PRINCETON, N.J. – Outgoing National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) President Charlie Gibbens announced at the Annual Business Meeting at the association’s conference in Houston, that as part of NAFA’s year-long branding initiative, the proposed name of the association will be the Fleet Management Association. The new name will help to better define NAFA and clearly differentiate it from similar organizations. It will also serve to resolve two inconsistencies in its current name.

“The association is now international, as evidenced by the inclusion of our Canadian members, and the new name allows for expanded international membership. In addition, the term ‘Administrator’ no longer accurately reflects the many job titles indicating higher levels of leadership and management found in many fleets today. The name change puts more emphasis on what we do,” Gibbens said.

In addition to changing the name of the association, NAFA also will alter the name of the annual conference, currently known as the Fleet Management Institute and Law Enforcement Conference. Instead, it will be termed the Fleet Management Association Institute and Expo, which will reinforce the association’s brand identity.

As part of the continuing effort to reinforce the association’s brand identity, NAFA intends to use this naming philosophy for other association products and services. In addition, NAFA has created a Brand Oversight Committee and enlisted a consultant’s services to survey members on several branding issues during the current conference.

Proposed changes are now being market-tested – and most importantly, member-tested. “It is vital that we seek the perspective from our core membership,” stated Phil Russo, NAFA executive director. “Over the past year, NAFA’s Board of Governors has researched this topic to develop this initiative. Now, membership feedback will enhance these decisions to further the future goals and strategies of our organization.”

Feedback will be brought back to the Branding Oversight Committee for full consideration. Later this year, NAFA members will then be asked to vote on proposed changes to conclude this initiative.