Jennifer Morand, who has worked for the Chicago Automobile Trade Association for 10 years, on March 1 ascended to co-chief executive of the association, sharing titles with Dave Sloan. The pair will lead the CATA for the next two years, at which time Morand will fully take the reins.

Sloan said that Morand, who most recently served as the association’s director of public relations and social media, impressed him as someone who could lead the CATA in the future. Recent efforts by a PR firm to recruit her accelerated Sloan’s plans.

When she accepted the firm’s position in December, Morand did so provided she could remain with the CATA through the just-completed Chicago Auto Show — a great example of her dedication and professionalism.

"Obviously," said CATA Chairman Kevin Keefe, "our business is changing fast and the auto show business is, as well.  We feel that with Jen’s gifts and background, she is the best choice to lead our association in the future, and we could not let her get away.  Allowing Jen to ease into her leadership role with Dave by her side is a scenario that became instantly crystal clear to each of us. 

"Dave Sloan has been an excellent leader for the CATA the last 12 years, with the CATA and the auto show achieving some significant victories during that time.  Proposing this plan may be his best win yet.  He has said that putting Jen in the position to succeed would be the crowning achievement of his CATA career, one he feels he owes to the association that has been so good to him and his family.  We are grateful for his continuing leadership."

Sloan join the CATA in 1993 as executive vice president.