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Cathy Stender of Woody Anderson Ford honored as Southeast Time Dealer of the Year

HUNTSVILLE – A pillar in the Huntsville community in business and philanthrophy, Cathy Stender has been named the 2025 Southeast Time Dealer of the Year.

Stender, the owner and dealer principal of Woody Anderson Ford, received the honor at the  108th National Automobile Dealers Association Show in New Orleans.

In its 56th year, the Time Dealer of the Year award recognizes franchised dealers for exceptional business performance and an unwavering commitment to community service. Stender was selected from a field of more than 16,000 franchised dealers across the country, making her one of the top automotive leaders in the nation. 

Jessica Sibley, CEO of Time, and Doug Timmerman, president of Dealer Financial Services at Ally, announced Stender as a finalist during a ceremony honoring 49 nominees.

Receiving this recognition is a testament to the dedication of our team at Woody Anderson Ford and the impact we strive to make in our community,” said Stender. “From the moment I began leading the dealership in 2003, my mission has been to carry forward a legacy of excellence while fostering deep connections with our customers and the greater Huntsville community.” 

Her recognition by Time magazine is not just a celebration of her achievements but can serve as an inspiration for future generations of industry leaders, especially women, to step forward, innovate, and lead with purpose.

Stender’s journey in the automotive industry is rooted in her deep sense of empathy and service — a foundation she built long before stepping into the dealership.

Before taking the helm at Woody Anderson Ford after the death of her husband, Stender dedicated herself to social work, helping children and families in crisis. 

“In social work, my role was never to ‘fix’ everything, but to listen, to hold space for people’s struggles, and to help them find a path forward,” Stender said. “I carried that same philosophy into the dealership — building a business that prioritizes relationships, trust, and community.” 

This people-first mindset has shaped the way Stender runs her dealership, from fostering a workplace culture of support and well-being to launching community initiatives that create real opportunities for those in need.

Her experience in social work has been the driving force behind programs like HATCH, which gives at-risk young adults the skills to become self-sufficient, and her workforce development partnerships with local schools and colleges to create career pathways for future automotive professionals.

Stender’s community initiatives include:

  • The Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial, for which she led a $7 million fundraising effort to honor those who served. 
  • Career tech programs at local institutions, including Calhoun Community College, Drake State Community & Technical College, Madison County Schools, and Huntsville City Schools — ensuring students receive high-quality training for careers in the automotive industry. 
  • The WEDC Foundation, a nonprofit that provides mentorship, financial assistance, and professional development for women pursuing higher education. 

“Cathy is more than a business leader — she is a champion for Huntsville,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “Her commitment to innovation, workforce development, and philanthropy has made a lasting impact on our community. Cathy’s leadership at Woody Anderson Ford sets the gold standard for how businesses can drive both economic growth and social change.

“We are incredibly proud to have her represent Huntsville on a national stage.” 

Stender’s journey in the automotive industry began under unexpected circumstances. In 2003, after the passing of her husband and dealership founder, Woody Anderson, Stender took over the business despite doubts from others. 

“Many assumed I’d sell the store and enjoy my ‘glory years,’ but there was a sense of responsibility inside me fueling a desire to continue my late husband’s legacy,” Stender said. 

She immersed herself in every aspect of dealership operations, attending NADA Academy and implementing strategic improvements.

Today, the dealership boasts one of the most advanced service lanes in the region, a cutting-edge Ford Pro Elite Commercial Center, and a premier electric vehicle charging infrastructure. 

Stender has served on numerous dealer councils for Ford and was a board member of the Automobile Dealers Association of Alabama from 2009-13, helping to guide the industry through the challenges of the financial crisis. 

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