Rita Case Honored with 2026 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award

The president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group was recognized for her leadership and philanthropic efforts.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Rita Case, the president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, was honored with the 2026 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award in Atlanta on Thursday. The prestigious award celebrates extraordinary female pioneers in the automotive industry who demonstrate transformative leadership and philanthropic vision.

Why it matters

The Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award is a significant recognition that highlights the important role women play in the automotive industry. Rita Case's achievements and commitment to community impact through her work at Rick Case Automotive Group serve as an inspiration for other women leaders.

The details

As part of the award, a $10,000 donation was made to a charity of Case's choice, and another $10,000 went toward the Barbara Cox Memorial Scholarship Fund, which was awarded to Northwood University student Breanne Pratley to support her academic and professional growth in the automotive field.

  • The award ceremony took place on Thursday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Rita Case

The president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, who was honored with the 2026 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award.

Steve Rowley

The CEO of Cox Automotive, who presented the award to Rita Case.

Breanne Pratley

A Northwood University student who received the Barbara Cox Memorial Scholarship Fund as part of the award.

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What they’re saying

“The Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award celebrates extraordinary female pioneers who embody transformative leadership and unwavering philanthropic vision within our industry. We are honored to recognize Rita Case, president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, whose remarkable achievements and enduring commitment have made an indelible mark on the automotive industry.”

— Steve Rowley, CEO, Cox Automotive (wsvn.com)

“I am so honored to receive the Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award. I am also thrilled for Breanne, who will be part of the next generation of women leaders in the automotive industry. And thank you to Cox Automotive for the donation to our scholarship fund at the Boys & Girls Club, an organization near and dear to Rick's and my heart. It is so important that as business leaders we support our local communities. Our loyal customers allow us to give back, and we are very proud to do so.”

— Rita Case, President and CEO, Rick Case Automotive Group (wsvn.com)

What’s next

The Barbara Cox Memorial Scholarship Fund will continue to support the academic and professional growth of women in the automotive industry, helping to cultivate the next generation of female leaders.

The takeaway

Rita Case's recognition as the 2026 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year highlights the important contributions women are making in the automotive industry. Her leadership, philanthropic efforts, and commitment to supporting the next generation of women leaders serve as an inspiration for others in the field.