The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) has elected three new directors and re-elected one existing director to its board of directors. Tom Conlin (Tirapelli Ford, Shorewood), Jeff Hopkins (Hopkins Ford, Elgin), and Chris Weck (Elgin Kia and Volkswagen of Palatine) will join the board, while Steve Phillipos (Chevrolet of Homewood; Ford of Homewood) begins his final three-year term as a CATA director.

Conlin, Hopkins and Weck bring extensive automotive industry experience and a strong commitment to their dealerships and communities. The newly elected directors will serve alongside the CATA board in supporting the association’s mission of advancing the Chicago region’s automotive industry and new car dealers through advocacy, events, education and community.

Conlin brings 36 years of automotive industry experience, having followed his father into the business and worked his way from service technician to dealer principal. He spent five years as assistant service manager at Napleton Lincoln Mercury, followed by 17 years at Gjovik Ford, where he served as fixed operations director and later general manager. He currently serves as executive manager and dealer principal at Ron Tirapelli Ford, a role he has held for seven years. Throughout his career, Conlin has gained experience across both fixed and variable operations, served on Ford Motor Company’s Parts and Service Manager Advisory Committee and participated in more than 20 manufacturer pilot programs.

Hopkins brings 30 years of automotive industry experience, having worked in nearly every dealership role throughout his career, from porter and parts driver to service advisor, salesperson, finance manager, general manager and dealer principal. After graduating from Indiana University, Hopkins spent a year in hardware and software sales before returning to the family automotive business. With both his family and his wife’s family involved in the industry, Hopkins says the automotive business was not something he felt he had to pursue, but something he wanted to do.

Weck has been in the automotive industry full time since 2011, advancing through a variety of sales, finance and management roles. He currently serves as president and general manager of Elgin Kia and Volkswagen of Palatine, overseeing the two-store operation. Following in the footsteps of his father, who spent more than four decades in the automotive industry, Weck emphasizes hands-on involvement, leading by example and fostering consistent growth and progress within his dealerships.

“I am excited to welcome Tom, Jeff and Chris to the CATA Board of Directors, and to congratulate Steve Phillipos on his re-election,” said Jennifer Morand, president of the CATA. “Tom, Jeff and Chris each bring a wealth of knowledge, leadership and a passion for the automotive industry, while Steve’s continued service and experience will remain a tremendous asset to our association. We look forward to their contributions as we continue to serve our members and strengthen the CATA.”

The CATA also elected a new executive board: Steve Phillipos (Chevrolet of Homewood; Ford of Homewood) is the 2026-27 CATA chairman; Jerry Haggerty (Haggerty Buick GMC; Haggerty Ford; Jerry Haggerty Chevrolet) is vice chairman; and Emir Abinion (Fox Valley GMC; Fox Valley Volkswagen; Fox Valley Volkswagen of Crystal Lake) is treasurer/secretary. Former CATA Chairman Ryan Kelly (Kelly Nissan) becomes 2027 Chicago Auto Show chairman.

Election results were announced July 21 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, Fred Marks, Dan Marquardt, Jason Roberts, Tom Wehmeier and Jared Wickstrom.

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

New directors, pictured left to right: Tom Conlin, Jeff Hopkins and Chris Weck.