Pub. 60 2019-2020 Issue 3

10 Is there a professional accomplishment that you especially proud of? Yes. Early on in my career in public policy, I worked with Lt. Governor Bob Bullock and Senator Chris Harris on a health care policy that ultimately saved the taxpayers of Texas a billion dollars. At the time, GerogeW. Bush was our governor, and I believe that strategy we developed and implemented ultimately paved Governor Bush’s way to the White House. To this day, I am very proud of what we accomplished. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Any unusual hobbies? My wife Lissa and I are empty nesters. So we have time together — we recently came back from the NADA convention in Las Vegas. Our son, Will, is in his second year of law school, and our daughter, Julieanne, has just started her graduate degree in aerospace engineering. I spend time with my family whenever I can because the years go by quickly, and both the children will be off and living their own lives before you know it. I like to read, which I hope is not considered unusual, and I play a little golf here and there. How have your first few months with TADA been? I have been so impressed with the dedicated staff of TADA. The culture is extraordinary, which comes from the longtime tenure of the staff. I am honored with the opportunity to lead this team. I know that we can continue to accomplish great things. As I have been meeting the 600 plus dealer fami- lies throughout the state, I am pleased to say that the dealer involvement with TADA exceeded my expectations. Our dealers are passionate about their franchises, their commitment to their communities, and the success of TADA. It’s a lot like a big family. I am looking forward to meeting with all the dealers. What would you like yourmark onTADAto be? The goal is to continue the success that the organiza- tion has enjoyed. I want my mark to be leaving the organization in an even better place by the time I leave. As an organization, I’d like to see us address the industry disruptors in a way that speaks to the services and commitments to our communities that our dealers provide  Early on in my career in public policy, I worked with Lt. Governor Bob Bullock and Senator Chris Harris on a health care policy that ultimately saved the taxpayers of Texas a billion dollars. At the time, Geroge W. Bush was our governor, and I believe that strategy we developed and implemented ultimately paved Governor Bush’s way to theWhite House. To this day, I am very proud of what we accomplished.  DARREN WHITEHURST — CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8