Tonya Philson, SAFO US, Inc.

Tonya L. Philson is a respected leader in the mobility and commercial fleet industry, with extensive expertise in fleet operations, tolling, compliance, and strategic business development. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategic Officer of SAFO US, Inc., the United States expansion division of SAFO Group S.p.A., a global mobility and fleet services organization with more than 40 years of international experience. In this role, she leads operational strategy, customer compliance initiatives, and organizational growth across the US market.

Tonya is widely recognized for her commitment to advancing innovation, operational excellence, and customer advocacy within the transportation and fleet management sectors. She serves on the Board of Directors for the National Vehicle Leasing Association (NVLA) and is an alumnus of the prestigious IBTTA Leadership Academy, a program dedicated to developing future leaders in the tolling and transportation industry. IBTTA is the global association representing toll facility owners, operators, and mobility partners worldwide. 

An active member of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA), Tonya contributes to several key committees, including International, Toll Revenue Assurance, and Emerging Technology. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Outreach, Opportunity, and Engagement Committee, supporting initiatives focused on workforce development, education, and industry inclusion. Through her involvement, she actively promotes collaboration and innovation within the evolving mobility ecosystem.

Tonya is also an engaged member of NAFA Fleet Management Association, where she participates in membership and industry engagement initiatives. She is a strong advocate for the advancement of women in transportation and mobility, supporting organizations and initiatives focused on Women in Tolling, Women in Leasing, and Women in Fleet Management.

Throughout her career, Tonya has championed operational compliance, customer support, and data integrity on behalf of commercial fleet operators. She is passionate about industry education, mentoring emerging professionals, workforce development, and succession planning, with a strong focus on building sustainable leadership pipelines for the future of mobility and transportation services.

Robert Hill, Owner/President
North Texas Auto Investors & B-Town Bully Investments LLC

About Our Company
We are family owned and operated and our goal at North Texas Auto Investors is to create a legacy in the small town of Alvarado, Texas. Our current location was home to the first brother-duo car dealers in the area, and they believed in much the same vision as we do: serve the people well and they’ll take care of you.

We hope to stay in business for several generations and to see market growth in this small, but upcoming town. My wife and I started this business, and our plan is to pass it on to our son, who is the current F&I Manager, and his wife. We believe that being true to our core business values and passing on good used autos to good people is the path to our success. We have been doing business in Alvarado since 2005 and plan on remaining here for many years to come.

Why We Joined NVLA
We've been in the Lease to Own business for almost 18 years and in this timeframe, have found little to no real support or platforms available for what we do. In joining NVLA, we are hopeful of finding like-minded business owners and salespersons who understand leasing, the laws surrounding this industry, and resources to make the leasing side of our business as successful as possible.

What We Hope to Expect from Our Membership
Professionally speaking, our goal for attaining a membership was to gain access to leasing law in our state, as well as make connections in our industry for sharing ideas and strategizing the best business strategies for success in leasing.

Brief Bio 
I am a 4th generation auto industries worker, having worked as an auto body technician, master mechanic, and ultimately ending up as a used car dealer. My family's journey began with my great-grandfather, who is pictured in the 4th Model T to come off the Dallas, Texas Ford assembly line after he worked on it, moving to my grandfather and father, who both worked and owned paint and body shops in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

In Case You Missed It: 2026 Executive Cyber Risk Playbook: What Smart Leaders Will Do Before Q2 
Speaker: Patrick Curtin, and Rob Schenk, Intelligent Technical Solutions

2026 brings a new level of cyber risk: faster attacks, smarter threat actors, higher insurance standards, and more exposure across cloud, SaaS, and third-party platforms. This briefing gives CEOs, CFOs, COOs, IT managers, and business leaders the clarity they need to protect revenue and operations without getting buried in technical detail. 

Key Takeaways:

Threats Increasing Since the Pandemic

• Barrier to entry has never been lower.
• AI is removing barriers, increasing the speed and scale of the attacks.
• Attacks occur through identity attacks, vulnerable and undefended systems.
   
  

Breach Costs Hit Businesses Hard

• Hard costs include external help, overtime, hardware and software
  
• Lost revenue
  
• Loss of data
  
• Loss of trust
  
• Extremely stressful to deal with
  
  

Exposing Common Myths

• We’re protected.
  
• We have backups.
  
• We have cyber insurance.
  
• We’ll know right away if something happens.
  
• We’re too small; no one will bother us.
  
