The Ford Motor Company has more than 3,500 dealerships across the United States. Of those dealerships, only 31 individuals had made it into Ford’s Dealers Hall of Fame as of 2022 and they were all male. That changed in March as Cathy Stender of Woody Anderson Ford was formally inducted at a private reception with company executives, fellow dealers, and the Ford family.

“To qualify the honoree must be regarded as a true heroine by Ford Motor Company, loved by their customers, revered by their employees, fixtures in their communities, and respected by their fellow dealers,” according to Ford Motor Company Vice President Andrew Frick. “They must also be longtime dealers that are consistently top performers year in and year out.”

Since Stender started at Woody Anderson Ford in 2003, the dealership has become the largest Ford dealership in the country. She has proven to be a successful businesswomen while using her background in psychology to understand her community and figure out ways to push boundaries and innovate.

Over that time period, Stender oversaw the company’s expansion into the Madison market with the Hughes Road facility along with the acquisition of the Ford dealership in Fayetteville. She also oversaw a major renovation and addition of the 150,000+ square foot dealership on Jordan Lane, all while dealing the with financial crisis of the early 2000’s.

“Cathy’s impact on our community continues to be noteworthy and inspirational,” said Tommy Battle, City of Huntsville Mayor. “For years, her passion and desire to improve our City have exceeded the walls of her dealership with every endeavor she undertakes.”

In addition to running her dealership, Stender has also been tapped to serve on the influential Ford Product Committee, CEM Advisory Board and FDAF Board. In these roles, Stender played a part in helping the company develop new products such as the Mach-E, Ford’s electric version of their classic mustang, while also reimagining older classics such as the newly redesigned Ford Bronco.

Stender has made history with the Ford Motor Company before. In 2005 Stender became the first female recipient of the Salute to Dealer award. At that time, U.S. Congressman Bud Cramer, Jr. recognized Stender on the House floor, saying, “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of North Alabama’s most compassionate and dedicated leaders, Mrs. Cathy Anderson. Her work with children and methamphetamine abuse is quite remarkable and has helped raise the overall quality of life in North Alabama.”

Stender says her vision and passion for the future is as strong today as ever, while the automotive titan plans future expansions to support our community’s growth. “With the electrification of America’s roadways, the automotive industry will go through a renaissance over the next ten years,” said Stender. “It’s the first time this has happened since Henry drove the Model-T off the production line, and we will be on the forefront of change again – you can count it.”