Cochran Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cochran has 5 executives leading key functions including technology, human resources, brand strategy, and overall corporate operations.

Focused on delivering a seamless automotive retail experience, Cochran prioritizes digital innovation and customer-centric service across its extensive network of dealerships in Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio.

Leadership Roles at Cochran

  • President - Dennis Patton
  • Vice President & Chief Technology Officer - Jim Dye
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Jennifer Miele
  • Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Aaron Herbick
  • Vice President, Chief Brand Officer - Mary Roman
  • Dennis Patton - President

    Dennis Patton, the President at Cochran, executes the overarching corporate strategy and oversees the daily operations of the entire automotive retail network. Directing the expansion of market presence across Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, the President ensures that all 30 locations maintain consistent brand standards and profitability. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to streamline the car buying process, from initial online inquiry to final home delivery. By monitoring financial performance and market trends, Dennis Patton drives the company's competitive positioning among major vehicle brands. The President fosters a culture of accountability and excellence, ensuring that every dealership meets the needs of diverse clients. Through rigorous oversight of operational workflows, Patton secures the long-term viability of the business, consistently pushing the organization toward higher levels of efficiency and customer satisfaction in the automotive industry.

    Jim Dye - Vice President & Chief Technology Officer

    Jim Dye, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer at Cochran, directs the digital transformation of the automotive retail platform. Overseeing the integration of online purchasing tools and home delivery systems, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer ensures that the technological infrastructure supports a frictionless customer journey. This leadership role involves managing complex data systems that connect over 30 locations, facilitating real-time inventory management for diverse vehicle brands. By architecting scalable cloud solutions, Jim Dye optimizes the digital interface for both individual and business clients. The Vice President & Chief Technology Officer maintains alignment with corporate growth targets by implementing advanced cybersecurity protocols and data analytics. Through these initiatives, Dye secures the operational efficiency required to maintain a competitive edge in the regional automotive market, ultimately driving long-term digital maturity across the entire enterprise.

    Jennifer Miele - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Jennifer Miele, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cochran, manages talent acquisition and organizational development across the company's multi-state footprint. Overseeing workforce engagement strategies, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the internal culture aligns with the high standards of customer service expected at every dealership. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive training programs that equip staff with the skills necessary to represent over 16 vehicle brands effectively. By fostering a high-performance environment, Jennifer Miele directly impacts employee retention and operational excellence. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with executive leadership to refine performance management systems, ensuring that human capital investments support the broader mission of providing a streamlined car buying experience. Ultimately, Miele cultivates a professional workforce capable of delivering exceptional service to clients throughout Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio.
    Jennifer Miele

    Aaron Herbick - Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Aaron Herbick, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Cochran, focuses on labor relations and organizational scaling to support the company's expansive retail operations. Overseeing compensation structures and benefits administration, the Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization remains an employer of choice within the competitive automotive sector. This leadership role involves analyzing workforce metrics to optimize staffing levels across 30 locations, ensuring that service departments and sales teams operate at peak capacity. By implementing strategic succession planning, Aaron Herbick secures the future leadership pipeline for the company. The Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer works closely with the executive team to align personnel policies with the evolving needs of the business model. Through these efforts, Herbick maintains the operational stability necessary to support consistent growth and high-quality service delivery across all regional markets.

    Mary Roman - Vice President, Chief Brand Officer

    Mary Roman, the Vice President, Chief Brand Officer at Cochran, architects the marketing strategy and public identity of the automotive group. Overseeing brand positioning across all 16 vehicle brands, the Vice President, Chief Brand Officer ensures that the company's reputation for exceptional customer service remains prominent in the regional market. This leadership role involves managing multi-channel advertising campaigns that highlight the convenience of the online purchasing platform and home delivery services. By analyzing consumer sentiment and market demand, Mary Roman refines the brand narrative to attract both individual and business clients. The Vice President, Chief Brand Officer collaborates with the executive team to ensure that all customer touchpoints reflect the core values of the organization. Through these strategic efforts, Roman strengthens the market presence of the company, ensuring that the brand remains synonymous with reliability and innovation in the automotive retail space.
    Mary Roman

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cochran Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cochran?
    Cochran is led by Dennis Patton (President), along with executives such as Jim Dye (Vice President & Chief Technology Officer) and Jennifer Miele (Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of Cochran’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cochran includes leaders such as Dennis Patton (President), Jim Dye (Vice President & Chief Technology Officer), Jennifer Miele (Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cochran have?
    Cochran has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cochran’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cochran includes roles such as President, Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Vice President, Chief Brand Officer.