NextGear Capital has appointed former Manheim general manager Nicole Graham-Ponce as vice president of portfolio management. She follows the recent appointment of former Manheim Regional Sales Manager Kyle Ballinger as associate vice president of NextGear Capital Sales. In her new role, Graham-Ponce will set the strategic vision for how the portfolio management team supports and empowers clients to grow their business and maximize their success.

Graham-Ponce joined Cox Automotive in 1998. She quickly progressed in roles of increasing responsibility with Manheim, leading operational and sales teams in positions that included general sales manager, dealer sales manager and assistant general manager. She formerly served as general manager of Manheim Dallas-Fort Worth, achieving significant gains in revenue, employee development and customer service efficiency.

“I have known Nicole for many years and I’m excited to add her to our leadership team,” said NextGear Capital President Scott Maybee. “Her understanding of independent dealers and their needs, along with her experience leading large teams and the partnership success she's achieved, will be invaluable assets to our team.”

Graham-Ponce attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and holds a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, a management certification that advocates a data-driven approach to business process improvement. She currently serves as president of the National Auto Auction Association’s Western Chapter.