  

The Path to Cyber Resilience

• People
  
• Process
  
• Technology
  
  

To find out what this means and how you can obtain cyber resilience, watch the webinar. Free to members!

In Case You Missed It: View the Webinar

Free to Members!

Presented by Edie Hirtenstein, Founder Director of Business Development, VINData, this webinar covered how to protect your portfolio and strengthen decision-making with the power of data. Risky leases often slip through when vehicles carry hidden problems like branded titles (salvage, rebuilt), undisclosed liens, open recalls, or even active theft records. These risks can create costly surprises for both lessors and lessees. Don’t miss valuable insights on how to:

• Spot red flags before a lease is signed
• Accurately value assets and reduce exposure
• Make smarter choices with both new and used vehicles
  

Our library of NVLA webinars is our newest members-only benefit. We have archived recordings of previous NVLA webinars to be made available 24/7 for viewing at your convenience. Free to members!

Solomon Cramer, President and Lauren Boehm, Long Term Rental Manager

About Our Company:
Our mission is clear: to enhance the driving experience by making it easier and more enjoyable through a program tailored for real-life needs. At the Cramer Campus, we achieve this with transparent pricing, no-haggle retail car sales, skilled car care, and premium, hassle-free services, including long-term rentals, leasing, EV charging hubs, autobody repair, vehicle maintenance, car washes, and airport parking. 

We deliver flexible fleet and retail programs that prioritize service-first reliability and long-term value in every customer relationship.

Why We Joined and Our Expectations:
We decided to join NVLA to become a part of a national network that boosts reputation by association, industry best practices, supply and demand cycles, and current market insights. By joining a national vehicle leasing association, we gain data, protection, strategy, and networking.

Brief Bio:
Our company is family owned and operated. Solomon's family has been in the car business for 85 years, and Solomon has been at the helm for 21 years. His last name carries weight in our small town, having operated for as long as his family has, and he has made bold, strategic moves to strengthen the business, taking thoughtful risks and bringing exceptional insight into the commercial vehicle acquisition market. We strive to keep the family run business atmosphere flowing throughout all aspects of our business.

Recap and Results

The NVLA General Membership meeting was held December 9. At the meeting, held virtually, the 2026 slate was approved, and we would like to extend a special welcome to the four newest Directors: 

Mark Van Nest, Midwestern Leasing, Director-at-Large
Jerry Zielinski, Nissan North America, Director-at-Large
Tonya Philson, Safo US, Associate Director
Jacob Mark, Lease Tracking Services, Associate Director

Those continuing on the board include: 

Two-year term begins January 1, 2026
Tarry Shebesta, President 
Jeff Barron, 1st Vice President
Pete Stevens, 2nd Vice President
Paul Najarian Jr., 3rd Vice President
Ken Sopp, Past President 
Ben Carfrae, Treasurer
Chris Pontarelli, Secretary
PJ McMahon, Director-at-Large
Douglas Moore, Associate Director
Sloan Schickler, Associate Director
Serving current term (Jan. 1, 2025 - Dec. 31, 2026) 
Kirk Browning, Director-at-Large

Special Thank Yous
By Tarry Shebesta
NVLA President

We would like to extend a very special thank you to Ed Kaye for his many years of outstanding service to NVLA as he completes his term in office. Ed has held numerous key leadership roles, including serving as President of the Board, and his impact on this organization has been truly significant. As Ed concludes his final term, we are deeply grateful for his leadership, his wisdom, and the lasting contributions he has made to the NVLA community.

In addition to the Board, we would like to recognize the talented leaders who are driving NVLA’s work forward. Our committee chairs continue to elevate the member experience, bring fresh ideas, and strengthen our association.

Leading our Membership Committee, I am fortunate to work with Pete Stevens and our Membership Committee. We are committed to growing and supporting our member community.

The 2026 Conference Committee is in excellent hands under the leadership of Kirk Browning, who is already bringing tremendous energy and vision to next year’s event.

Our Women in Leasing Committee is guided by the incomparable Sloan Schickler, whose passion for developing leaders is shaping the future of NVLA.

And finally, our LeaseWire Editor, Sandy Koehler, continues to elevate our industry voice with timely, relevant content.

Thank you to each for your dedication, your leadership, and your ongoing commitment to advancing NVLA.

2026 Conference Highlights

We’re incredibly excited to give you a preview of the 2026 NVLA Annual Conference. This year’s event is packed with high-impact experiences and valuable learning opportunities. One of the highlights is our exclusive Nissan Plant Tour. Thank you to Jerry Zielinski and Nissan for bringing this opportunity to NVLA. Space is limited and you can register for a tour spot when you register for the conference. Early Bird Registration ends January 14. 

