HANOVER, Md. -

The National Automotive Finance Association now has its second-ever executive director.

The NAF Association announced on Wednesday that Jennifer Martin will be its new executive director, succeeding Jack Tracey, who served in the position since the organization’s formation in 1996 until his passing last summer.

According to a news release, Martin arrives with more than 15 years of association management experience, holding the titles of chief of staff, senior vice president of strategic initiatives and member services director.

The NAF Association highlighted that Martin also brings a unique perspective as a former governmental affairs professional with a broad background of leading advocacy efforts for member-driven organizations.

“We were fortunate that there was great interest in the position, and we’re very excited that Jennifer accepted the board’s offer of the role,” NAF Association president Paul Gillespie said in the news release. "She has big shoes to fill as former executive director Jack Tracey, who passed away in June 2021, was not only a great leader but also a great person.

“We fully expect that Jennifer will be our next great leader,” added Gillespie, who oversees the AmeriCredit branch of GM Financial.

The NAF Association said Martin, who resides in Tallahassee, Fla., will transition from her current role as chief of staff for the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates to her new role in March.

“I am thrilled to be joining the NAF Association team and appreciate the confidence the board has placed in my abilities to lead the organization,” Martin said. “We have an exceptional team at NAF Association that is focused on supporting its members with programs and education, and we will continue to advance the mission of leading the way in cultivating a culture of trust, collaboration, and transparency within the industry.

“I am looking forward to building on the many successes of NAF Association and unlocking growth potential for the future,” she went on to say.