Meet the Team

Marla is a second-generation automotive executive, with knowledge of all aspects of the $2 billion dollar enterprise that is the Feldman Automotive Group. She held positions in sales and finance before becoming the General Manager of Feldman Chevrolet of Novi and then later became a partner of both Feldman Chevrolet of Novi and Feldman Kia with Feldman Chevrolet of Novi being awarded the prestigious “Dealer of the Year” award in 2019, ‘20, and ’21.  

As a graduate of the NADA Academy, Marla is an active member of the NCM Associates Dealer Chevrolet 20 Group since 2007 and the Women’s Retail Network since its inception. She has also taken part in the Kia Central Region Dealer Council and sits on the board of the General Motors Women’s Advisory Council.

Marla strategically manages Feldman Automotive’s philanthropic efforts by sitting on the boards of CARE House of Oakland County and Oakland Schools Education Foundation.  

“Big” Al Gillespie has been involved in the dealer side of the automotive industry for over 20 years.  He has tackled the challenges of multiple roles throughout his career.  He has used these experiences to become an industry leader in omnichannel automotive marketing as the Chief Marketing Officer for Feldman and Mark Wahlberg Automotive Groups, one of the highest-grossing dealers in the mid-west.

Tara is Assistant Controller for the Feldman and Mark Wahlberg Automotive Groups. A 17-year veteran in the dealer vertical, she has worked at Feldman Automotive for more than 13 years. She started as an assistant accounts payable clerk before taking over the accounting department.

In 2018, she was awarded the Jeff Wilson Legacy award, which recognizes one employee annually for their commitment, work ethic and integrity. Tara enjoys using her love of math and puzzles, and when not working she loves to travel in an RV with her husband and their pets.

Steve Abernathy is the Director of Finance for the Feldman Automotive Group. With over 11 years in the automotive industry, Steve grew organically within the organization from sales and finance positions, to store finance director, finally landing as the Director of Finance in 2018. Steve uses the knowledge and skills gained through the diverse positions he held to continually grow the finance department.

Matt Grimes is Director of Fixed Operations for the Feldman Automotive Group. A 25-year veteran in Fixed OP’s, he joined the Feldman team in 2013. Matt has been one of the key components of Feldman’s massive growth over the past several years, providing consistent principles for fixed operations across all Feldman locations. He prides himself on being a mentor and working with his Feldman Team members to help them achieve their professional goals and objectives.

John has been in the automotive business for over 38 years. Fixed Operations is his area of expertise. 

In that time, he has had the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business and enjoys the fact that each day brings new challenges. 

His biggest passion is helping people, whether it is contributing to employee growth, helping guests, or enhancing processes to help enhance the guest experience. Creativity in establishing new and better ways is the driving force behind his past successes and the reason for improvement today. 

Over 20 years of experience in commercial construction and automotive branding. Working with multiple OEM’s such as Volkswagen, Bentley, Alpha Romeo, Maserati, and Hyundai in senior leadership roles. Successfully implemented brand and program elements, ensured compliance with brand standards. Ensuring constructed dealerships are appealing as they are functional. A longtime member of the International Facility Management Association (IMFA) and has held his Real Estate License since 2004.