of Joliet to become the No. 1 Volkswagen dealership in Illinois for sales over the past decade while consistently demonstrating exceptional sales performance, leadership and a commitment to delivering an outstanding customer experience.

Finalists: Kaine Garcia, Gerald Ford; Jorge Guzman, Webb Chevrolet Oak Lawn; Susan Jimenez, Community Honda of Orland Park; and Keith Tennyson, Fields Lexus Glenview.

Finalists: Oscar Bautista, Al Piemonte Nissan; Angel Quinones, Al Piemonte Nissan; and Nicholas Ruffolo, Rohrman Automotive Group.

Community Impact Award
Recipient: Webb Automotive Group
Webb Automotive Group was recognized for its ongoing commitment to giving back through charitable partnerships, volunteerism and community engagement, supporting organizations and initiatives that strengthen the communities it serves.

Finalists: Gregory Auto Group Hyundai/Genesis; Larry Roesch Volkswagen; Ray Chevrolet / Ray CDJR; Raymond Chevrolet Kia; and Rohrman Auto Group.

Innovative Marketing Award
Recipient: Brilliance Subaru
Brilliance Subaru was recognized for transforming its Brilliance Subaru Loves Pets program into a signature community initiative that has helped more than 1,100 rescue animals find homes while strengthening connections with customers and the community.

Finalist: Rohrman Auto Group.

Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and award recipients. The outstanding nominations we received reflect the tremendous talent, dedication and commitment found throughout our CATA member dealerships.