NAFA Foundation President Claude Masters, CAFM^®, Announces Issue Definition Paper on Fleet and Procurement Relationship

During NAFA's Institute & Expo Chapter Appreciation Luncheon on April 24, NAFA Foundation President Claude Masters, CAFM^®, described the changes the organization took on recently, as well as the strategic goals it has set for itself in the near future.

Masters, who previously served as NAFA’s President from 2013 to 2015, defined the NAFA Foundation as the Association's “sister organization,” formed in 1976 primarily to conduct industry research and provide scholarships for those in the field of fleet management.

“For example, in the 1980s, the Foundation funded research to answer the age-old question of ‘Lease versus Buy versus Driver-Reimbursement?’” Masters explained, referencing a paper the Foundation created. “The Foundation also used to conduct annual ‘customer satisfaction’ surveys for the Big 3 automakers, serving as an independent third party to collect and analyze fleet manager input on how the OEMs were doing.”

However, Masters indicated, the past few years had found the Foundation’s mission less focused. With so much happening in the area of mobility, it is now time for the Foundation to regain its sense of purpose.

"The NAFA Foundation is different from NAFA in that the Foundation is a charitable organization," Masters said, "meaning that we have the ability to accept donations that are tax-deductible for the donors. So the NAFA Foundation can – and should – play a vital role in collaboration with NAFA to develop and conduct objective, valuable, research for the fleet industry."

Masters announced that the NAFA Foundation has teamed up with international mobility expert Lukas Neckermann (photo at right) to develop a series of deliverables on the subject of fleet and mobility. "Over the next few months, Lukas will develop the first piece, an in-depth white paper that will include immediate steps for fleet managers to take to embrace mobility options."

“A centerpiece of the NAFA Foundation’s mission is to provide the fleet industry with ongoing strategies and guidance,” Masters said. “In fact, we are putting the finishing touches on an issue definition paper that will be of interest to many of you in this room. We are tackling the increasing interaction – and even partnership – between fleet and procurement.” 

This issue definition paper will offer guidance for both fleet and procurement to better understand each other’s needs – and, most importantly, to grow a strong relationship that fosters better fleet performance.  The Foundation is expected to release this paper shortly in the weeks following I&E.

"With our new structure and leadership team in place, the Foundation plans to be more active in pursuing projects - and funding for those projects - that will help the industry," Masters noted.