Another highlight will be the Nashville Networking event at Chief’s, hosted by the NVLA Women in Leasing Committee, which is always a fantastic opportunity to connect and celebrate our community.

Our program agenda is posted and includes track sessions designed to deliver real, practical value, with focused content on Commercial Leasing, Indirect Leasing, and LHPH. And we’re thrilled to welcome our keynote speaker, Eric Kapitulik, who will be sharing his remarkable story of leadership, resilience, and purpose, all shaped by his survival of a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of six of his Marines, and his mission to honor them.

It’s shaping up to be an outstanding conference, and we can’t wait to see you there!

Membership Highlights: 264 and Growing! 

Today our membership stands strong at 264 individuals representing 93 member companies. That’s a powerful network of experts, innovators, and industry leaders. Remember that your NVLA membership extends to your colleagues as well. Invite your teams, your rising stars, and your next generation of leaders to get involved. NVLA is a resource for all of you. If you haven’t already, join or renew today!

Our Strategic Plan for 2023–2026 continues to guide our priorities. We remain laser-focused on ensuring NVLA is the membership organization of choice for the vehicle leasing industry. We are committed to building a leadership pipeline that truly reflects the diversity and talent in our field. We’re expanding our educational offerings to meet the evolving needs and interests of our members. And we’re strengthening the financial foundation of NVLA by growing our revenue in a thoughtful, sustainable way. Together, we are building an association that is vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready.

Women in Leasing Update

One of the most exciting and fast-growing areas of engagement within NVLA is our Women in Leasing initiative. This group brings together established leaders and emerging talent from across the industry. Their bi-monthly meetings are open to both members and non-members working in vehicle leasing—and they’re generating powerful conversations, learning, and connections. The committee’s mission is clear:

To connect and empower women, to build pathways to leadership, and to help NVLA attract and retain members through meaningful involvement. Most importantly, they ensure the voices of our industry are heard and represented in NVLA’s decision-making. We are thrilled that Women in Leasing will again host the 2nd Annual NVLA Social at our 2026 Conference—and everyone is welcome to attend.

Communications Update

The NVLA LeaseWire Newsletter now has over 1,000 subscribers, delivering industry news, updates, and curated resources right to your inbox.

Our LinkedIn presence has grown to 1,300+ followers, helping us extend NVLA’s voice and showcase the work of our members and partners to the broader industry.

Be sure to visit www.nvla.org and check out all the benefits NVLA has to offer!

In Case You Missed It: View the Webinar

Free to Members!

Presented by Edie Hirtenstein, Founder Director of Business Development, VINData, this webinar covered how to protect your portfolio and strengthen decision-making with the power of data. Risky leases often slip through when vehicles carry hidden problems like branded titles (salvage, rebuilt), undisclosed liens, open recalls, or even active theft records. These risks can create costly surprises for both lessors and lessees.

This session provided insights on how to leverage readily available vehicle data to:

• Spot red flags before a lease is signed
• Accurately value assets and reduce exposure
• Make smarter choices with both new and used vehicles
  
  

Introduction to VINData

VINData provides automotive and specialty vehicle lenders, remarketers, dealers and all commercial B2B and B2C users with robust, cost-effective VIN-based data – delivered in JSON, HTML and PDF formats via website and API.

• Customizable, real-time vehicle history and decisioning information
• Robust website and easy to use reports, with optional API for retail-ready vehicle information solutions
• Unique, high quality, real-time vehicle data with price/value superiority 
• Data and solutions for used and new vehicles, including:
  • Passenger cars/light trucks 
  • Commercial trucks 
  • Motorcycle/Powersport 
  • RVs 
  • Commercial trailers and RV towables 
  • Pre-1981classics 

To learn more, watch the webinar now!

December 9, 2025, 2:00 pm CT / 3:00 pm ET – Virtual 

Why attend?

Hear an update on the current state of NVLA, including key initiatives and strategic priorities for 2026.
Engage with leadership, ask questions, and gain clarity on how NVLA is serving you and the vehicle-leasing industry.
Cast your vote on the election slate. Your vote ensures our Board and leadership reflect YOUR voice and the collective interests of our membership.

