David T. Fischer (born 1946) is an American business executive, civic leader, and philanthropist.[1] He was confirmed in 2019 as the United States Ambassador to Morocco[2] and served in this role until 2021.

David T. Fischer
Official Portrait, 2020-2021
41st United States Ambassador to Morocco
In office
January 16, 2020 – January 20, 2021
PresidentDonald Trump
Preceded byDwight L. Bush Sr.
Succeeded byDavid Greene (acting)
Puneet Talwar
Personal details
Born1946 (age 77–78)
Detroit, Michigan
NationalityAmerican
Alma materParsons College
OccupationBusiness Executive

Fischer served as chairman and CEO of The Suburban Collection/Suburban Collection Holdings, a privately held conglomerate consisting of a U.S. dealership group, accessories and parts distribution throughout much of the United States, and logistics and fleet management throughout North America and Canada.[3] In 2017, Suburban Collection division GLS was selected as a General Motors “Supplier of the Year.” [4] He has also served as chairman emeritus for the North American International Auto Show.

Early life and career

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Fischer was born in 1946 in Detroit. His father founded the future Suburban Collection in 1948 [5] as a single Oldsmobile dealership in Birmingham, Michigan.[6] Fischer earned a B.A. from Parsons College, and attended executive education at Harvard Business School.[7] Following his graduation, he became CEO and partner in 1975. Upon purchasing Suburban from his father,[8] Fischer became principal owner in 1978,[9] growing Suburban to the 12th largest privately owned dealership group in the U.S. based on revenue [6] with 32 brands at more than 50 locations throughout Michigan.[10] He stepped down from his role as chairman and CEO of the company when he was confirmed by the Senate as Ambassador to Morocco on December 19, 2019. His son, David Fischer, Jr., took over the role.[11] In 2021, Fischer resumed his role as Chairman of Suburban Collection Holdings.[12] The Suburban Collection was acquired by Lithia Motors that year.[13]

Fischer served as a member of the Judicial Tenure Commission for the State of Michigan, Emeritus Director of the Detroit Institute of Arts, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Oakland University, on the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and on the Board of Trustees for the College for Creative Studies.[12]

Ambassador to Morocco

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Fischer was nominated by President Donald Trump in November 2017, and began his confirmation hearing in the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in August 2018.[14] He was confirmed by the Senate December 19, 2019 [15] and sworn in on January 16, 2020.[14]

Fischer was instrumental in putting forth the Abraham Peace accords[7] and received the National Security Medal from President Donald J. Trump.[16] He was also awarded the Wissam Alaouite of the Order of Commander by His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.[17]

He left office on January 20, 2021. Fischer serves on the Advisory Board of Abraham Accords Institute for Peace[18] and is a member of the Council of American Ambassadors.[7]

Personal life

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Fischer maintains residences in Palm Beach, Florida[19] and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan with his wife, Jennifer. They have three adult sons and ten grandchildren.[7] He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Science from Oakland University and Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the College of Creative Studies.[7] In May 14, 2022, Amb. Fischer and his wife, Jennifer, both received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor from the Ellis Island Honors Society.[20]

References

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  1. ^ Johnson, Morris (28 January 2020). "David T. Fisher of The Suburban Collection in Troy Becomes U.S. Ambassador to Morocco". Dbusiness. Hour Media. Retrieved 14 April 2021.
  2. ^ ""U.S. Senate Confirms David Fischer as New Ambassador to Morocco"". North African Post.
  3. ^ Johnson, Morris (28 January 2020). "David T. Fisher of The Suburban Collection in Troy Becomes U.S. Ambassador to Morocco". Dbusiness. Hour Media. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  4. ^ ""GM Recognizes Top Suppliers for Performance, Quality and Innovation"". GM Corporate Newsroom.
  5. ^ Snavely, Brent. "Suburban Collection doubles down on Michigan auto dealers". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
  6. ^ a b King, R.J. (13 April 2021). "Lithia Acquires Suburban Collection in Troy, Adds $2.4B in Revenue". Dbusiness. Hour Media. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  7. ^ a b c d e "David Fischer". Council of American Ambassadors.
  8. ^ Bendall, Izzi (4 November 2013). "Five Qs: David T. Fischer, Suburban Collection in Troy". Dbusiness. Hour Media. Retrieved November 4, 2013.
  9. ^ "U.S. Senate Confirm David Fischer as New Ambassador to Morocco". North African Post.
  10. ^ Keenan, Tim (24 February 2022). "Suburban Collection Unveils Redesigned Suburban Cadillac of Plymouth". Dbusiness. Hour Media. Retrieved February 24, 2022.
  11. ^ Frank, Annalise (28 December 2019). "Suburban Collection's David Fischer confirmed as ambassador to Morocco". Automotive News. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
  12. ^ a b "David Fischer". Council of American Ambassadors.
  13. ^ Charinga, Jackie (13 April 2021). "Lithia completes deal for Michigan's Suburban Collection". Automotive News.
  14. ^ a b Kasraoui, Safaa (December 20, 2019). "Who is David T Fischer, the New US Ambassador to Morocco?". Morocco World News. Retrieved May 16, 2020.
  15. ^ "U.S. Senate Confirms David Fischer as New Ambassador to Morocco". North African Post.
  16. ^ "Former US Ambassador to Morocco awarded a royal decoration". North Africa Post.
  17. ^ "Former United States Ambassador to Morocco decorated with Wissam Alaouite of the Order of Commander". Morocco Latest News. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  18. ^ "David T. Fischer et Robert Greenway, VRP discrets du Maroc, en tournée éclair dans le royaume". TELQUEL. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
  19. ^ Echabouch, Elmahdi. "Former US Ambassador to Morocco Builds Moorish-Styled House in Palm Beach". Morocco World News. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  20. ^ Donnelly, Shannon. "Palm Beach Insider: Ellis Island Honors Society medal winners have Palm Beach connection". Palm Beach Daily News. Retrieved 2022-05-27.
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Diplomatic posts
Preceded by United States Ambassador to Morocco
2020–2021
Succeeded by
David Greene
Chargé d'Affaires