Irma Elder
CEO Elder Automotive Group

Irma Elder was born in Mexico and came to the United States in her early teens unable to speak a word of English.  She became president of the former Troy Ford auto dealership (now Elder Ford) upon the death of her husband in 1983.  Although she had experience in the auto business prior to her marriage, Irma had devoted her time and considerable energy to raising her three children.  Faced with an unexpected and daunting challenge, she continued to take care of her children and the Ford dealership, watching them all blossom over the years.

Today Mrs. Elder owns the Elder Automotive Group which consists of Elder Ford of Troy, Michigan; Jaguar Aston Martin of Troy, Michigan; Jaguar Aston Martin of Tampa, Florida; Saab of Troy, Michigan; Signature Lincoln-Mercury and Jeep of Owosso, Michigan; and Signature Ford of Perry, Michigan.  She has won many awards for her business achievements, including Ford Motor Company President’s Awards for customer service every year since 1991, the Pride of Jaguar Award every year since 1995 and the GM Dealer of the Year Award the past three years. She is a Member of the Top 25 Elite Women of the Year named by Hispanic Business Magazine in 2004 and one of the Most Influential Hispanics in Michigan by CORP Magazine in 2003.

Elder believes strongly in giving back to the community that has given so much to her, and her affiliations reflect that. She serves on the Board of Trustees for the College for Creative Studies, Oakland Family Services, Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Economic Club of Detroit Board of Directors to name a few. She was also appointed by Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to the Governor’s Economic Advisory Council, and most notably, appointed by President George W. Bush to the Commission on White House Fellowships.

“Northwood University is one of the premiere educational institutions in the country, affording its students the unique opportunity to learn every aspect of the automotive industry at every level. Serving as trustee is an honored and important position because Northwood’s goals are in step with business and in keeping with the highest standard of entrepreneurship.”