NAFA Fleet Management Association (NAFA) has announced Bill Schankel, CAE, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Schankel has served as NAFA’s Interim CEO since August 2019. He joined the organization in September 2017 as NAFA’s Chief of Staff & Operations.
The selection of Schankel caps an extensive search process facilitated by JDG Associates, a nationwide executive search firm which specializes in placing association executives who will achieve immediate and long-term goals. The process started a large initial prospect pool which was narrowed by stages to a group who interviewed with NAFA’s Executive Search Committee, and then to a final round who met with Board of Directors’ leadership.
“NAFA’s Board of Directors conducted an exhaustive search to fill the CEO position, and interviewed many highly-qualified candidates,” said NAFA President Patti Earley, CAFM. “It was our determination that Bill not only exemplified the qualities we were searching for, but also understood the unique challenges of moving our Association forward during times of uncertainty. His commitment to action-based and results-based strategies assures that NAFA will continue to lead the way for the fleet and mobility industry.”
Schankel has had oversight in NAFA initiatives such as moving the Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) Program and Exams online, spearheading a refresh of the education materials to reflect recent innovations in fleet to better serve members, and leading staff and member leaders in expanding NAFA’s reach and value to the Fleet Industry.
Prior to joining NAFA, Schankel spent the last 20 years in roles in leading associations, most recently as Executive Director for the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) and America Mosquito Control Association (AMCA). Previously, Schankel has been responsible for strategic direction, operations, event management, and income development for associations including the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers, New Jersey State Bar Association, National Kitchen & Bath Association.
“I thank NAFA’s Board of Directors for the vote of confidence in light of the dramatic changes seen in the past twelve months, not only within NAFA but within our industry,” Schankel said. “It is important that we continue to deliver the services, education, and support our members expect, and the leadership that has made ‘NAFA’ synonymous with ‘fleet.’ This act supports continuity for our strategies and ensures that our Association will grow and thrive in the months and years to come.”
About NAFA Fleet Management Association
NAFA Fleet Management Association is the membership organization for professionals who manage the mobility requirements of vehicle fleets that include commercial, public safety, trucks, and buses of all types and sizes; and a wide range of military and off-road equipment for corporations, governments, universities, utility fleets, and law enforcement in North America and across the globe. NAFA’s members are responsible for the specification, acquisition, maintenance, repair, fueling, risk management, and remarketing of more than 4.6 million vehicles that drive an estimated 50 billion miles each year. NAFA’s members control assets and services well above $100 billion each year. For more information, please visit https://www.nafa.org/, and communicate with NAFA on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
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