There are many big changes on the horizon for NAFA Fleet Management Association, and these were summarized for the Institute & Expo attendees by NAFA President Ruth Alfson, CAFM^®. The Annual Business Meeting, the first morning session of the 2016 Institute & Expo, touched upon very serious topics worthy of consideration.

"The NAFA Code of Regulations -- or bylaws, the governing document that specifies membership criteria, the Board’s form and function, and other important foundational aspects of the Association – has remained almost entirely intact since NAFA’s inception in 1957," President Alfson said.

"Much has changed since that time. To best meet these new challenges, NAFA’s Board of Trustees is considering a revision of the association’s bylaws. These changes would enable NAFA to expand membership opportunities for current Affiliates and others to enable continued growth in to various fleet-related markets.

"They would also implement safeguards to ensure NAFA is always an organization dedicated to fleet management professionals; increase Board service opportunities to enlarge the pool of candidates from which national leaders are chosen, to ensure the most qualified and capable individuals are selected; and institute a process that requires less long-term commitment to move up the national leadership ladder.

"Know that there will be a voting process this summer in which NAFA membership will help make this determination, but make no mistake. This course of action will make NAFA stronger and more prepared in a business profession facing sweeping changes. If you have not seen Bryan (Flansburg)’s archived webinar, I encourage you to do so and be better informed in this regard." 

President Alfson also took a moment to speak on the subject of distracted driving and NAFA's stance in its regard, being that it is, "...unacceptable, unprofessional, and is not conducive to achieving excellence." NAFA is presenting a distracted driving pledge, positioned in the NAFA booth in the Austin Convention Center lobby. Attendees are urged to sign the pledge to promise they will not drive with distractions. President Alfson then informed the audience that her family had a tragedy just this past weekend. Distracted driving was a contributing factor in a fatality. She is the first signature on the pledge and all of NAFA asks that you, also, with take this step toward safer, saner roads.