Congressman Turner Honors Jenell Ross for Decades of Community Service

DAYTON, OH — Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) honored Jenell Ross with a Community Service Award on Thursday, recognizing her decades of leadership in the Dayton business community, her philanthropic work and her commitment to serving the Miami Valley.

“I’ve known Jenell and the Ross family for more than 30 years, and I’ve had the privilege of watching her carry forward an extraordinary family legacy while building one of our region’s most respected businesses,” said Rep. Turner. “Whether through her business, her philanthropy or her service to organizations across our community, Jenell has always understood that leadership comes with a responsibility to help others. I’m proud to recognize her for the extraordinary difference she has made in Dayton.”

Jenell’s father, Bob Ross, was the first African American Buick dealer in Ohio, and the first African American Mercedes-Benz dealer in the country. After his passing, Jenell stepped up to lead the family business. She became vice president of Bob Ross Auto Group at just 27 years old before eventually becoming president of the company, which flourished under her leadership as one of the region’s most respected businesses.

Jenell became the only second-generation African American female automobile dealer in the United States and the first African American Chair of the American International Automobile Dealers Association.

When Jenell’s mother, Norma Ross, tragically passed away from breast cancer, Jenell established the Norma J. Ross Memorial Foundation, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for breast cancer research and awareness. She’s also served numerous community organizations and institutions throughout the Miami Valley while continuing to lead the family business founded by her father.