Robert Ernie Lee

Robert Ernie Lee (born 1969) is an American financial services professional, former automotive executive, public speaker, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

He is currently an Partner with New York Life and NYLIFE Securities. Prior to his financial services career, he led multiple high-profile dealerships in Montana, became a local media personality through creative marketing, and served on the board of the Dwarf Athletic Association of America. Early Life and Education Lee was born in Queens, New York, and was adopted as an infant through the Little People of America (LPA) network by Robert and Judy Lee of Sunburst, Montana. Judy Lee, like Ernie, was born with achondroplasia dwarfism. Raised in a small rural town, Lee later attended Montana State-Billings and Northwood University, where he studied automotive management. Automotive Career Lee began working in the automotive industry at age 17, gaining local recognition as a dealership spokesperson in over 100 television commercials in the Billings, Montana market. He spent over three decades in the industry, eventually becoming Chief Operating Officer and Partner at Rimrock Auto Group, overseeing operations at Subaru of Billings, GMC Cadillac of Billings, and other franchises under the Drive Billings Auto Group. Under his leadership, the dealerships experienced significant sales growth and earned accolades for customer satisfaction and community engagement. In 2022, Lee was invited to speak on a national keynote panel at the Digital Dealer Conference and Expo in Tampa, Florida, discussing strategies for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the automotive industry. Financial Services Career In 2023, Lee transitioned to financial services, joining New York Life Insurance Company as a financial professional. Within one year, he obtained his Montana Life and Health License and passed the FINRA SIE, Series 63, Series 7, and Series 66 exams. He was promoted to Partner in 2025, a management role in which he recruits and mentors new financial advisors. Advocacy and Community Involvement Lee has long been an advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities. He served on the board of the Dwarf Athletic Association of America for nearly 13 years and helped organize the 2013 World Dwarf Games in Lansing, Michigan. Together with his wife Kelly, he co-founded the Big Sky Chapter of Little People of America, hosting regional gatherings and awareness events. They also organized a fundraising basketball game in partnership with the Coalition for Dwarf Advocacy (CODA), raising funds to support the adoption of dwarf children worldwide. Lee has also been active in philanthropy, supporting organizations such as Family Service, Inc., Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, Warrior Wishes, and Billings TrailNet. He helped raise over $250,000 for Family Service through Subaru’s 'Share the Love' campaigns. Media and Performing Arts Lee has acted in several film and television roles and is a member of the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). He appeared in the 2010 film The Big Bang and has performed at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Personal Life Lee lives in Billings, Montana, with his wife and three children. He is a strong supporter of adoption and was adopted through LPA himself before later adopting a child from South Korea via the same network. He is active in his church, regularly volunteers in youth financial literacy education, and frequently speaks at schools on topics of inclusion and resilience.