With its annual Vehicle Finance Conference coming later this month, the American Financial Services Association (AFSA) announced a trio of promotions reflecting expanded expertise and increased responsibilities in both its federal and state government policy functions.

The moves AFSA made this week include:

— Celia Winslow, formerly director of legal and regulatory affairs, becomes the association’s new vice president of legal and regulatory affairs. She will work with AFSA’s members to devise and implement a comprehensive and proactive policy regarding federal regulations, with an emphasis on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

On the legal side, the association explained Winslow manages AFSA’s amicus (friend-of-the-court) brief efforts in district, state, and federal courts. Additionally, she is the staff liaison to AFSA’s Law Committee.

Winslow joined AFSA in 2006.

— Susan Sullivan, formerly manager of congressional affairs, now is AFSA’s new director of congressional and political affairs. In this role, she builds and maintains relationships with members of Congress and congressional staff and implements AFSA’s federal advocacy agenda.

In addition, the association highlighted Sullivan oversee AFSA's Political Action Committee (AFSAPAC). She also serves as staff liaison to AFSA's Operations Committee.

Sullivan joined the association in 2010.

— Matt Kownacki now serves as AFSA’s new director of state research and policy, tracking and analyzing state and local regulatory and legislative policy. He issues comment letters to state legislators and agencies on issues affecting AFSA member companies.

Additionally, the association mentioned Kownacki drafts and edits resources available to AFSA members, including 50-state surveys, talking points, issue briefs, and white papers. Kownacki also provides regular updates to State Government Affairs Committee members on current state legislation.

Kownacki joined AFSA in 2015.

AFSA will welcome the industry for its annual Vehicle Finance Conference, which begins on Jan. 22 at the Hilton Union Square Hotel in San Francisco. The conference agenda and more details are available at vehicle.afsaonline.org.