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Diane Maher and the 2025 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award

Cox Automotive recently honored Diane Maher as the recipient of the 2025 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award. Maher, who serves as the president and chief strategy officer at DP Fox Ventures LLC and holds the role of president and chief operating officer at Fox Motor Group, is recognized for her exceptional leadership within the automotive industry as well as her commitment to community advocacy and philanthropy.

The Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award is named in honor of Barbara Cox, a pioneering figure in the automotive sector and a director of Cox Enterprises, the parent company of Cox Automotive. This prestigious award celebrates women who have made significant contributions to the industry and who have demonstrated remarkable leadership and community involvement. Maher’s recognition comes as part of the 20th anniversary of the award, highlighting her extensive impact in shaping the automotive landscape and uplifting the community around her.

Contributions to the Automotive Sector

Diane Maher oversees a significant operation, managing 43 locations and 51 brands under the Fox Motors umbrella, which operates as a division of DP Fox Ventures LLC. With a workforce exceeding 2,175 employees under her leadership, Maher has played an integral role in driving growth and innovation within the organization. Her journey at DP Fox began in 1993 when she joined as vice president of Finance. Under her strategic guidance, the company has successfully expanded its dealership network since 2000, showcasing her effectiveness as a leader in a competitive environment.

Maher’s expertise is not limited to her current roles; it stems from a solid foundation in finance. Before her current positions, she was an audit manager and consultant at Deloitte Touche LLP, which equipped her with critical skills that she has leveraged throughout her career in the automotive industry.

Philanthropic Efforts and Community Engagement

Beyond her corporate titles, Maher is also known for her philanthropy. She established the One Starfish Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on addressing stigma and providing support to individuals affected by mental illness, homelessness, and the challenges of incarceration. This commitment to community service emphasizes her belief in making a significant impact, not just through her work in business, but in the community she serves.

In addition to her nonprofit work, Maher contributes her leadership skills to various boards, including Our Daily Bread Ministries and the West Michigan Policy Forum, ensuring that her influence extends into multiple facets of community service and support.

Award Presentation and Scholarships

The honor was awarded to Maher during the Northwood Dealer Education Awards held at the NADA Show on January 25, 2025. As part of the recognition, Maher will allocate a $10,000 donation to a charity of her choice, alongside the establishment of a Barbara Cox Memorial Scholarship worth $10,000 for a deserving student at Northwood University. This year’s scholarship has been awarded to Brooke Engelhardt, a junior marketing major instrumental in promoting the values of the university.

Maher spoke passionately about the impact Barbara Cox had on the automotive industry: “Barbara was not just a business leader; she was a trailblazer whose legacy continues to inspire countless others. I aim to carry on her commitment to making an impactful difference in our communities.”

Legacy and Future Aspirations

Recognizing the significance of the award and the opportunities it presents, Maher is dedicated to continuing her legacy of excellence in leadership and philanthropy. Her vision not only encompasses the growth of Fox Motors and DP Fox Ventures but also includes a broader mission to uplift those in her community through her charitable efforts.

As the automotive industry evolves, Maher’s leadership proves essential, embodying the values of innovation, community, and success that Barbara Cox championed. Looking ahead, she remains focused on inspiring a new generation of women leaders who aspire to make their mark in the automotive world, continuously shaping the industry's future.

Cox Automotive reiterates its commitment to recognizing the achievements of female leaders like Maher and promoting gender diversity within the workplace. For more information about the award and nominations, visit the Cox Automotive website.