Former Ford president joins Lithia board of directors

Lithia Motors welcomes 35-year industry veteran A.J. Wagner as the newest member of its board of directors.
A new and used vehicle and parts dealership and repair shop, Lithia spans 15 states and also provides finance, warranty and credit insurance contracts.
Wagner, a former president of Ford Motor Credit Company North America and vice president of Ford Motor Company, began his career in 1973 and holds an M.B.A. and a B.S. in finance.
He is the recipient of multiple community awards, including the 2006 Philip E. Benton Award from the Minority Dealer Association for his efforts to foster diversity and support minority dealers. Wagner was also named a Ford Executive Champion for his work with the United Way, Habitat for Humanity and for Heart Disease research. On the board of directors and the audit committee for Walter Industries, Wagner is president and CEO of AJ Wagner & Associates, a business consulting firm, and an advisory board member for the Gold Mobile Group.
“With Mr. Wagner’s many years of experience in virtually every aspect of the auto industry, we know he will be invaluable to our company’s direction and progress in the years to come. We look forward to what he can bring to the table for Lithia Motors,” says Sid DeBoer, Lithia chairman and CEO.
Wagner will fill a Lithia board vacancy left by the resignation of William J. Young earlier this month, prompted by health concerns.
We will miss Bill dearly. His contributions to our team since 1997 have resulted in spectacular growth and success. We wish him nothing but the best,” DeBoer says.