Along with adding two new member companies to the board of directors, the National Automotive Finance Association also held its annual membership meeting to pick its 2026–2027 executive committee leadership.

Selected during the 30th annual Non-Prime Auto Financing Conference this week in Irving, Texas, were:

—Chair: Suzi Straffon, director of finance company markets at Allied Solutions

—President: Matt Burke, CEO, Center Street Finance

—Vice president: Jeff Anderson, vice president of auto specialty products, SWBC

—Secretary: David Baker, senior vice president, Regional Acceptance Corp.

—Treasurer: Grace Martinez, vice president of AmeriCredit Credit Center Operations with GM Financial

The association also brought on two new member companies to the board of directors.

Nick Goraczkowski will serve as the representative for iLending, and Mark Edelman will serve as the representative for Womble Bond Dickinson.

“Strong volunteer leadership continues to be one of the things that makes the NAF Association special,” NAF Association executive director Jennifer Martin said. “We’re excited to welcome this next group of leaders as they help guide the association and industry forward.”

Resolvion executive vice president Claudia Plascencia concluded her service as board chair after progressing through the executive committee leadership ladder and serving in multiple volunteer leadership roles throughout her tenure with the association.

During the conference, Plascencia was presented with the NAF Association’s traditional gavel award in recognition of her leadership, service, and contributions to the industry community.

Plascencia will continue serving on the association board of directors.

Martin highlighted the NAF Association board of directors includes leaders from throughout the non-prime auto finance industry who volunteer their time and expertise to support the organization’s mission of education, connection, collaboration, and industry advancement.

“This industry continues to evolve quickly, and having engaged volunteer leaders with diverse perspectives and operational experience is incredibly valuable,” Martin said. “We’re fortunate to have a board and executive committee deeply committed to supporting the industry and the NAF membership community.”

The leadership transition took place during this week’s 30th anniversary conference that brought together professionals for education, networking, and peer collaboration.

The conference featured:

—Economic and market outlook discussions

—Artificial intelligence and operational strategy conversations

—Structured finance insights

—Fraud prevention and servicing sessions

—Compliance and legal updates

—State enforcement and privacy law discussions

—Executive leadership conversations

—Interactive audience polling and live industry pulse checks

“We wanted this conference to feel collaborative and built on shared experience,” Martin said. “The goal was never just to fill rooms. It was to create conversations and relationships that continue long after attendees return home.”

Straffon added, “That’s what makes this industry special. People are willing to share ideas, support one another, and help move the industry forward together.”

More information about the NAF Association and its leadership team is available at https://www.nafassociation.com/our-leadership.