Three years ago, I took a leap of faith and stepped into my role as the Executive Director with the NAF Association. What began as a daunting challenge has turned into one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career. The path hasn’t always been smooth – unexpected twists and turns are inevitable – but every challenge has been a chance to learn and grow.
When I first joined NAF back in March of 2022, my background in governmental affairs and advocacy made this transition feel like stepping into uncharted territory. Unlike my previous experience at other associations, NAF does not focus on lobbying efforts. Instead, the association thrives by providing education, programs, compliance training, and fostering valuable industry connections. My goal has been to build on that strong foundation, expanding opportunities for more organizations and individuals to benefit from the NAF community.
Of course, leadership commonly involves trial and error, and some grand plans didn’t work out quite how I envisioned them. But that’s okay! We often grow more from setbacks than successes. I’ve been fortunate to have the support of an exceptional team – including our small but mighty staff and an incredible board of directors – who have been open to innovation and willing to take this journey with me.
Over the past three years, we’ve evolved to better serve our members. We added two signature events, bringing the total number of educational gatherings tailored for the non-prime auto finance community to three annually. Virtual learning opportunities have been introduced to make industry education more accessible. We launched an exclusive online community, providing a dedicated space for members to connect and collaborate. Through NAF Networks, professionals can engage with peers in similar roles to share insights and best practices. Our compliance education programs have grown, governance practices have been strengthened, and operational efficiencies have improved across the organization. And we’re not stopping there – my commitment to increasing the value of membership continues.
As I reflect on my three-year anniversary with the NAF Association, I want to share three key lessons in leadership I’ve learned along the way:
Lesson One: Embrace the Learning Curve – Listen First, Then Lead
When I stepped into my new role, I barely had time to let it sink in before I was on a plane to Las Vegas. My first day wasn’t spent settling into an office, rather, it was spent walking into a large industry event, where I’d be meeting many of my new board members (aka my new bosses) for the first time.
At first, it felt like being the new kid at school, stepping into a lunchroom where everyone already had their seats. The non-prime auto finance industry seemed like a well-connected, established network; tight-knit and maybe even a little intimidating from the outside. But what I quickly learned is that this community isn’t just connected, it’s welcoming.
I expected the usual surface-level introductions, but instead, I found myself in real conversations with industry veterans who were eager to share their knowledge. It was like reconnecting with an old friend at a high school reunion, familiar and comfortable, even though I was technically new. People weren’t just willing to engage; they were invested in helping me understand the nuances of the industry, from the intricate lender-dealer relationships to the ever-changing regulatory landscape.
That first experience set the tone for everything that followed. Over the past few years, I’ve spent time listening to our members, our board, and our staff, because the best way to serve this community is to understand its needs firsthand. Those conversations have shaped my approach and reinforced what makes this industry special: not just the depth of expertise, but the generosity of those willing to share it.
Success in leadership isn’t about walking in with all the answers. It’s about knowing when to listen, learn, and appreciate the experience that surrounds you.
Lesson 2: Progress Over Perfection – Be Willing to Pivot
It’s tempting to believe that good association management follows a universal playbook: identify member needs, provide value, build engagement. I had seen it work in other industries, so naturally, I thought I could apply the same strategies to auto finance. I quickly realized that what works for one membership doesn’t always translate to another.
Each industry has its own culture, priorities, and expectations, and not all associations operate the same way. The way members engage, the challenges they face, and the resources they prioritize are all different. It became clear that I couldn’t simply replicate past successes, so I had to learn, adapt, and refine my approach in real time.
That meant trying new things, testing ideas, and being willing to fail fast. Not every idea worked, but every attempt brought valuable new insights. It means trying new things, letting go of what doesn’t work, and refining what does. I’ve learned that progress matters more than perfection and waiting for the perfect solution often means missing opportunities to make meaningful changes. Instead of getting stuck in analysis paralysis, I’ve adopted the mindset that sometimes it’s better to launch, learn, and refine along the way.
Some of the best decisions I’ve made weren’t in the original playbook but came from listening to feedback, staying agile, and being willing to pivot. Success in association management isn’t about sticking to a rigid formula; it’s about staying responsive, fostering innovation, and continuously refining the way we serve our members.
Lesson 3: Leadership is a Team Effort – You Can’t Do It Alone
Leading an association isn’t about having all the answers but about knowing when to step back and empower others. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking leadership means making every decision, but the best leaders know success comes from teamwork, not going it alone.
Some of my boldest ideas didn’t pan out. Some initiatives didn’t gain traction the way I had hoped. In those moments, I could have let my ego take over, defending decisions simply because they were mine. Instead, I leaned into collaboration. Our staff, board, and volunteers are the backbone of everything we do. Some of our best ideas have come from organic conversations, brainstorming sessions, and unexpected “what if” moments shared by team members. The key is creating an environment where people feel empowered to contribute, challenge ideas, and bring their best thinking to the table.
Working with a diverse board, where each member brings unique experiences, perspectives, and opinions, has reinforced the importance of collaboration. The best leaders don’t just react to change; they embrace it, involve their teams in the process, and create a space where people feel heard. It’s about building trust, encouraging open conversations, and making decisions that benefit the greater good while advancing the mission. When people feel valued and heard, they step up in ways you never expected, and that’s when real progress happens.
Looking Ahead
Three years in, I know my learning is far from over. I’m a work in progress, just like the industry I serve; and as the auto finance industry continues to evolve, so does the NAF Association. My commitment remains the same: to keep growing, adapting, and finding new ways to serve this incredible community. The key is to stay curious, stay open, and surround yourself with great people who are just as passionate about the mission as you are.
To those who have been part of this journey – thank you. Your support, insights, and partnership have made this experience truly meaningful. I look forward to what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.
Three Years, Three Lessons in Leadership: Reflections on My Time with the NAF Association
