Lisa Olivieri – MileOne Autogroup

In many organizations, the roles of general counsel and chief administrative officer are handled by two people. But not at MileOne Autogroup, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Lisa Olivieri.

Olivieri, the vice president, chief administrative officer, and general counsel at MileOne Autogroup, exemplifies leadership excellence and innovation in the automotive industry. Her dedication to placing people at the forefront of MileOne’s endeavors has set the company apart and propelled it to new heights of achievement.

MileOne Autogroup’s portfolio includes 65 dealerships throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina—selling vehicles across 24 brands. The company employs a substantial workforce across its dealership and corporate operations.

In her role, Olivieri’s influence extends beyond boardroom decisions. She leads with a deep understanding of the importance of company culture and operational efficiency. For Olivieri, success isn’t solely measured in profit margins; it’s defined by the empowerment and well-being of every employee under MileOne’s umbrella.

Olivieri remains steadfast in her commitment to MileOne’s core philosophy as she navigates the complexities of the automotive industry. She champions a workplace culture where employees are not just assets but valued members of a thriving community.

“Success in the automotive industry is about building relationships and fostering a culture of care. At MileOne, we prioritize people above all else because when our employees thrive, our customers thrive,” Olivieri says.

Steering Success with a Human Touch

Driven by her passion for people-centric leadership, Olivieri has spearheaded several transformative projects aimed at optimizing processes and ensuring regulatory compliance. One major initiative involved implementing a comprehensive compliance system using advanced technology to streamline workflows and mitigate risks. This empowered employees to focus on their core responsibilities while ensuring adherence to industry regulations.

In addition to her legal responsibilities, Olivieri’s role as chief administrative officer extends her reach to critical areas such as contract management and risk mitigation. She also oversees company records, manufacturer licenses, and other vital components of MileOne’s operations, all with a focus on administrative excellence.

Olivieri remains focused on leading MileOne toward continued growth and innovation. Her strategic vision and deep understanding of the automotive sector enable her to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, ensuring MileOne’s continued leadership in automotive sales and service.

Her transformative leadership and dedication to putting people first have played a key role in MileOne’s journey to success. With a commitment to excellence and a forward-thinking approach, Olivieri drives innovation and growth, setting a new standard for leadership in the industry.

“Putting people first is not just a philosophy—it’s our driving force at MileOne. We’ve revolutionized processes and ensured compliance by empowering our teams and fostering a culture of excellence. Together, we’re shaping the future of automotive sales and service,” she says.

Prioritizing Employee Well-Being

Olivieri brings a unique blend of leadership, legal expertise, and people-focused management. Since joining MileOne, she has led meaningful change—from building a legal team to restructuring administrative functions—all while keeping employee development and well-being at the forefront.

Even unexpected challenges don’t rattle her. When a pipe burst in one of the buildings, Olivieri responded with calm leadership and ensured the issue was resolved quickly and effectively.

After taking over the administrative department two years ago, Olivieri has fostered a team of 15 individuals, creating a supportive and collaborative environment. With a background in higher education management, she understands the value of empowering team members to reach their full potential.

Olivieri has a clear vision for the department and takes the time to assess whether individuals are in roles where they can truly thrive. She acknowledges that loyalty in today’s workforce is evolving, but she remains committed to providing growth opportunities and a sense of purpose for her team.

Despite the industry’s fast-paced nature, Olivieri is dedicated to cultivating a sense of value and support among her colleagues. She openly reflects on her growth as a leader and continually works to refine her management skills.

As a forward-thinker, Olivieri also sees the benefits of AI in enhancing efficiency while staying mindful of its limitations. She collaborates closely with the IT department to ensure data privacy and regulatory compliance remain top priorities.

“We remain dedicated to MileOne’s core philosophy of prioritizing employees and customers. By investing in our team and fostering a culture of care and compliance, we ensure that MileOne thrives in the automotive industry,” she says.

Private Practice to Corporate Leadership

Olivieri’s path to success is a story of resilience, determination, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. With an accounting degree from American University and a master’s from Teachers College at Columbia University, her academic foundation has been key to her professional journey.

Though she once considered herself a poor test taker and hadn’t initially planned on law school, her life took a dramatic turn after experiencing personal hardships. In the face of these challenges, she made the bold decision to take the LSAT and pursue a law degree—earning her JD from the University of Baltimore School of Law while working full-time as Coordinator of Housing at UMBC.

Following 20 years as outside counsel at Thomas & Libowitz, Olivieri transitioned to MileOne Autogroup in June 2017, stepping into her current multifaceted executive roles. Her shift from private practice to in-house counsel marked a major turning point, and she embraced it with enthusiasm.

Since joining MileOne, Olivieri has helped reshape and streamline key departments within the organization. What began as a new challenge has evolved into a deeply rewarding role where she has made a lasting impact on both operations and culture.

Her dedication to education is reflected not only in her academic achievements but also in her volunteer work and ongoing mentorship of young attorneys. She remains a passionate advocate for accessible education and the professional development of future leaders.