in the driver’s seat
Teresa Wright
Executive Assistant
Teresa’s Grandfather at his Packard Dealership
Teresa Wright’s career at IADA began in June of 1988, but her connection to the automotive world started long before that. She grew up in Taylorville, where her grandfather owned a Packard dealership. Her father owned and operated a full-service Mobile gas station, where he taught his 3 children to work hard, and spent his weekends drag racing then later racing on dirt tracks and in demolition derbies across central Illinois. While her dad handled the cars, her mom was a supervisor in several different departments at the Secretary of State’s office, giving Teresa an early view into both the business and administrative sides of the industry. Saturday nights were spent at the racetrack watching her dad race and even cheering her mom on when she won a powder puff demolition derby race.
Teresa’s Grandfather at his Packard Dealership
When Teresa joined IADA, she started in the insurance department then quickly moved into the executive office as Administrative Assistant, a role that quickly expanded as the association and its needs grew. More than three decades later, as Executive Assistant, she is one of the longest-serving employees in IADA history and has worn many different hats. Over the years, her responsibilities have evolved to reach nearly every part of the organization. She coordinates board meetings and serves as the association’s go-to event planner. Simply put, if something needs to run smoothly, Teresa is usually behind it. She also serves as the office interior designer.
When IADA transitioned from older computer systems to personal computers, Teresa took the initiative to enroll in Word, Office, and Excel classes. She then helped teach others. She redesigned the IADA monthly bulletin, and brought its production in-house, helping move the organization forward during a major shift in how work was done.
The relationships Teresa has built over the years are one of the things she values most. She has worked with multiple generations of dealers, noting how board members she once served are now joined by their sons. Through it all, she has found the board consistently kind, supportive, and respectful. Her personal friendships are another constant, ones that extend beyond the office with other co-workers who have been around almost as long as she has.
Outside of work, family is the center of Teresa’s world. She has one daughter and one son who both live near her. Teresa loves spending time with her grandchildren, ages five and two, with a third arriving on the Fourth of July. Some of their favorite activities are going on walks, doing a lot of interior design projects, gardening, landscaping the common areas of her neighborhood, and finding fun ways to spend time with her partner Patrick. She also enjoys watching good movies and caring for her rescued pit bull, Scooby Doo.
Now living about 30 miles outside Springfield in Taylorville, Teresa remains deeply rooted in the same central Illinois communities that shaped her. Her long tenure, institutional knowledge, and willingness to adapt have made her an essential part of IADA’s success.