What you’ll hear:

• A summary of NVLA’s financial and operational health.
• Highlights of member services delivered and planned for 2026.
• The proposed 2026 Board slate and what their election means for you.
• Q&A session to ask your leadership directly
  
  

Register Here
Registration is open to NVLA Members only.

Gain access to NVLA's searchable online directory through your member login. Members can update their company and individual profiles to allow for full background and contact information to be visible to other members. Take advantage of this valuable benefit and network today!

Garry Juffre
Head of Mobility Sales & Partnerships
Canopy Connect

Tell us about your company

Canopy Connect enables fleet providers and auto finance companies to verify in real time their customer's and borrower's auto insurance policies to ensure they have the right coverage for their vehicles, update lienholders when needed, and be made aware of any changes to a policy.

Why did you join NVLA?

We joined NVLA to better engage with the vehicle leasing community.

What do you expect to receive from your membership, personally and professionally?

Having worked in the mobility space for most of my career, I am always eager to learn from industry experts. I have already seen that the organization is filled with exceptional individuals who are open to making new connections and sharing ideas. I am looking forward to building new relationships and deepening my knowledge within the leasing industry.

Bio

As Head of Mobility Sales and Partnerships at Canopy Connect, Gary Juffre assists automotive and mobility partners leverage verified insurance and vehicle data to drive efficiency, reduce risk, and improve customer experiences.

With extensive experience at the intersection of automotive technology and insurance, Gary focuses on building strategic partnerships that enable smarter, more connected mobility ecosystems. His work supports fleet operators and mobility platforms in streamlining driver onboarding, enhancing risk management, and optimizing operations through data-driven insights.

Passionate about the future of connected mobility, Gary works with industry innovators to create seamless, transparent solutions that empower fleets and drivers alike.

Red Potatoes & Nardello Peppers

By Tarry Shebesta, NVLA Master Chef

Fall is the season when hearty meals and great wines shine, and nothing pairs better with a classic Bordeaux than lamb. For this month’s “What I’m Cooking,” I’m sharing a simple but elegant dinner for two: grilled rack of lamb with garlic–herb crust, crispy grilled red potatoes, and sweet Nardello peppers from the garden. It’s a straightforward meal, but one that feels special — perfect for a quiet night at home or to celebrate the start of another busy conference season.

Recipe
Ingredients (serves 2)

Rack of Lamb
1 rack of lamb (1½–2 lbs, Frenched)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp anchovy paste (optional, for umami)
2 Tbsp olive oil
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper

Red Potatoes
6–8 small red potatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp olive oil (or duck fat if you prefer)
Salt & pepper

Nardello Peppers
4–6 Nardello peppers (or other sweet red peppers)
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Tbsp olive oil
Flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. Prep
Trim rack of lamb if needed. Mix garlic, rosemary, thyme, Dijon, anchovy paste, olive oil, salt & pepper → rub over lamb, let sit at room temp. Parboil red potatoes for 8–10 min until just tender. Drain, toss with olive oil, garlic, salt & pepper. Toss peppers with olive oil, set aside.

2. Grill Setup
Preheat grill with 2 zones: high heat and medium/indirect.

3. Potatoes
Place potatoes cut side down over medium heat. Grill 20–25 min, flipping occasionally, until crispy and browned. (I use a grilling basket)

4. Peppers
Grill whole peppers over medium heat until blistered and soft (8–10 min). Remove, slice, toss with olive oil, garlic, and sea salt.

5. Lamb
Sear rack fat-side down over high heat, 2–3 min. Flip, sear 2 min. Move to indirect heat, cover, and cook 15–18 min until 125–130°F (medium rare). Rest under foil for 10 min. Slice into chops.

6. Serve
Plate lamb chops with crispy potatoes and peppers.

Wine Pairing

To match the meal, I opened a bottle of 1998 Château Montrose. At 27 years old, it still has tremendous structure, with cedar, tobacco, graphite, and dark fruit that marry beautifully with grilled lamb and garlic potatoes. I decanted the wine about 2½ hours before dinner to let it open up — a must with older Bordeaux.

Why This Works

The garlic–herb lamb mirrors the savory backbone of the wine. The smoky char from the grill brings out Bordeaux’s earthy, aged complexity, while the sweet Nardello peppers add lift. Potatoes keep it grounded in comfort food territory. It’s a plate that feels French bistro, yet approachable enough to replicate on any backyard grill.

Next time you’re looking for a dinner that balances classic flavors with a touch of celebration, try this trio. All you need is good lamb, fresh produce, a bottle of Bordeaux (doesn’t have to be a ’98 Montrose!), and someone to share it with. Bon appétit!

