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DEA

Automobile Dealer Education Awards

About DEA

The Northwood Dealer Education Award was developed by Northwood University to recognize automobile dealers across the United States for their dedication and contributions to the advancement of education, both inside and out of the automotive industry. 

Since 1972, Northwood has recognized Franchise owners and dealer principals in the automotive marketing field who have made noteworthy, individual contributions to public or private education. 

The awards ceremony is held in conjunction with the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) convention to be held this year in Las Vegas, NV.

Dealer Education Awards

Hosted at the 2026 NADA Show
February 5, 2026

Nominations are open!

SUBMIT A NOMINATION
Seven people in formal attire pose in a line; two men in the center, representing university automotive excellence, are holding framed certificates.

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DEA Awardees

2025 NADA DEA Awards

Clifford Cicotte
President
Spirit Ford

Kristin Dillard Sodoma
President Dealer Principal
Team Automotive Group

Todd Szott
Dealer Partner
Szott Auto Group

Five people in business attire are standing and having a conversation in a university conference room, with tables, chairs, and automotive brochures visible in the background.
Three men stand on a stage; two hold a framed certificate. An American flag and a Northwood University automotive podium are visible in the background.
A man in a suit and a woman holding a glass award stand on stage near a podium with the Northwood University logo, surrounded by flags, at a prestigious university automotive event.
Three people stand indoors at a university event; the man in the center holds a framed certificate. An American flag and a podium with the Northwood University logo highlight the automotive-focused celebration.
Four people pose indoors at a university event; two men in suits hold framed certificates while another man and a woman, involved in automotive research, stand beside them—all smiling at the camera.
A man speaks at a podium in a banquet hall, with people seated at tables, an American flag, and a university automotive corporate flag in the background.
A woman speaks at a podium with a Northwood University sign, highlighting the university's automotive excellence, while a man sits nearby. An American flag stands in the background.

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