Katrina Ness, a student from Birmingham, Michigan, with automotive marketing and management in her blood, has been named general chair of the 2025 Northwood University International Auto Show, which will be held Sept. 19-21 in Midland, Michigan.
“The show’s theme will be ‘Elevate,’” explained Ness. “We want to elevate the experience for captains and students involved, elevate the experience for attendees, and showcase the elevation of the vehicles we display.”
Ness is currently selecting students to serve on her executive board (eboard), which consists of key roles needed to plan and execute next year’s NUIAS.
“This year, we had over 45 students interested in joining — not even counting the returning members from past years,” Ness stated. “I’m grateful to past NUIAS general chairs and eboards for the work they did to help make Auto Show what it is today: A signature celebration of all things automotive that is done in a way that facilitates truly unique experiential learning opportunities for students.”
“Katrina’s selection as the general chair for the 62nd Northwood University International Auto Show marks another milestone in her remarkable journey in the automotive industry,” stated Elgie Bright, who chairs Northwood’s Automotive Marketing and Management degree program. “It has been a privilege watching her growth and seeing others galvanized by Katrina’s passion for the automotive industry.”
That passion is fueled in part by familial legacy, as her parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents all achieved the American Dream through automotive careers in Detroit, Michigan. Also, growing up just north of the Motor City, Ness was inspired by the iconic Woodward Dream Cruise, where classic, modern, exotic, and specialty cars are proudly displayed each August.
“My passion for the auto industry was sparked by hearing about the business side from my mother and the strong community of people it fosters,” Ness said. “Also, as the middle child of three, I learned early on to work hard to stand out.”
This drive helped Ness develop a strong work ethic, creativity, confidence, problem-solving skills, and leadership abilities. These traits were further honed through years of involvement in club and varsity athletics and her role as a youth group member and mentor at church.
Campus visit represents a defining moment
“My journey took a pivotal turn when I visited Northwood University’s campus and realized this was where I could truly make my mark,” Ness said.
While still in high school, Ness interviewed for a leadership position for the 2022 Northwood University International Auto Show. As a first-year student, she served as the Rivian team captain and earned the prestigious “Best Walk Around” award that year.
In her first year at Northwood, Ness immersed herself in campus life, taking on roles in several student organizations, including Northwood’s Signature Events and Alumni Team, the Northwood University Fashion Show, the honors program, and Delta Zeta sorority. She also became a student ambassador and campus tour guide. That summer, she completed an internship with Cox Automotive in product management, which helped provide valuable experience working with dealers and internal stakeholders to improve customer experiences.
During her second year, Ness continued to expand her leadership and professional experiences. She joined the 2023 Auto Show Executive Board as the public relations chair and became a teachers’ assistant for the automotive marketing and management degree program. She also frequently presented at industry events, including the NADA Dealer Education Awards, the Distinguished Women’s Gala, and AAPEX/SEMA. Additionally, she worked on the Full Tank Auto Camp at Northwood, helping engage younger generations in the automotive business world.
Always eager to embrace new challenges, Ness took on a role as co-host and content creator for the Fixed Ops Roundtable. Since October 2023, she has been a content creator, co-host, and moderator for the Fixed Ops Roundtable and Afterdark show, which airs twice weekly and features interviews with automotive industry professionals.
In recognition of her leadership and contributions, Ness received the CDK Global “Paving the Way” award for her efforts to elevate industry partnerships.
Ness’s second internship took her to the retail side with the Pohanka Auto Group in Maryland, where she gained hands-on experience across various dealership departments, applying everything she had learned at Northwood.
Focus on growth, culture, and tradition
Now in her third year, Ness served as operations chair for the 2024 Northwood University International Auto Show and took on the role of academics vice president for the Delta Zeta executive board.
Ness will graduate with honors in May with a bachelor of business administration degree in automotive marketing and management. Next fall, she will pursue a master of business administration degree at the DeVos Graduate School at Northwood University.
“I am grateful to Northwood University and the industry for helping me continue to grow,” Ness said. “Over the past three years, my passion for the Auto Show and the community of students built within it has only grown. The culture of students eager to learn, grow, and succeed has fueled my involvement. I am excited to foster an amazing and fruitful culture for other students to engage in the Auto Show, just as those before me have done.”
Dates set for 2025 & 2026 Northwood University International Auto Shows
The 2025 and 2026 Northwood University International Auto Shows dates have been set. Next year’s show dates are Sept. 19-21, and the 2026 show is set for Sept. 18-20. Ness will oversee the 2025 show, and the general chair for the 2026 show will be determined next fall.
“Each Auto Show keeps getting better and better, and I can’t wait to work with my executive board to elevate the 2025 Northwood University International Auto Show,” Ness stated.
