Two years ago, Marguerite Watanabe was one of the first inductees into the Used Car Week Hall of Fame.

On Friday, she earned another distinguished industry accolade: the National Automotive Finance Association announced that Watanabe, who is president of Connections Insights, is the recipient of the 2026 Jack Tracey Pinnacle Award.

The NAF Association also revealed the recipient of the Summit Leadership Award. That honor is being given to Lisa Patterson, who is chief financial officer and partner of Drive Now Acceptance.

Watanabe and Patterson will be presented with their honors — sponsored by EPIC Auto — during the annual Non-Prime Auto Financing Conference hosted by the NAF Association for the 30th time, beginning June 2 at the Omni Las Colinas in Irving, Texas.

The Jack Tracey Pinnacle Award is named in honor of the association’s first long-serving executive director, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated enduring service and commitment to the industry and the association.

Watanabe joins Tom Hudson, Jim Bass and Gary Perdue as recipients of this accolade.

“I am deeply honored to receive this year’s Jack Tracey Pinnacle Award,” Watanabe said. “It was a privilege to work alongside Jack and with NAF for so many years, and to have had the opportunity to contribute, in some small way, to the non-prime auto finance industry. To be recognized by friends and colleagues whom I respect so greatly truly means the world to me.”

The Summit Leadership Award honors leaders who exemplify vision, integrity, and the ability to inspire others, while making a meaningful and lasting impact on the industry.

The NAF Association gave the honor for the first time last year to Suzi Straffon of Allied Solutions.

“I am deeply honored to receive the NAF Summit Leadership Award,” Patterson said. “This recognition is especially meaningful because NAF has played such an important role in my professional growth. When I left the corporate world in 2011 to join a small BHPH company, I was given the freedom to combine my years of experience with the education, resources, and relationships I gained through NAF.

“Looking back, it has been an honor to play a role in helping grow a company I am so proud to be part of. This was one of the best decisions I ever made. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue learning, leading, and hopefully inspiring the younger managers who have worked alongside me for years. Watching them put in the work, grow in their roles, and achieve their own success has been one of the greatest pleasures of my career,” Patterson went on to say.

The NAF Association mentioned this year’s selection process reflected the strength of the non-prime auto finance community, with an exceptional pool of nominees considered by its awards committee. Following thoughtful deliberation, the NAF Association board of directors ratified the committee’s recommendations for this year’s award recipients

“These individuals represent the very best of our industry,” said Straffon, who is the current president of the association’s board. “Their leadership, dedication, and contributions have helped shape not only their organizations, but the broader non-prime auto finance community. We are proud to recognize them during this milestone year for NAF.”

NAF Association executive director Jennifer Martin highlighted the awards are a special part of the organization’s annual conference experience, when lenders, service providers, and industry leaders gather for three days of education, networking, and collaboration.

“This year’s conference is particularly meaningful as we celebrate 30 years of NAF,” Martin said. “Marguerite and Lisa embody the spirit of this community – committed, forward-thinking, and deeply engaged. We look forward to celebrating their achievements alongside our members in June.”

The annual conference will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, compliance and business breakout sessions, and networking opportunities designed to foster connection and share practical insights across the industry.

For more information about the conference or to register, visit www.nafassociation.com.