Each year, the NVLA presents two prestigious awards to individuals who have made significant contributions to both the Association, the industry, and demonstrated a commitment to their community. The Clemens-Pender Award is presented to a Lessor, while the Samuel Lee Award honors a Non-Lessor. In 2024, NVLA is delighted to reintroduce the Samuel Lee Award.

Clemens-Pender Lessor of the Year

The Clemens-Pender Lessor of the Year Award was established in 1977 and is the highest honor to be awarded by the Association. It is given annually to the lessor who best exemplifies the principles for which Jack Clemens and Frank Pender, the Association's founders, stood.

The award was established to memorialize the two pioneers of the vehicle leasing industry who were, in many respects, responsible for the formation of the organizations, which formed the early roots of the NVLA, Clemens in Northern California and Pender in Southern California. Frank Pender and Jack Clemens were dedicated, hard-working and highly ethical participants in the vehicle leasing industry.  Each exemplified the highest standards of professional conduct.

(2023 Clemens-Pender recipient Chris Pontarelli)

Nominate Today! 

The deadline to nominate is July 12, 2024

This award is presented annually to a deserving lessor. The recipient should also be a NVLA member and the nomination should attest to and document the individual's contributions to the Association, the industry, as well as their community. 

>>Submit your nomination here today! 

The 2024 recipient will be honored on Thursday, October 17, 2024, during the NVLA Annual Conference at the Wyndham Grand in Clearwater Beach, FL.

Clemens-Pender Lessor of the Year Recipients

Samuel J. Lee Memorial Award

Lifetime achievement and significant and lasting contributions to the vehicle leasing industry by a non-lessor are the criteria used to select the winner of this award. This award, which is presented when merited, is given to recognize the special qualities, which the man for this award is named, displayed during a long and distinguished career in vehicle leasing.

Sam Lee, just like Jack Clemens and Frank Pender, was a pioneer, breaking new ground, exploring, experimenting and teaching. He will not be forgotten by the industry he worked so hard to nurture.

Nominate Today! 

The deadline to nominate is July 12, 2024

This award is presented annually to a deserving non-lessor. The recipient should also be a NVLA member and the nomination should attest to and document the individual's contributions to the Association, the industry, as well as their community. 

>>Submit your nomination here today! 

The 2024 recipient will be honored on Thursday, October 17, 2024, during the NVLA Annual Conference at the Wyndham Grand in Clearwater Beach, FL.

Samuel J. Lee Associate of the Year Recipients

2005 Jerry Frick

2004 Faye L. Harris

2003 Faye L. Harris

2001 Bill Thomas

1999 Edward Bobit

1997 Peter Cavallaro

1996 George Frink

1995 Francis X. McCaughey

1994 Arthur Spinella

1993 Christopher T. Hoar

1991 Paul R. Doyle

1990 Ronald Ruane

1989 Sydney Rose

1988 Cary C. Boyden

1987 William P. Davis