MELANIE THOMAS
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Professional with proven track record in high-pressure environments, delivering critical financial results. Known for outstanding team collaboration and meeting evolving business needs. Expertise in risk management and client relations, ensuring reliability and adaptability in fluctuating market conditions.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Dealer Operation Manager
Nissan North America
11.2022 - Current
- Responsible for the training in delivery and performance improvement of dealerships' sales and F&I departments.
- Serve as the primary implementation lead guiding dealerships through the adoption of Tekion’s cloud-native automotive retail platform. Own the dealership experience from discovery through go-live and post-launch stabilization, ensuring operational readiness, system accuracy, and sustained adoption.
- Oversee the creation, planning, and implementation of the training programs for dealerships. Courses include OEM Workshops, Advanced OEM Workshops, Sales, F&I, and Sales Management.
- Designed and delivered structured training programs supporting Tekion's adoption across Sales, F&I, and Sales Management.
- Developed OEM-aligned workshops, advanced process training, and role-based learning paths.
- Created scalable training content for blended learning environments, supporting both on-site and remote dealer teams.
- Measured training effectiveness through adoption metrics, user feedback, and operational performance for development, design, and delivery of training for dealerships. Courses include, OEM Workshop, Advanced OEM Workshop, Sales, F&I, and Sales Management.
- Directed financial services operations, including analysis of dealer financial statements and profit optimization.
- Lead and manage retail operations consulting for assigned dealerships, driving achievement of wholesale and retail objectives through strategic planning and creative problem-solving.
- Oversee and consult on marketing and advertising plans, providing innovative recommendations to enhance dealership performance and financial outcomes.
- Conduct regular ongoing training with dealership team members to evaluate performance and provide coaching as needed.
- Maintain and schedule internal training and development courses across department roles.
- Maintain awareness of other departments’ operations and identify ways to serve them dealership visits, collaborating with sales staff, management, and Dealer Principals to assess operations and implement action plans for improvement.
- Review sales reports and financial statements, ensuring compliance with company standards and identifying opportunities for growth and efficiency.
- Monitor and optimize inventory management, car mix, and marketing strategies to maximize sales and market expansion.
- Develop and deliver training programs for dealership personnel, promoting continuous learning and professional development.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration between internal teams and external consultants, ensuring alignment with corporate mandates and client needs.
- Participate in quality control and review processes for key deliverables, ensuring high standards and client satisfaction.
Dealer Account Manager
Cox Automotive
11.2020 - 11.2022
- Designed and delivered training for DMS Dealertrack, Virtual Training and Finance.
- Responsible for two regions and lead these regions to number 1 and 2 spots within the company. Both Regions being top 150 dealerships.
- Managed and grew credit application and digital contracting volume for franchise and large independent automotive dealers across multiple states.
- Developed creative solutions to help dealers achieve business objectives, leveraging data analysis and trend identification.
- Led remote teams using Microsoft Teams and Zoom, providing coaching, training, and performance management for direct and indirect reports.
- Implemented Salesforce-based trend analysis initiatives, resulting in significant year-over-year sales growth in digital contracting volume.
- Established and promoted a culture of continuous improvement and accountability, aligning team efforts with organizational goals.
- Oversaw a large portfolio of dealer accounts, ensuring high levels of client engagement and satisfaction.
Platform F&I Director
Atlanta Automobile Association
11.2005 - 11.2020
- Positions held were Director of Financial Services for 5 stores. Responsible for 15 F&I Managers and increasing product penetration, PVR, and profitability.
- Trained and developed finance staff to maximize profitability and deliver exceptional customer experience.
- Managed customer loan origination, approval processes, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with lenders and key stakeholders.
- Oversaw recruitment, hiring, and development of associates, fostering a culture of continuous learning and achievement.
- Ensured accurate and timely reporting, supporting strategic decision-making and operational excellence.
Education
MBA -
Keller Business School of Management
Atlanta, CA05.2002
BA - Business Administration and Finance
University of Houston
Houston, TX05.1993
Skills
- Adaptability to market changes
- Relationship building
- Strong analytical skills
- Conflict resolution
- Brings a dealer-first mindset aligned with Tekion’s modern retail philosophy
- Balances technical system knowledge with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
- Thrives in fast-paced SaaS environments with high-visibility implementations
- Known for calm, solutions-oriented leadership during complex go-lives and change initiatives
- Passionate about helping dealers fully leverage Tekion’s platform to simplify operations and improve outcomes
Timeline
Senior Dealer Operation Manager
Nissan North America
11.2022 - Current
Dealer Account Manager
Cox Automotive
11.2020 - 11.2022
Platform F&I Director
Atlanta Automobile Association
11.2005 - 11.2020
MBA -
Keller Business School of Management
BA - Business Administration and Finance
University of Houston