2005 AUTOMOTIVE NEWS 100 LEADING WOMEN AWARDS

Sheila York,

48 COO, March/Hodge Automotive Group

Education: B.S., business administration, West Virginia University

What your college professors didn't teach you: "It's all about the people."

First automotive job: Vice president of finance and administration at Performance Inc., a 20-group consulting firm in 1985

Career highlights

1999-2003 Moderator, Performance Inc., Chantilly, Va.
1991-99 Chairman and CEO, Daytona Dash New York
1985-91 Vice president, finance and administration, Performance Inc., Falls Church, Va.

Proudest achievement: "My four children and my 22-year marriage."

Current challenge: "Trying to get the operating data from our companies' different computer systems on a daily and timely basis."

On being successful: "I never think I'm successful. If I come to the table with knowledge and help Tony March and Ernie Hodge to realize their goals, then I'll know I'm successful."

What about the auto industry surprised you: "That there are so many great entrepreneurs."

What women need to know for success in the auto industry: "Stick with your own morals. That, and your other attributes and skills should be enough to help you become successful."

Job to which you aspire: "I've always been happy with the jobs I've had."

What you do to relax: "Play golf."