Evans Named CEO of Tulsa Auto Collection Dealership Group
19 September 1999
DEARBORN, Mich. -- James D. Evans, 45, of Novato, CA. has been named chief executive officer of the Tulsa Auto Collection, according to Ross Roberts, President of Ford Investment Enterprises Corp., and vice president of the Ford Motor Company. Evans assumes management responsibilities previously handled by Don Thornton who retired August 31. Thornton was instrumental in forming the Tulsa Auto Collection and served as the original chief executive officer. Evans was regional vice president of First America Automotive, a West Coast automotive consolidator operating more than 30 dealerships. The First America Automotive group includes Honda, Toyota, Chevrolet, Lexus, BMW, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Dodge and Ford dealerships plus a 45 bay service facility in downtown San Francisco. Prior to joining First America Automotive, Evans was director of operations for United Auto Group of Danbury, CT., served as vice president of Financial Operations for Sansone Automotive Network of Woodbridge, NJ. from 1993 to 1994, and held various financial and operational positions with Holman Enterprises of Pennsauken, NJ. from 1986 to 1993. Evans holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. His appointment with the Tulsa Auto Collection is effective October 1. "We are pleased that James Evans is joining the Tulsa Auto Collection management team," Roberts said. "Evans demonstrated excellent management capabilities in working with large automotive groups. His experience as a consolidator and his experience in working with large employee organizations makes him a natural in leading the Tulsa organization," Roberts added. The Tulsa Auto Collection was launched July 1, 1998 with eight local Tulsa Ford Motor Company dealerships participating.