By Ted Roberts, Publisher, Fleet Management Weekly
July 15, 2026
As the fleet industry continues to evolve, professional associations are playing an increasingly important role in helping individuals build relationships, expand their knowledge, and advance their careers. Few organizations have embraced that mission more effectively than the Automotive Fleet Leasing Association (AFLA).
Founded more than 60 years ago, AFLA is dedicated to supporting fleet professionals through education, networking, leadership development, and collaboration. Through initiatives including AFLA Learning, Fleet Insight, the Women in Fleet Management (WIFM) program, task forces, and industry conferences, the association has fostered a culture centered on volunteerism and member engagement.
To learn more about the current state of AFLA membership and the value the association provides, we spoke with Mary Saunders, Chairperson of AFLA’s Membership Task Force. Saunders has been an active AFLA volunteer for several years and currently leads the group responsible for member engagement, growth, and retention.
Q: How would you describe the current state of AFLA’s membership?
Mary Saunders: AFLA is growing.
We’ve experienced steady membership growth over the past several years, and last year’s conference was our most well-attended event to date. Member engagement continues to grow through our educational offerings, especially AFLA Learning, which is regularly updated with new content and certificates of completion.
WIFM (Women in Fleet Management) has also become one of our strongest engagement programs because it delivers meaningful and thought-provoking conversations that resonate with members.
Q: What has involvement with AFLA meant to you personally?
Saunders: AFLA has meant a great deal to me. I first became involved by volunteering at the conference welcome desk. That experience gave me the opportunity to have conversations with people I probably wouldn’t have approached otherwise.
Later, I joined the Membership Task Force and served for two years before becoming chairperson. Serving in that role has been an honor. It has allowed me to give back to an organization that has provided so much value to me while also strengthening my leadership skills.
Q: Why do people join AFLA today?
Photo credit: AFLA
Saunders: Networking is certainly one reason, but it’s much bigger than that. Members can learn from their peers and access AFLA Learning, Fleet Insight, task forces, sounding boards, and volunteer opportunities. These exclusive benefits support both personal and professional growth. The value extends far beyond attending an annual conference.
Q: How does AFLA welcome and engage new members?
Saunders: We work hard to help new members feel connected from the start. New members receive welcome communications, are added to our distribution lists, and are encouraged to participate in AFLA activities. We recommend following AFLA on LinkedIn to stay informed and invite new members to attend the annual conference and explore volunteer opportunities. Our Member Spotlight program also helps introduce members to one another and strengthens the sense of community.
Q: What role does networking play in member retention?
Saunders: Peer-to-peer interaction is one of the main reasons people stay involved. Members can openly discuss challenges, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions. AFLA fosters an environment where people feel comfortable reaching out to one another for advice.
That sense of belonging and connection is something that many members simply don’t find elsewhere.
Q: How does AFLA support professionals at different career stages?
Saunders: AFLA focuses on serving members throughout their careers. One example is the WIFM mentorship program. In addition to traditional mentor-mentee relationships, the program recently introduced peer-to-peer mentoring.
Meanwhile, the Education Task Force continues to develop new learning content to support professionals at every stage of their fleet journey. Whether you’re just entering the industry or are a seasoned executive, there are opportunities to keep learning and growing.
Q: How should AFLA measure membership success beyond simple growth numbers?
Saunders: Volunteers are among the strongest indicators of success. We have numerous task forces and sounding boards, each supported by dedicated volunteers who donate their time and energy to give back to the association.
Those volunteers reflect the impact AFLA has had on their careers. People give back because AFLA has provided value to them.
Q: Looking ahead, what priorities would you like to advance?
Saunders: Fleet professionals don’t operate in silos, and neither should AFLA. Our members bring expertise from many disciplines beyond fleet management. By encouraging collaboration across functions and industries, AFLA can continue to strengthen connectivity and support the long-term sustainability of the fleet community.
The association has knowledge experts in its membership, and bringing those perspectives together benefits everyone.
2025 AFLA Conference
AFLA’s Membership Community
For Mary Saunders, AFLA’s greatest strength is the community its members have created together. Through volunteerism, education, mentorship, and peer collaboration, the association continues to provide value far beyond traditional association functions.
As the fleet industry becomes increasingly complex, organizations like AFLA help professionals stay connected, continue learning, and support one another throughout their careers. According to Saunders, that’s ultimately what membership is about. “People want to give back because of the value AFLA delivers for them.”
