Related: NAFA I&E 2019 Recap
NAFA Continues CEO Search
The NAFA Fleet Management association has engaged an executive search firm for its CEO Search.

Photo by Mike Antich.
The NAFA Fleet Management association has engaged an executive search firm for its CEO Search.
NAFA partnered with the services of JDG Associates, an executive search firm, to perform the search to fill the executive role following Phillip Russo leaving the CEO position in August 2019, who had held the spot for more than five years.
The Association is seeking someone who will oversee strategic planning with NAFA; guide and assist board members in carrying out their responsibilities; ensure the success of NAFA’s Institute & Expo; and manage association finances and budgeting processes, among several other duties.
The position is further defined as follows:
“The CEO reports to NAFA’s President and supervises an in-house staff of 11 in the following areas: Meetings and Events; Learning and Communities; Marketing and Communications; Chapter, Industry and Community Relations; Membership Recruitment and Retention. The position also supervises out-sourced functions of IT, accounting, finance, marketing support as well as serves as the liaison with NAFA’s legal counsel,” the description in the listing read.
Association experience is required of potential candidates, along with a proven track record in leadership and strategic thinking. Click here to view the full summary of the requested requirements.
Russo served as NAFA CEO from 2014 to 2019 and was the Association’s executive director before that from 2005 to 2014. Russo was also employed at NAFA from 1985-1999, initially as associate editor, then director of communications, followed by assistant executive director, and then deputy executive director.
More Operations

Managing Fleet Costs in an Era of Permanent Volatility
Fleet operating costs have risen more than 20% since 2020, raising a key question: When does extending a vehicle's service life stop making financial sense?
Read More →
The Next Evolution of Fleet Management: Autonomous Operations
This opening keynote session at the Fleet Forward Conference highlights the future of autonomous driving for fleets.
Read More →
How to Reduce the Total Cost of Risk From Catalytic Converter Theft
A stolen catalytic converter can cost fleets far more in downtime and lost productivity than in repairs. A total-cost-of-risk approach can help fleet managers quantify their exposure and prioritize theft prevention.
Read More →
Personal-Use Charges Rise as Vehicle Values Fall | AF News Recap
Personal-use charges are climbing, wholesale used-vehicle values are declining, and commercial fleet sales growth is slowing. This week, we're breaking down the latest fleet data, plus how Element Fleet Management is helping Waymo prepare for its first Canadian robotaxi market.
Read More →
Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy
Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.
Read More →
AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?
Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.
Read More →
A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027
Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.
Read More →
What Will Shape the Next Era of Fleet Management?
EVs, AI, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping fleet management. Discover what’s ahead—and how fleet leaders can prepare for the next era.
Read More →
How Fleets Can Recruit and Train Veterans for Technician Roles
Here's how the technician shortage has affected uptime for fleets, and what to do about it.
Read More →
Avis Budget Group Deploys Neology Toll Management Technology Across Major Brands
Neology’s neoFleet platform will manage toll transactions and toll-authority operations for vehicles across Avis, Budget, Payless, Budget Truck and Zipcar.
Read More →
