Thomas Lowenstein

Thomas Lowenstein

National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA)
Staff Assistant in the Legislative Affairs office

Thomas joined the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) through a temporary placement with The Choice and quickly made a lasting impression.

Now a full-time Staff Assistant in NADA’s Legislative Affairs office, he supports a fast-moving team advocating for over 16,000 franchised new car and truck dealerships across the country. His role combines organization, communication, and a front-row seat to the policymaking process.

In the Q&A below, Thomas reflects on his dynamic role, the impact The Choice had on his career journey, and the personal and professional growth he’s experienced along the way.

Interview by Staffing Specialist, Maggie Sullivan

 

I am the Staff Assistant in the Legislative Affairs office of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), a trade association representing over 16,000 franchised new car and truck dealerships. As Staff Assistant, my key responsibilities include managing the front desk, answering phones, greeting visitors, and handling emails. I also assist the Legislative Affairs team by scheduling congressional meetings, organizing legislative materials, and tracking our legislative issues as assigned. The role has been very dynamic and engaging—no two days are ever exactly alike!
My experience with The Choice was fantastic! After I applied for a temporary role at NADA, I quickly heard back from Maggie and interviewed for the position. The team at The Choice has been extremely supportive throughout the entire hiring process, even dedicating time to offer me advice on future interviews with the association. Finally, as a temporary Staff Assistant, the team helped me while applying for the permanent role, advocating on my behalf and providing feedback on my resume and cover letter. With their help, I officially joined the trade association permanently just a couple of months after starting as a temporary employee. I am profoundly grateful for my experience with The Choice.
I have learned a significant amount about the public policy sphere by joining NADA, including the work that goes into keeping legislators and their staff informed. I have also gained experience working closely with a team of talented individuals and balancing our strengths and weaknesses. Finally, I have learned how to passionately convey a message and connect to others working in the policy field. Overall, it’s been an opportunity to grow both as a communicator and as a teammate in a fast-paced and exciting environment.
I have been proud to help facilitate our legislative fly-ins, in which we host auto dealers from around the country. Though I was initially nervous to reach out to Congressional staffers to organize meetings, I have been pleased by my success in making everything come together in short order. Additionally, I am proud to have written legislative updates that have gone out to thousands of people. Most of all, I have been sincerely gratified with how well the Legislative Affairs team here at NADA have accepted me and encourage my growth in this role.
I absolutely would recommend working with The Choice. Their passion and dedication are apparent in all that they do, and I always knew they had my back. The Choice were always available to talk and coach me through any problems I was facing and help me find a path to a fulfilling career.