The NAFA Fleet Management Association has given affiliate members the ability to vote and serve on its national board, the association announced.

The move broadens leadership opportunities with the association for professionals who are not directly involved in the management of fleet vehicles.

NAFA's members approved the move by a margin of nearly 15 to 1, with 93% of respondents voting in favor of the changes.

"This has been a long time coming," said Ruth Alfson, CAFM, NAFA's president. "NAFA’s bylaws had remained virtually the same since the day NAFA was incorporated in 1957, so it is about time we recognized our affiliates as the valued partners they are. Besides that, though, this is the right strategic move for NAFA to make."

As part of the move, NAFA has made many changes to its bylaws. The changes redefine who qualifies as a member and supplier, and sets up a new membership category called regular member for individuals directly involved in fleet management. Other membership categories include associate members (formerly affiliates), honorary members, and retired members. Associate members can now hold up to five of the 13 board roles.

The move also creates a leadership advisory board to help direct NAFA's strategic efforts that replaces the former board of delegates and board of governors. The immediate past president will now be designated as the chair of the nominating committee.

NAFA will form a nominating committee later this month to select candidates for four open board seats. Eligible individuals will be able to submit their names to the committee for consideration.

The board election will take place in January, and the new board will take office in February. The board will then elect a new president, senior vice president, vice president, and secretary/treasurer. The sitting NAFA president will be named the immediate past president.