NAF2025 Highlights: A Powerful Gathering of Insight, Innovation, and Industry Leadership

NAF2025: A Powerful Gathering of Insight, Innovation, and Industry Leadership

June 4–6, 2025 | Plano, Texas

From the opening keynote to the final celebration, the 2025 NAF Annual Conference brought together a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to shaping the future of non-prime auto finance. Held June 4-6 in Plano, Texas, this year’s event was a powerful blend of timely education, strategic insight, and purposeful connection.

Over three days, attendees explored high-impact content across business strategy, compliance, operations, and technology—each session designed to help finance companies and service providers navigate today’s complex environment while preparing for what’s next.

Keynotes and Industry Leaders Set the Stage

NAF2025 kicked off with a compelling keynote from George Piro, former FBI Special Agent and expert in crisis negotiation and leadership. This session delivered practical takeaways about leading under pressure and communicating with intention—skills increasingly vital in today’s rapidly changing industry.

Opening mainstage sessions included a powerful Executive Panel Discussion featuring:

• George Fussell, CEO, SAFCO
• Mary Leigh Phillips, CEO, Bridgecrest
• Jim Murray, President, Western Funding

Together, they shared candid perspectives on managing through economic volatility, evolving consumer expectations, and regulatory pressures—all while remaining grounded in their organizations’ values and missions.

Another crowd favorite was Jeremy Robb, Lead Economist at Cox Automotive, who provided a data-rich economic update, breaking down key trends and opportunities impacting the non-prime segment today and into the future.

Breakout Sessions Deliver Targeted Value

This year’s format featured two specialized tracks—The Business Theater and The Compliance Theater—allowing attendees to tailor their learning experiences. Each track tackled the real-world issues finance sources are facing, including:

• High interest rates and their impact on credit quality
• Digital servicing tools and operational efficiency
• State and federal regulatory shifts
• The strategic value of compliance
• How to optimize HR for efficiency 
• The evolving role of AI in lending

“The Compliance Breakouts this year have been phenomenal,” shared Christie Cerone, Sr. Director of Regulator Relations at Santander. “We're diving deep into enforcement trends and how compliance isn’t just about avoiding risk—it's about building a better business.”

NAF Executive Director Jennifer Martin underscored the value of honest conversation and collaboration:

“This agenda was intentionally built to reflect the real challenges our members are facing—and the creativity and resilience they bring to overcome them.”

Spotlight on Peer Collaboration: NAF Networks Roundtables

Four peer-led NAF Networks Roundtables—focused on Leadership, Operations, Servicing, and Technology—offered attendees the opportunity to have open, targeted discussions with professionals facing similar challenges and opportunities.

“These roundtables give us the chance to learn from each other in an unfiltered way,” said Sam Van Scoyoc, VP of Business Development at Secure Collateral Management. “It’s real talk with people who understand your day-to-day.”

Honoring Industry Trailblazers

One of the most meaningful moments came during the NAF Annual Awards Ceremony, where the Association recognized outstanding contributions to the community.

🏆 Jack Tracey Pinnacle Award

Gary Perdue, President, Peritus Portfolio Services
With over 45 years in the industry, Gary has been a foundational force in shaping the non-prime auto finance sector.

“I’ve been part of this association since the beginning,” said Perdue. “NAF has absolutely impacted my career—and continues to move our industry forward.”

🌟 Summit Leadership Award (Inaugural Recipient)

Suzi Straffon, Director of Finance Company Markets, Allied Solutions
Celebrated for her visionary leadership and collaborative spirit, Suzi’s 20+ year commitment to innovation made her the ideal recipient of this new honor.

“This award means the world to me,” Straffon shared. “This community is full of brilliant, kind, and resilient people. It’s been my privilege to serve it.”

The 2025 Awards Program was proudly sponsored by dotData, who emphasized the importance of celebrating integrity and leadership in the industry.

Connection with Purpose: Networking Highlights

Networking remained a cornerstone of the conference experience—from structured sessions to spontaneous hallway exchanges.

• The Power Hour Speed Networking Challenge, fueled by fast-paced rounds and social sips (thanks to Shortcover), helped break the ice and build new relationships quickly.
• The ‘NAF’ter Hours Dessert Reception  offered a fun setting for unwinding, laughing, and deepening connections over decadent treats and a competitive bottle ring toss game. 
• The Exhibit Hall was abuzz all week, serving as a central hub for product discovery, demos, and casual conversation.

NAF Board Member Jeff Anderson, VP of Auto Specialty Products at SWBC, put it best:

“This conference is more than just professional development. It’s where you forge the kinds of relationships that last for years.”

A Joyful Close: The Poolside Beach Bash

As the conference wrapped up, attendees gathered one last time for the Poolside Beach Bash Closing Celebration. It was a festive, casual finale filled with laughter, live music, and a shared sense of accomplishment. Sandals replaced suits, and new connections turned into lasting friendships.

What’s Next?

NAF2025 reinforced what makes this community special: its openness, collaboration, and deep commitment to navigating change together. Whether you were learning in a breakout session, networking over coffee, or dancing poolside at the Bash, one thing was clear—we’re stronger together.

SAVE THE DATES!
2026: June 2-4
2027: June 8-10
2028: June 6-8

If you missed this year’s event, don’t worry—plans are already underway for NAF2026. Stay connected and join us as we continue building a smarter, stronger, and more innovative future for non-prime auto finance.

👉 Stay tuned for post-event materials, speaker slides, and photos!
📲 Keep the conversation going online using #NAF2025.