The eSTART Coalition is spotlighting leaders helping to modernize the vehicle title and registration process through its 2026 Awards Program, recognizing their work in policy reform, industry collaboration and innovation.

This year, the organization is honoring the following with respective awards:

Advocacy and Policy Leadership Award: Walter Craddock, administrator of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles

Progress and Partnership Award: Lee Perine, vice president of sales and partnerships at YASSI

eSTART is also recognizing in memoriam former Mass. State Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante for her contributions to electronic title and signature reforms.

Craddock was chosen for his respective award for his leadership in advancing policies supporting his state’s vehicle title and registration system, including Rhode Island’s Electronic Registration and Titling Act.

“I’m extremely honored to have been nominated to receive this recognition from the eSTART Coalition. But this is a shared honor. It is an example of exceptional collaboration over two legislative sessions to ensure that the legislation provided the framework for efficient modernization of titling and registering vehicles,” Craddock said in a news release.

“This legislation laid the groundwork not only to improve efficiencies but also to ensure the system is secure and protects sensitive information while meeting the needs of all stakeholders.”

Meanwhile, eSTART selected Perine for the Progress and Partnership Award for his efforts to simplify DMV record and title processing and for bringing together various stakeholders in the auto, lending and insurance industries.

“I’m super honored and grateful to the eSTART Coalition for everything it does to move this industry forward. None of this happens in a silo. Dealers, lenders, insurers, and state agencies all have a role, and our job is simply to support that work, listen to what the industry needs, and help turn good ideas into reality,” said Perine. “Reliable data is what makes modernization possible, and I’m proud to contribute to that. Thank you to eSTART for bringing everyone to the table.”