Tom Wehmeier (Community Honda, Orland Park) has been elected to the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) board of directors. Incumbents Emir Abinion (Fox Valley GMC of St. Charles, Fox Valley Volkswagen of Crystal Lake, and Fox Valley Volkswagen of St. Charles), Jerry Haggerty (Jerry Haggerty Chevrolet, Glen Ellyn), and Ryan Kelly (Kelly Nissan, Oak Lawn) return for another three-year term.

Wehmeier is a third-generation dealer following in the footsteps of his family, which has been in the automotive industry since 1919. He started selling cars in 1980 and became a dealer in 1991, and since then has served on both the National Dealer Council for Mazda, as well as National Dealer Council for America Honda Finance. This year Wehmeier is celebrating 50 years of being a Honda dealer. Wehmeier was born and raised in the south suburbs and is a current resident of Palos Park.

“I am honored to be elected to the CATA Board of Directors and look forward to giving back to our community, whether to the individual, local community or provide resources for the Chicagoland auto dealers,” said Wehmeier. “The CATA is a big part of the automotive industry and I’m ready to step in and play my part in contributing to the success of the organization, now and in the future.”

The CATA also elected a new executive board: Ryan Kelly is the 2025-26 CATA chairman; Steve Phillipos (Chevrolet of Homewood; Ford of Homewood) is vice chairman; and Jerry Haggerty is treasurer/secretary. Former CATA Chairman Jason Roberts (Advantage Acura of Naperville; Advantage Chevrolet of Bolingbrook; Advantage Chevrolet of Bridgeview; Advantage Chevrolet of Hodgkins; Advantage Toyota of River Oaks) becomes 2026 Chicago Auto Show chairman.

“On behalf of our association we are excited to welcome Tom Wehmeier to the CATA board,” said Jennifer Morand, president of the CATA. “Tom’s history in the industry and deep roots in his community make for a great combination to serve our members and we look forward to his contributions.”

“I also congratulate Emir, Jerry and Ryan on their reelection to the CATA board,” said Morand. “We’re delighted they will continue to serve our board, each bringing immense value to the future of the association.”

Election results were announced June 10 at the association’s annual meeting and golf outing at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont. Directors can serve up to three terms. Voting was open to all CATA dealer members whose association membership is in good standing.

In addition to the four directors elected this month and the executive committee, the CATA board includes John Crane, Dan Heller, Fred Marks, Dan Marquardt, Kelly Webb Roberts and Jared Wickstrom.

For more information on the CATA, please visit CATA.info.