Orlando, Fla. - TIME and Ally Financial named Michael Alford, president of Marine Chevrolet Cadillac in Jacksonville, N.C., the 2013 TIME Dealer of the Year.

Alford was selected from among an elite group of U.S. dealers who were recognized at the 96th annual National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention & Exposition here. Tim Russi, Ally president of Auto Finance, and Brad Young, chief marketing officer for TIME, announced the winner and finalists during the formal opening ceremony of the convention.

"So many dealers are heroes in their communities because of their commitment to local charitable causes, and we are proud to support the work they do," said Russi. "Ally has provided more than 100 grants to nonprofit organizations in connection with TIME Dealer of the Year, and we are pleased to recognize 2013 winner Michael Alford, as well as the three finalists, for the extraordinary efforts they have put forth in their communities."

In its second year as exclusive sponsor, Ally announced that in addition to contributing $10,000 to the winner's 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of choice, it will also be donating $5,000 to charities selected by each of the three regional finalists. Ally also donated $1,000 to charities selected by each of the 57 dealer nominees.

The three regional finalists for the 2013 TIME Dealer of the Year award were Dominick Carbone, director of the Carbone Auto Group in Utica, N.Y.; Sam Mansker, president of Olathe Ford Lincoln in Olathe, Kan.; and Bill McCurley, CEO of McCurley Integrity Dealerships, a Cadillac, Chevrolet, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz and Subaru dealer in Tri-Cities, Wash.

All nominees are featured at AllyDealerHeroes.com, which highlights the philanthropic contributions and achievements of auto dealers across the United States. The TIME Dealer of the Year award is one of the automobile industry's most prestigious and highly coveted honors. Recipients are among the nation's most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service.