2026 TDOY Nominee

Alycia Kellum is one of a select group of 47 dealer nominees from across the country who will be honored at the 109^th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 5, 2026.

The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted honors. The award recognizes the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service. Kellum was chosen to represent the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association in the national competition — one of only 47 auto dealers nominated for the 57^th annual award from more than 20,000 nationwide.

A second-generation leader who “earned it from the ground up,” Kellum built her career outside the family store before returning to Jacksonville. She began as a receptionist at Tallberg Chevrolet in Wilmington, moved into the office, became a service advisor, and then a top-performing sales professional — later joining Rippy Cadillac as a closer while completing her degree at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (B.A., Economics). After graduating from the NADA Dealer Academy in 2005, she returned to Don Williamson Nissan and stepped into finance before taking the helm to lead a turnaround.

“I grew up around the car business, but my dad made me earn my way,” Kellum said. “Working every role — from receptionist to service to sales — taught me to outwork doubt and put customers first. Those years shaped the leader I am today.”

Taking leadership of the dealership was the defining risk of her career.

“On paper I had the training, but real leadership meant building the right team, enforcing accountability and learning through tough lessons,” she noted. “We even absorbed a significant incentive penalty early on. It hurt, but it made us stronger, more resilient, and more disciplined.”

Under Kellum’s direction, Don Williamson Nissan undertook a full NREDI-compliant rebuild, tearing down the outdated facility and opening a state-of-the-art dealership in 2013 featuring a drive-in service department, expansive customer lounge, and an air-conditioned shop. Continued reinvestment has followed, including comprehensive interior and exterior updates in 2024 and approval for Nissan’s new corporate brand sign. The result: higher sales and service volume, stronger retention and a modern, welcoming environment for guests and employees.

Employee wellness is a hallmark. In 2024, Kellum launched an on-site spin studio with 10 bikes and weekly instructor-led classes in partnership with Iron Forged Fitness, added an Employee Assistance Program, flexible time for medical needs, and friendly competitions like a “Biggest Loser” challenge with a $500 award.

“Healthy teams serve customers best,” she said. “We invest in people first — because people are the core of our business.”

Kellum also strengthened compliance and process discipline. After an FTC audit (2011–2014 deals) concluded with no findings, the store modernized sales logs, instituted monthly internal audits of every deal, and centralized complaint tracking — changes that continue to anchor transparency and trust.

Over the last 18 months, the dealership focused on grow-from-within leadership, data-driven inventory discipline and relationship programs that link service loyalty to repeat and referral sales. Two rising associates — Isaiah (promoted to Sales Manager) and Sebastian (promoted to Finance) — were paired with KPIs, one-on-ones, and training. Inventory reviews now occur twice weekly to align ordering with demand, reducing carrying costs and keeping floorplan balances healthy. A refreshed referral program rewards introductions and recognizes salespeople who convert service guests. “Right people, right mix, right follow-up — that’s how we compound trust and results,” Kellum said.

Customer care at Don Williamson Nissan is personal. When a new Frontier experienced unusual issues days after delivery, Kellum replaced the vehicle immediately — at the dealership’s expense — rather than asking the customer to wait for corporate approvals. The family has since purchased and serviced multiple vehicles and introduced Kellum to causes such as the Alzheimer’s Association.

“Where others see a transaction, we see a relationship,” she said. “Doing the right thing pays long-term dividends for customers and for our culture.”

Deeply embedded in Onslow County, Kellum and her team sponsor and serve across family and youth initiatives: Zing Zumm Children’s Museum (lead sponsor of early fundraising; $35,000+ contributed), “Dancing with the Stars” for the Onslow Women’s Center, One Place Onslow’s Diamonds & Denim, youth sports and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (“Game Changers”) in local schools. The dealership’s annual Trunk or Treat combines a safe family event with a canned goods drive for the local soup kitchen, and Hometown Heroes events honor first responders.

“Nearly 30 years after my father served as NCADA chair — and 26 years after he was North Carolina’s first national TIME/Ally Dealer of the Year winner — I’m humbled to carry that legacy forward,” Kellum added. “This business lets us serve our team, our guests and our community.”

Kellum was nominated for the TIME Dealer of the Year award by the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association. She and her husband, Steven, have six children: Emily (Grace), Meredith, Benjamin, Ryleigh, Porter and Brittany.