Features
6 aoû 19

Russo steps down as NAFA CEO

After more than 14 years at its helm, Philip Russo has stepped down as the CEO of the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA). The search for a replacement is ongoing.

Russo (pictured) led NAFA since 2005 as both its Executive Director and CEO. His fixed-term employment contract was set to run out at the end of this year. 

“Great memories”

Together with NAFA’s Board of Directors, Russo negotiated an exit strategy that allowed him to leave on August 2, well before the end of that term. 

“I have loved my time with NAFA,” Russo said, saying goodbye. “I’ve made many great friends and have so many great memories.”

Some of the milestones achieved by NAFA during Russo’s leadership include: 

  • A rebrand which included a name change, a logo redesign, and a revision of bylaws;
  • Growth in annual conference sponsorship;
  • An increase in reserve funds;
  • An increase in member engagement through a fleet sustainability credential, a micro-certificate exam, extensive government affairs activities, and an online community initiative.

“Indelible mark”

“Phil has left an indelible mark on the association; we thank him for his service and wish him well in his new ventures,” said Patti Earley, NAFA President.

While NAFA starts up the search for a new CEO, NAFA’s Chief of Staff and Operations Bill Schankel will serve as CEO ad interim. 
  
Based in Princeton, NJ, NAFA is the US’s main fleet management association. Its members include more than 2,000 individual fleet managers, working for corporations, academic and governmental institutions, utility companies and other entities requiring fleet and/or mobility services. 

The association’s collective membership manages more than 4.2 million vehicles and assets in excess of $92 billion. In total, these vehicles travel more than 84 billion miles each year. 

In addition, NAFA has more than 1,000 associate members, who represent companies that support fleet managers in their jobs. These include vehicle manufacturers, leasing companies, aftermarket equipment suppliers, telematics firms, service providers, and others.

Authored by: Frank Jacobs