Illinois Auto Dealer Named the 2024 Ally Sees Her Award Winner for Her Leadership in the Auto Industry and Her Commitment to Community

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Karen Sutton-Ford, dealer principal at Sutton Ford in Matteson, Illinois, has been named the winner of the 2024 Ally Sees Her Award. This prestigious recognition, established by Ally Financial (NYSE: ALLY) and the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD), honors women of color in the auto retail industry for their achievements and community commitment.

Sutton-Ford's journey in the auto industry began with her parents' dealership in 1989. After gaining experience at IBM and Toyota, she joined Sutton Ford in 2015. Her leadership roles include serving as secretary of NAMAD Next Gen and upcoming vice president. To celebrate her accomplishments, Ally is donating $10,000 to the Seeking Vision, Gaining Success Foundation, supporting HBCU scholarships.

Karen Sutton-Ford, dealer principal at Sutton Ford in Matteson, Ill., was honored at National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers conference in Miami 

MIAMI, Aug. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Karen Sutton-Ford, dealer principal of Sutton Ford in Matteson, Ill., has been named the winner of the prestigious Ally Sees Her Award. Established by Ally Financial and the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers (NAMAD) seven years ago, the award recognizes the significant achievements of women of color in the auto retail industry and their commitment to strengthening their communities.

"This award reinforces my belief that I fulfill my purpose when I build others," Sutton-Ford said about the award. "My mission is to show that women of color belong and can have a huge impact in the auto business."

Inspired by the Association of National Advertisers #SeeHer campaign to elevate women in media and marketing, Ally created the award to recognize promising, young women leaders in the auto retail industry.  

The dealership business was in Sutton-Ford's blood. Her parents, Mallory and Nate Sutton, bought their first dealership in 1989. However, they insisted their daughter get experience outside of the Sutton Auto Team before joining the family business. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in finance from Hampton University, a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Virginia, in 2010, Sutton-Ford worked as a financial analyst at IBM in New York City.

But her automotive background soon drew her back. In 2012, she joined Toyota Motor Sales in Torrance, Calif. as a management trainee and then relocated to San Francisco where she was promoted to analyst and later District Service Manager.

After earning an MBA at Emory University, she joined Sutton Ford in 2015 as Commercial and Fleet manager. She is a National Auto Dealer Association Academy graduate and served as secretary of NAMAD Next Gen, a program focused on the new generation of auto dealers. She will take on the Next Gen vice president role this year.

"Her commitment to learning and personal growth combined with her knowledge of the auto industry have driven her path in the auto business," said Natalie Brown, senior director of Corporate Citizenship at Ally, who presented Sutton-Ford with the award during the NAMAD ceremony last week. "Her heart and dedication to her community are what makes her a natural for the Ally Sees Her Award."

Sutton-Ford is a member The Links, Incorporated and Delta Sigma Theta sorority, two organizations committed to enriching the lives of African Americans. She is also an active member of her church, Emmaus Community, in Olympia Fields, Ill.

To celebrate Sutton-Ford's leadership and community involvement, Ally is donating $10,000 to the Seeking Vision, Gaining Success Foundation, a charity created by HBCU graduates to provide scholarships for HBCU students.  Sutton-Ford credits Hampton and the HBCU experience for broadening her outlook and making her the leader she is.

"I want to open doors for others and give them the confidence they need to never give up. Those are traits of a successful dealer," she said.

Perry Watson IV, president of NAMAD, added, "Karen and her family are the epitome of excellence and the possibilities the auto industry offers. This recognition shows what women of color bring to the industry."

About Ally Financial
Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a financial services company with the nation's largest all-digital bank and an industry-leading auto financing business, driven by a mission to "Do It Right" and be a relentless ally for customers and communities. The company serves approximately 11 million customers through a full range of online banking services (including deposits, mortgage, and credit card products) and securities brokerage and investment advisory services. The company also includes a robust corporate finance business that offers capital for equity sponsors and middle-market companies, as well as auto financing and insurance offerings. For more information, please visit www.ally.com.

For more information and disclosures about Ally, visit https://www.ally.com/#disclosures.

For further images and news on Ally, please visit http://media.ally.com.

Contact:

Brenda Rios    
Ally Communications (Media)
Brenda.rios@ally.com 

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SOURCE Ally Financial

FAQ

Who won the 2024 Ally Sees Her Award?

Karen Sutton-Ford, dealer principal at Sutton Ford in Matteson, Illinois, won the 2024 Ally Sees Her Award for her leadership in the auto industry and commitment to community.

What is the purpose of the Ally Sees Her Award?

The Ally Sees Her Award, established by Ally Financial (ALLY) and NAMAD, recognizes significant achievements of women of color in the auto retail industry and their commitment to strengthening their communities.

How is Ally Financial (ALLY) supporting the award winner?

Ally Financial (ALLY) is donating $10,000 to the Seeking Vision, Gaining Success Foundation, a charity providing scholarships for HBCU students, in honor of Karen Sutton-Ford's leadership and community involvement.

What is Karen Sutton-Ford's background in the auto industry?

Karen Sutton-Ford grew up in a family-owned dealership, worked at IBM and Toyota, and joined Sutton Ford in 2015. She is a NADA Academy graduate and has held leadership roles in NAMAD Next Gen.

How does the Ally Sees Her Award relate to Ally Financial's (ALLY) mission?

The Ally Sees Her Award aligns with Ally Financial's (ALLY) mission to 'Do It Right' and be a relentless ally for customers and communities by recognizing and supporting diverse leadership in the auto industry.