Leadership Team

Scott Maybee|President

Scott Maybee is president of NextGear Capital, the automotive industry’s largest independent inventory finance company, serving more than 18,000 contracted independent dealer clients in the United States.

Scott brings 20-plus years of automotive finance experience to the position, providing strategic leadership and opportunities for independent auto dealers to profitably operate and grow their businesses. Scott and his leadership team are focused on enhancing the NextGear Capital client experience; transforming the company through investments in innovation; providing dealers with solutions and tools that create greater efficiencies; and extending $18 billion in current loans to dealers to help keep the industry healthy.

Previously, Scott was general manager of Manheim Northstar Minnesota, where he was responsible for all facets of Manheim’s wholesale vehicle auction and services operation. There he successfully established a culture of transparency and rigorous process management while positively impacting employee engagement. Through his leadership Scott drove business and revenue growth, enhanced customer market share and improved operating margins.

Before joining Manheim in 2017, Scott spent 12 years with Nissan North America and Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation. Most recently, he served as vice president of sales operations for Nissan Canada Finance.

In 2021, Scott was a recipient of Auto Finance Journal’s Auto Finance Innovators Award, presented to industry leaders who have made significant technological contributions to their company and the industry. That same year, he accepted the Auto Finance Excellence Award for Operational Excellence, given to NextGear Capital for its efforts to improve operations and services. Presented by Auto Finance News, the award recognizes individuals and companies within the industry who have gone above and beyond to further auto finance and its associated community.

Scott also serves the industry and company in several key roles: He is chair of American Financial Services Association’s Commercial Credit Committee and Cox Automotive’s Mosaic Employee Resource Group, which works to engage and connect a multicultural workforce. He is an executive sponsor for Cox’s Guiding Coalition and executive advisor for the Cox Automotive Inclusion Council. He is actively involved with the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association, the National Auto Auction Association and the National Automobile Dealers Association. He also served as a board member for the Ronald McDonald House.

Scott holds a law degree from Chicago-Kent College, an MBA in finance from DePaul University, and a Bachelor of Science in management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is enrolled in the Executive Education Program at the University of Chicago and will graduate from its Global Advanced Finance Program in 2025.

When not at work, Scott enjoys time with his wife and two daughters, plays recreational hockey and is a passionate Boston Red Sox fan.

Nicole Graham-Ponce|VP of Portfolio Management

As VP of Portfolio Management, Nicole Graham-Ponce sets the strategic vision for how the team supports and empowers clients to grow their business and maximize their success. Nicole leads a team of regional directors, market directors and their teams of portfolio managers. Nicole also oversees our Auction Relations team who supports our auction partners helping to better serve and provide resources to our auctions and independent dealers.

Nicole joined NextGear Capital in December 2022 after 24 years with Manheim leading operational and sales teams, including serving as General Manager of the Dallas-Fort Worth location from 2012 to 2022. In these roles, she led organizational development, directed operational activities, increased revenue, and implemented efficiency improvements. As General Manager, she achieved significant gains in revenue, employee development and customer service.

Nicole 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. In addition, she recently served as the President of the National Auto Auction Association Western Chapter. Nicole is also a champion for Girls Inc., volunteering to inspire young girls to be smart, bold, and strong. Nicole lives outside of Dallas, Texas. In her free time, she loves to exercise, spend time with her family and her three dogs.

Jessica Lanier|VP of Marketing

As Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Inventory Solutions, NextGear Capital, and EV Battery Solutions at Cox Automotive, Jessica aligns marketing strategies with business goals, driving growth across these groups.

With 25 years at Cox Automotive, Jessica has led teams across seven brands, delivering impactful results for clients and the business. At Manheim, she transformed the marketing function by building a team of skilled digital strategists, introducing a comprehensive client journey mapping strategy, and establishing a best-in-class product marketing and technology team, all key to Manheim’s digital evolution.

Passionate about giving back and enhancing a culture of inclusion, Jessica mentors emerging talent, sharing her expertise to shape the industry’s future.

She is a 2023 Women in Remarketing Honoree by Auto Remarketing and was recognized internally with the distinguished President’s Award.

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University’s College of Business.

Jessica Lanier, VP of Marketing Cox Automotive

Kyle Ballinger|AVP of Sales

As AVP of Sales, Kyle provides strategic leadership and vision for our sales team.

Kyle joined NextGear Capital in November of 2022 and is a 17-year Cox Automotive veteran, including his most recent role with Manheim where he led the Regional Dealer Sales team for the Midwest market. He joined Cox Automotive in 2005 as a field sales representative supporting Manheim Cincinnati and grew his career with Manheim to include roles of increasing responsibility, achieving sales growth at each stop.

Kyle is a graduate of Xavier University with a Bachelor of Arts in advertising. He lives just outside Cincinnati with his wife and two children. He enjoys coaching his son’s basketball team and serving on the Board of Directors for The Dobbs Family Foundation.

Floyd Alcorn|AVP of Product and Engineering

Floyd Alcorn is NextGear Capital’s Associate Vice President of Product and Engineering responsible for leading multiple software, infrastructure and production engineering teams. He brings nearly three decades of technology industry experience to the position with a proven record of delivering complex programs at scale while driving value for clients and the business.

Most recently, Floyd spent 10 years with Cox Communications, where he served in various technology leadership roles. During that time, he built and strengthened teams; directed and oversaw delivery for mission-critical applications; and managed large, complex programs, including playing a key role in Cox Communications’ network investment program. His career also includes leadership positions at several telecommunications companies, including Verizon and AT&T, and serving 10 years as a Naval Flight Officer in the U.S. Navy.

Floyd holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Principia College in Illinois and a Master of Science in Strategic Management from Georgia State University.

Justin Makinson|AVP of Finance

Justin Makinson serves as AVP, Finance for NextGear Capital. In his role, he leads the financial planning & analysis, accounting, and assurance and advisory services teams. His responsibilities include setting the vision and driving the strategic priorities and insights in those areas. He and his teams lead the budgeting and modeling, accounting, internal audits, pricing methodology, risk analysis, market insights, capital raising, and investor relations efforts for the company.

Justin has been with NextGear Capital since 2015 and previously led the financial planning and analysis team. He earned a Bachelor of Science in finance from Indiana Wesleyan University and an MBA in finance from Butler University. He lives in Fishers, Indiana, and he and his wife have three children. Outside of work he enjoys spending time with his family and tackling DIY house projects.

Christy Jackson|AVP HRBP

Christy Jackson is the AVP, HRBPs for Cox Automotive leading the team that partners with Corporate Services, NextGear Capital and People Solutions. She joined Cox Automotive in March 2015 as a Director, serving as the business partner for the Finance Business Operations and Accounting organizations. Prior to joining Cox Automotive, Christy worked in all aspects of the human resources function at Cbeyond and Iron Mountain.

Christy holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Lesley University as well as a bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Eric Wright|AVP Associate General Counsel

Eric Wright serves as AVP, Associate General Counsel for the Cox Automotive Financial Solutions Group.

In his role, he leads a team of legal professionals who provide support and counsel to the NextGear Capital business.

Eric has been with the company for 12 years. He has more than 30 years of experience as an attorney, including twenty-plus years in the floor planning industry.

Eric is a graduate of Carthage College with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He also holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Valparaiso University School of Law.

leadership Team