CULA exec Mark Chandler dies 

Automotive industry veteran Mark Chandler has died, Credit Union Leasing of America announced last week.  

Chandler held multiple roles in the industry during his nearly 40-year career. He served as vice president of business development at Credit Union Leasing of America (CULA) for nearly eight years after joining the company in 2017 following stints at CU Dealer Alliance and automotive retailer Autoland, according to his LinkedIn profile. 

CULA provides technology that allows credit unions to originate auto leases. In 2023, the company added 274 dealers to its program, an increase of 17% year over year, according to a February release. CULA, as of February, offered auto leasing through credit unions in 23 states and had more than 40 credit unions active on its platform. 

In a statement posted on Nov. 27, CULA shared that Chandler left “an indelible mark on our organization and shaped both the credit union and automotive industries in remarkable ways throughout his career.”  

“Mark’s contributions to CULA were immeasurable, not only as a driving force behind our success but also as a cherished member of the CULA family,” CULA President Ken Sopp said in a statement provided to Auto Finance News. “As a friend and colleague, he touched our lives deeply. His remarkable spirit and the amazing person he was will forever be remembered.” 

Several of Chandler’s colleagues wrote tributes to him on LinkedIn that describe him as a “great friend” with a “magnetic” personality and a passion for the automotive industry and the credit union landscape.

“Even more impactful than his professional achievements was the lasting impression he made on all of us as a friend,” CULA wrote in the post.

Chandler is survived by his wife, Christine; son, Kevin; and stepson, Ryan, according to CULA. 

Further details were not available by press time today.