Marty Coates
Marty W. Coates has come home to CIADA to serve as the Associate Executive Director/ Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Marty will work alongside the Executive Director in managing the day-to-day operations of the association, provide adjunct training for the education program, assist with governmental and legislative matters, and promote membership growth. He will provide assistance to the Executive Board, as needed.
Coates is no stranger to CIADA. He was an independent contractor and provided his service as the association’s dealer trainer from 2010 to 2018. During that time. he trained thousands of dealers in pre-licensing and continuing education classes. For six years, he produced, narrated and provided training for CIADA’s online and DVD continuing education products, namely CETV and CETV Online. He served on the CIADA Services Board previously and is a four-time recipient of the NIADA Silver Eagle Award. Additionally, Marty has provided lobbying and governmental/legislative services at both the state and federal levels for the association.
Mr. Coates joins the CIADA staff after more than 32 years as a business owner, entrepreneur and corporate executive. For the past two decades, he spent considerable time working with dealers to improve their dealerships through consulting and training services. He founded and is the owner of two companies, specializing in business consulting, speaking and training. Marty has worked in nearly every level of business life, including frontline sales, management and corporate boardrooms. He loves to work and he is not afraid to tackle a challenge.
Marty is a formerly elected member of the South Carolina House of Representatives where he served from 2000-2006. During his tenure, Marty worked with CIADA to enact pre-licensing legislation in the state. In 2005, Marty was recognized by CIADA as the “Legislator of The Year”.
Mr. Coates is a graduate of North Carolina State University and has completed graduate studies at Webster University.
He is a veteran United States Army officer. During his more than 14 years of active and reserve service, he was deployed to serve in the Desert Storm War where he was awarded the Bronze Star for his service.
Mr. Coates is a four-time best-selling author. He has authored or co-authored seven published books, including a series of books he created for the automotive industry entitled, “Race to The Finish Line”.
Marty enjoys people, service, and any opportunity to help others grow. He is a recipient of the highest civilian honor awarded by the State of South Carolina, The Order of The Palmetto.
Marty and his wife, Bridgette, reside in Florence, South Carolina and have two adult children.
