Dottie Fitzgerald Recognized for Positive Impact in Montgomery County

    GAITHERSBURG, MD, November 13, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dottie Fitzgerald, Vice President of Fitzgerald Auto Malls, was honored today at the 3rd annual Montgomery County Business Hall of Fame Event at The Universities of Shady Grove. Along with four other honorees, Dottie Fitzgerald was recognized for her leadership, relentless efforts to reach challenging goals for her business, and the positive impact she makes to the Montgomery County business environment as a whole.

"It is an honor to be inducted into the Montgomery County Business Hall of Fame. I thank Jack whose leadership and vision has provided us with a place to flourish and make a difference in our own lives as well as the lives of others. And I thank our customers for their continuing loyalty and faith in us. They help make all things possible," said Dottie Fitzgerald.

Her brother, Jack Fitzgerald, CEO and founder of Fitzgerald Auto Malls, recruited her to "temporarily" join his new dealership, Colonial Dodge, on Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda. Approximately 47 years later, that "temporary" position and single dealership location has evolved into her role as Vice President overseeing 39 locations, with 20 brands, and 1,400 employees throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

Dottie is a champion for young people entering the automotive workforce. Her involvement and dedication to the Montgomery County School System and its Auto Trades Foundation, which teaches young people the value of an education through a hands-on approach modeled after a dealership operation, is extraordinary. For 8 years, Dottie led the charge to pass legislation to improve Maryland law so students could be covered by workers compensation when they participate in education-based work experiences.

She is most passionate about creating relationships with organizations that are either dedicated to education for youth in the automotive industry or dedicated to the care and welfare of animals. She has personally adopted 4 German Shepherds from rescue organizations. In 2014, the Washington Animal Rescue League recognized her for her lifetime of advocacy on behalf of animals and many organizations.

The Montgomery County Business Hall of Fame brings area businesses together to honor Montgomery County's special business leaders and support the scholarship fund at the Universities at Shady Grove. It is no wonder why Dottie Fitzgerald was recognized for her contributions in Montgomery County. In all aspects of her professional and personal life, Dottie lives the Fitzgerald Family philosophy, to "treat people the way we want to be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect," and to do good work by first being good people.

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