FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 23, 2025
Tallahassee, FL – The National Automotive Finance (NAF) Association proudly announces the recipients of its prestigious 2025 industry awards, celebrating individuals who have made remarkable and lasting contributions to the non-prime auto finance sector.
Gary Perdue, President of Peritus Portfolio Services, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Jack Tracey Pinnacle Award, the Association’s highest honor. Suzi Straffon, Director of Finance Company Markets at Allied Solutions, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Summit Leadership Award, a new recognition this year.
Both individuals will be formally recognized during the 2025 Non-Prime Auto Financing Conference, June 4–6 in Plano, Texas. The 2025 Awards Program is generously sponsored by dotData.
“The NAF Association’s award program shines a much-needed spotlight on the exceptional individuals who are moving this industry forward,” says Walter Paliska, of Marketing for dotData. “dotData is proud to support this initiative that celebrates not only achievement, but integrity, innovation, and leadership. This year’s recipients – Gary, with decades of unwavering service and impact, and Suzi, a proven force and dedicated industry leader – embody the very best of what this community represents. Congratulations to both on this well-deserved recognition.”
2025 Jack Tracey Pinnacle Award
Gary Perdue | Founder & CEO, Peritus Portfolio Services
With more than 45 years of experience in lending and servicing, Gary Perdue is a trailblazer whose influence has helped shape the landscape of non-prime auto finance. Gary founded Peritus Portfolio Services in 2010, growing it from the ground up into a trusted bankruptcy servicing provider for over 30 lenders and debt buyers nationwide. Moreover, his leadership has fostered a culture of excellence.
“I feel honored to receive this award,” says Perdue. “As a member of the NAF Association since its inception, I can honestly say that the Association has had an impact on my career.”
Gary’s career includes pivotal roles at CitiFinancial Auto, DealerTrack, Hibernia Bank, and multiple startups. At DealerTrack, he was instrumental in expanding the lender network from 3 to over 200 and growing the dealer base to 24,000 in just three years. At Hibernia Bank, he led the auto division to achieve a #1 dealer satisfaction ranking from J.D. Power.
Beyond the boardroom, Gary has been a dedicated community leader. He is a former “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters, served as a Sunday school teacher, and currently sits on the board of the Mid-America chapter of the American Collectors Association. As a founding member and past president of the NAF Association, his contributions have helped build the foundation on which the organization stands today.
Gary holds a BS in Political Science and Psychology from Slippery Rock University. He lives in Southlake, Texas, with his wife Patricia. They have one son and a daughter-in-law—also in the auto finance industry—and one beloved grandson. In his spare time, Gary enjoys golf and travel.
2025 Summit Leadership Award
Suzi Straffon | Director, Finance Company Markets, Allied Solutions
A strategic thinker and relationship builder, Suzi Straffon has spent the past 22 years leading innovation across the auto finance industry. After earning her bachelor’s in journalism and a master’s in PR/advertising from Michigan State University, Suzi began her career at RouteOne, where she served as marketing director and first connected with the NAF Association in the early 2000s.
Her journey continued through key roles at Exeter Finance and now at Allied Solutions, where she leads strategic activities for risk and recovery tools including REPO Plus and REFUND Plus. She has distinguished herself as a go-to expert and trusted voice in the finance company markets, helping institutions of all sizes solve complex business challenges.
Suzi is actively involved in both the NAF Association— having served as Board Secretary and Vice President—and in the American Financial Services Association, where she contributes to numerous committees and working groups. She was named a Women in Auto Finance honoree by Cherokee Media in 2021.
“I am so thankful to the NAF Association for this award,” says Straffon. “The subprime auto market is full of brilliant, kind, and resilient people, and I’m so honored to be among them. It’s been my pleasure to serve this group for 20-plus years. Thank you, NAF, for all you do!”
That same spirit of dedication she brings to her work also shines through in her personal life. Deeply committed to giving back, Suzi has raised over $50,000 for cancer research through nine endurance events and has served for 25 years as a volunteer with the St. Clair County Child Abuse/Neglect Council in Port Huron, Michigan.
Outside of work, Suzi is a passionate animal lover, vegetarian, avid birder and photographer, and a proud Prince superfan. She lives in Chesterfield, Michigan, near her hometown of Port Huron. She’s excited to marry her lifelong friend turned fiancé, Justin McCarthy, later this year with their golden retriever, Tillie, by their side.
Celebrating the Leaders Who Inspire Progress
The accomplishments of Gary Perdue and Suzi Straffon exemplify the leadership, innovation, and dedication that drive progress within the non-prime auto finance industry. Through their extensive experience, strategic vision, and commitment to service, both honorees have made lasting contributions that extend beyond their organizations to benefit the broader industry.
“These two leaders have dedicated their careers to advancing the non-prime auto finance industry,” says Jennifer Martin, Executive Director of the NAF Association. “Gary’s remarkable service and impact are a true inspiration, and Suzi’s strategic leadership and passion for our community embody what this new award was created to celebrate.”
The National Automotive Finance Association is honored to recognize their achievements and celebrate the positive impact they continue to make on the companies, professionals, and consumers they serve.
For more information on the 2025 award recipients or the upcoming conference, visit www.nafassociation.com.
Media Contact:
Cindy Sly
Director, Member Services
National Automotive Finance Association
[email protected]
