David T. Fischer
David T. Fischer | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1946 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Business leader, community advocate, philanthropist, diplomat |
| Known for | Chairman and CEO of The Suburban Collection; United States Ambassador to Morocco (2019–2021) |
David T. Fischer (born in 1946) is a prominent American business leader, community advocate, and philanthropist. In 2019, he was appointed and confirmed as the United States Ambassador to Morocco, a position he held until 2021.
Fischer held the roles of chairman and chief executive officer at The Suburban Collection/Suburban Collection Holdings, a privately owned enterprise comprising a network of automobile dealerships across the United States, as well as operations in accessories and parts distribution nationwide, alongside logistics and fleet management services throughout North America and Canada. Notably, in 2017, GLS, a division within Suburban Collection, earned the distinction of General Motors “Supplier of the Year.” Additionally, Fischer has been honored with the title of chairman emeritus for the North American International Auto Show.
Early life and career
Born in 1946 in Detroit, Fischer's father established what would become the Suburban Collection in 1948, starting with a single Oldsmobile dealership located in Birmingham, Michigan. Fischer obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Parsons College and later pursued executive education at Harvard Business School. After completing his studies, he assumed the position of CEO and partner in 1975. He acquired Suburban from his father and became the primary owner in 1978, expanding the company into the 12th largest privately held dealership group in the United States by revenue. The business grew to represent 32 automotive brands across more than 50 locations throughout Michigan. Fischer relinquished his chairman and CEO roles upon his Senate confirmation as Ambassador to Morocco on December 19, 2019, with his son, David Fischer, Jr., succeeding him. In 2021, he returned as Chairman of Suburban Collection Holdings. That same year, Lithia Motors completed its acquisition of the Suburban Collection.
Fischer has held various leadership and governance positions, including serving on Michigan’s Judicial Tenure Commission, acting as Emeritus Director for the Detroit Institute of Arts, chairing the Board of Trustees at Oakland University, and participating on the Boards of Trustees for both the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and the College for Creative Studies.
Ambassador to Morocco
In November 2017, President Donald Trump put forward Fischer's nomination, and his confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations took place in August 2018. The Senate officially approved his appointment on December 19, 2019, and he was formally sworn into office on January 16, 2020.
Fischer played a key role in advancing the Abraham Peace Accords and was honored with the National Security Medal by President Donald J. Trump. Additionally, His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco bestowed upon him the Wissam Alaouite of the Order of Commander.
His tenure concluded on January 20, 2021. Currently, Fischer contributes as a member of the Advisory Board for the Abraham Accords Institute for Peace and holds membership in the Council of American Ambassadors.
Personal life
Fischer resides with his wife, Jennifer, in both Palm Beach, Florida and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Together, they have three grown sons and ten grandchildren. He has been granted an Honorary Doctorate in Science from Oakland University as well as an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the College of Creative Studies. On May 14, 2022, Ambassador Fischer and his wife were jointly awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor by the Ellis Island Honors Society.