Members enjoy a reduced registration rate for all employees registering for the annual conference each year. Current registration rates for the upcoming conference can be found on the event page, as soon as they become available.

Jacqueline Torres
Executive Vice President of Finance at Forum Mobility

Tell us about your company

Forum Mobility combines charging services at dedicated depots and truck financing to provide truckers an end-to-end solution for transitioning to zero emission goods movement. Forum Mobility’s solution delivers cost savings as compared to diesel and operational excellence that truckers can count on.

Why did you join NVLA?

I joined NVLA to connect with like-minded professionals in the vehicle leasing and fleet management spaces. I’m especially interested in staying informed about industry best practices, regulatory trends, and the innovative approaches other members are using to make electric vehicle financing more affordable. 

What do you expect to receive from your membership, personally and professionally?

I expect to engage in meaningful dialogue, share insights from the electrification side of the industry, and learn from the collective expertise of the NVLA network. 

Bio

In my role as Executive Vice President of Finance at Forum Mobility, I collaborate with stakeholders across the industry to create scalable and impactful financial solutions that support the transition to zero emission freight transportation. Prior to Forum Mobility, I financed over $3B in utility scale renewable energy projects at Invenergy. I also advised clients on M&A transactions in the power and utilities space during my time in investment banking at Wells Fargo. I am a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. 

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by the remarkable women shaping the leasing landscape. Let's empower each other for a brighter future in the industry!

NVLA's Women in Leasing is hosting guided discussions at each meeting, featuring expert insights and practical strategies as we dive deep into the unique challenges and opportunities women face in the workplace today.

NVLA's Women in Leasing consists of leaders and emerging leaders of NVLA and the vehicle leasing industry. 

This group meets virtually on the third Wednesday of every other month at 11:00 am CT.

Meetings are open to NVLA members and non-members who are in the vehicle leasing industry and have an interest in learning more about this group and NVLA.

Upcoming Meeting:

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 11am CT

Members who request to be listed as a dealer are included in a public directory with the opportunity to include the makes and models sold, as well as the geographic area(s) serviced. Check it out here!

Short Ribs with Taurasi Radici

By Tarry Shebesta, NVLA Master Chef

Over Memorial Day weekend, I fired up the smoker for something big — literally. Three massive bone-in beef short ribs (about 8 lbs. total) went on the smoker and turned into one of the most flavorful meals I’ve made all year. After a couple hours in the smoker to soak in that oak flavor, I wrapped the ribs and finished them in the convection oven until they were fall-off-the-bone tender. The bark stayed intact, the meat practically melted, and the house smelled incredible for hours. I used my favorite beef rub, kept it simple, and let the smoke and time do the work.

The Sides

Can’t go wrong with the classics:

• Creamy coleslaw
• Sweet corn on the cob
• Crispy garlic toast (because we put garlic in everything we can)
  
  

Wine Pairing: Taurasi Radici

To match the richness of the short ribs, I opened a Taurasi Radici — a bold Italian Aglianico with enough earth, spice, and structure to stand up to the beef. It was a perfect pairing.

Recipe: Smoked & Braised Bone-In Short Ribs

Ingredients:

• 3 large bone-in beef short ribs (~8 lbs. total)
• Your favorite beef rub
• 1 tbsp. mustard or olive oil (as a binder)
• ¼ cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp. red wine or Worcestershire sauce
• 1 garlic clove, smashed
  
  

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ribs:

• Pat ribs dry. Coat lightly with mustard or oil, then apply your beef rub generously on all sides.
• Let sit at room temp for about 30–60 minutes.
  
  

2. Smoke (2 hours):

• Preheat smoker to 250°F.
• Smoke ribs uncovered for about 2 hours, or until internal temp reaches ~135–140°F and a nice bark has formed.
  
  

3. Wrap & Oven Braise (1.5–2 hours):

• Wrap ribs tightly in foil with beef broth, wine/Worcestershire, and smashed garlic clove (braise is optional).
• Finish in convection oven at 325°F for 1.5–2 hours, until internal temp reaches 203–205°F and probe slides in like butter.
  
  

4. Rest & Serve:

• Let rest wrapped for 15–30 minutes before slicing and serving.
  
  

Nothing better than kicking back with good food, a strong wine, a Cuban cigar, and a long weekend to enjoy it all. If you’ve got a go-to dish that celebrates closing a deal or surviving month-end, send it in to LeaseWire@nvla.org.