AAA Western and Central New York has identified an experienced executive to lead the organization following the retirement of President and CEO Anthony B. Spada. After a national search, the AAA Board of Directors has chosen Marke D. Dickinson as the next President and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. Dickinson will join AAA on September 9, 2024.  Spada will remain with the organization as Executive Advisor through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.

Dickinson’s leadership background spans healthcare and consumer marketing to general management, strategy and finance, with a focus on growth and providing high-performing teams with resources to succeed. Marke is no stranger to AAA, having served in executive leadership roles over a 13-year span at AAA organizations in Wilmington, DE and Dearborn, MI. In that time, he earned regional and national leadership awards from AAA for his efforts, and he looks forward to returning to his AAA roots.

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to join the talented team at AAA Western and Central New York and assume this important leadership role at such a pivotal time for the organization amid the growth and expansion of many valuable services for its members,” Dickinson said. “I’m equally excited to join the Bills Mafia and experience all that Western and Central New York has to offer!”

Dickinson will be relocating from Florida to take the reins at AAA’s regional headquarters in Amherst, N.Y. Immediately prior to joining AAA, Dickinson was Chief Marketing Officer of ChenMed in Miami, FL, a leader in making health care available to the neediest populations across the U.S.

“From expanding awareness of AAA insurance offerings to growing overall membership, I’m ready to join AAA’s outstanding, dedicated team of associates to build on the organization’s success. AAA is a well-known brand with loyal members, and I’m eager to serve them,” he said.

Known for his commitment to community involvement, Dickinson has shared his time and talents with organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, United Way and the Urban League.  Additionally, he holds degrees from Penn State and Harvard Kennedy School with an MBA from Harvard Business School.

“After an extensive national search to find the right, best candidate to serve as the next President and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York, we are excited to have found a dynamic and talented leader with a demonstrated record of success, including more than a dozen years driving growth in other AAA clubs. We are confident that Marke’s focus on cultivating a culture of innovation and achievement, paired with his self-described passion for bringing out the best in others, will make him an engaging leader with a passionate vision for AAA,” said AAA Western and Central New York Board of Directors Chair and CEO Selection Committee Chair Laura Saxby Lynch. “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we welcome Marke to his new role, and we offer our sincere gratitude to Tony for his exceptional dedication and outstanding service over more than four decades with AAA Western and Central New York.”

Spada will remain with AAA Western and Central New York through December 31, 2024. He has been recognized for his leadership and commitment numerous times during his 43 years of service to the organization, including receiving the 2023 Association Champion Award from AAA’s national office, which is the highest honor bestowed by AAA.