
The NAF Association Welcomes Fresh Perspectives to Its Board
At the recent Non-Prime Auto Financing Conference held in Plano, Texas, the National Automotive Finance (NAF) Association celebrated both its commitment to fostering leadership within the industry and its strategic vision for the future. Five new members were elected to its board of directors, marking a significant step toward invigorating the association's initiatives in non-prime auto finance.
The new directors bring a wealth of experience from diverse sectors, ensuring comprehensive governance to represent various facets of the automotive finance landscape. The elected members are:
- Mike Akers - President and CEO of Hello Credit Union
- Mark Baltuska - Vice President of Finance Company Markets with State National Companies
- Cheryl Cabral - Executive Vice President of Ironhorse Funding
- Mark Edelman - Partner with McGlinchey Stafford
- Sang O’Neill - Chief Credit Officer with First Help Financial
Vision and Direction for Non-Prime Financing Sector
Jennifer Martin, the Association's executive director, emphasized the essential role that the board plays in shaping the strategic priorities of the NAF Association. "We're excited to welcome these five professionals to the board. Their expertise and insights will contribute greatly to the Association’s continued mission to provide education, industry research, and meaningful networking opportunities for our members,” Martin stated. As the non-prime auto finance sector continues to evolve, engaging leaders with practical experience is crucial for maintaining the relevance and impact of the association's programs.
Recognizing Leadership for Future Growth
Additionally, the NAF Association announced its 2025 executive committee, which is crucial in steering the organization's future direction. The committee includes:
- Chair: Claudia Plascencia - Senior Vice President with Resolvion
- President: Suzi Straffon - Director of Finance Company Markets with Allied Solutions
- Vice President: Matt Burke - CEO of Center Street Finance
- Secretary: Jeff Anderson - Vice President of Auto Specialty Products with SWBC
- Treasurer: David Baker - Senior Vice President of Regional Acceptance Corp.
This lineup of professionals is poised to lead the association into new avenues of growth, innovation, and community support, aligning with the broader goals of enhancing professionalism and fostering collaboration in the automotive finance world.
Importance of Networking and Collective Knowledge
The NAF Association's initiatives, such as peer roundtables and professional development events, play a vital role in not just providing education but also in facilitating networking opportunities among industry professionals. With the fresh insights from the newly elected board members, members can expect a renewed emphasis on collaborative learning and strategic partnerships that promote mutual growth.
The contributions of the new directors and executive committee are more than mere leadership roles; they represent a collective commitment to innovate within the critical non-prime automotive financing sector, ensuring that it is not only adaptive but also leading in addressing future challenges and opportunities.
To discover more about the NAF Association and explore its initiatives, visit www.nafassociation.com.
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