Breakfast

Financial Officers Meeting

Call Meeting to Order & Introductions

Join us as we officially call the meeting to order and commence introductions. Don't miss this chance to kickstart the event and meet your fellow Financial Officers!

Janet Elliott, Controller, Vanguard Truck Leasing, a NationaLease Member

NationaLease State of the Union

Join Dean Vicha as he delves into the current plans and goals for NationaLease, providing insights into the organization's direction. Explore how changing conditions may impact not just our members, but also their customers. This session offers a comprehensive overview of the strategic initiatives shaping the future of NationaLease and its impact on the broader industry landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the state of our organization and the potential implications for your business.

Dean Vicha, President, NationaLease

The Circle of Leadership: How to Create and Leverage Culture in the Workplace

This session helps leaders improve employee engagement, decrease turnover, and increase productivity by focusing on amplifying purpose, prioritizing people, and simplifying processes. Participants will learn how to identify and operationalize a mission statement, vision statement, and core values; hire, engage, and retain top talent; and create a culture of feedback and accountability to strengthen team performance and continuously improve processes.

Andrew Adeniyi, CEO and Founder, AAA Solutions

Break

Maximizing Your 401(k) Plan

Your 401(k) plan is more than a retirement benefit—it’s a powerful financial tool that influences recruitment, retention, and your organization’s bottom line. In this session, you’ll gain practical insights to optimize plan performance by improving outcomes for both employees and your business. You'll learn how to navigate fiduciary responsibilities with confidence, understanding your obligations and reducing risk. We’ll also explore how to control costs while maximizing the value your plan delivers. Most importantly, you’ll discover how to leverage your 401(k) as a competitive advantage to attract and retain top talent. Join us to reimagine your 401(k) as a strategic asset that drives business success.

Abby Morrow, Retirement Plan Consultant, Creative Planning Retirement Services

Fred Rutler, Managing Director and Partner, Creative Planning Retirement Services

Market Overview and CY26 Forecast

In this essential session, we’ll explore the key factors shaping the business landscape for truck leasing in the coming years. From rising equipment demand and shifting emissions regulations to ongoing supply chain disruptions and cross-border tariff challenges, this session delivers a comprehensive market overview with a forward-looking lens. Attendees will gain insights into how these trends could impact capital planning, fleet strategy, and budgeting through calendar year 2026. Come prepared for a data-driven discussion designed to help financial leaders make smarter, more informed decisions in a fast-changing environment.

Chris Soika, Regional General Manager, Daimler Truck North America

Lunch

Member Services Update

Stay informed about the latest developments at the NationaLease home office. Jane Clark will provide an update on new programs and services available through NationaLease, as well as introduce new members to our community. This session is essential for staying up-to-date with the resources and support available to your organization.

Jane Clark, Senior Vice President of Operations, NationaLease

Navigating the Financial Road Ahead: Banking Trends in Trucking, Dealerships, and Lease & Rental Fleets

Join Scott Berrett and Chris Deininger for an in-depth discussion on the current state of banking in the trucking and transportation sectors. This session will explore the evolving financial landscape impacting truck dealerships, lease and rental fleets, and the broader commercial vehicle industry.

Drawing on their nationwide experience and deep industry insight, Scott and Chris will share perspectives on credit markets, capital access, and the role of financial institutions in supporting growth and operational resilience. Attendees will gain valuable takeaways from real-world financial trend analysis, including how macroeconomic shifts are influencing lending practices, equipment financing, and strategic planning across the NationaLease network.

Scott Berrett, Executive Director of Dealer Sales, Wells Fargo Equipment Finance

Chris Deininger, Executive Director, Eastern Region Manager Heavy Equipment Dealers & Truck Transportation, Wells Fargo Equipment Finance

IFTA Update

Hear the latest updates, goals, and challenges direct from the leadership of IFTA and IRP. Equip yourself with insights to mitigate risks, avoid penalties, and ensure your fleet's fuel tax and registration management is both efficient and compliant for sustained financial performance.

Kelly Heaton, Director of Financial Services, IFTA

Break

Unlock the Power of Purchasing Programs

Gain valuable insights into the comprehensive NationaLease purchasing programs available to Maintenance and Purchasing Managers. Discover key components of our program, including the latest purchasing trends and effective rebate strategies to maximize your savings. Learn about often overlooked suppliers who can add significant value to your operations. Plus, gain insights into Purchase Reviews using tailored Spend Reports to drive smarter purchasing decisions.

Griffin Becker, Member Programs Manager, NationaLease

Best Practices Roundtable

Here’s your chance to hear from the real experts—your peers! Participate in an open discussion where you can bring your questions and ideas, and share the challenges you're facing. Exchange solutions that are working for your company, and learn from the collective experience and insights of your industry colleagues. This interactive session is designed to foster collaboration and uncover practical strategies for success.

Facilitator: Janet Elliott, Controller, Vanguard Truck Leasing, a NationaLease Member

Dinner

Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the 2025 Financial Officers Meeting in Chicago, IL! This exclusive dinner promises exceptional networking opportunities, delectable cuisine, and a memorable experience!

Breakfast

Telematics Roundtable

Join Amber Woodrome for an interactive round table discussion focused on the evolving world of telematics in fleet management. This session will dive into how telematics is transforming operations, improving visibility, boosting efficiency, and enhancing driver safety. Bring your questions and experiences to the table as Amber facilitates a dynamic conversation around real-world applications, integration challenges, and the future of connected fleet technology. Whether you're just getting started or looking to optimize your current systems, this session is designed to spark ideas and deliver actionable insights.

Facilitator: Amber Woodrome, Accounting Manager, Success NationaLease

Economic Outlook

Today’s economic environment is filled with uncertainty and constant change. In this session, Brian Pietrangelo, Managing Director of Investment Strategy at Key Wealth, will share timely economic insights and shed light on the critical factors shaping the direction of our economy and capital markets. He’ll cover key topics such as economic growth, market volatility, Federal Reserve policy, the potential for a recession, inflation trends, interest rates and yields, employment, and the fiscal implications following the upcoming election.

Brian Pietrangelo, Senior Vice President, Managing Director of Investment Strategy, Key Wealth

Break

Idea Session: Microsoft Office Tips & Tricks

This interactive Idea Session promises to be a highlight of the event. Members will have the opportunity to showcase tips and tricks across Microsoft Office that can streamline your daily tasks and enhance reporting accuracy, with the chance to win big cash prizes! As each participant throws $20 into the pot, the stakes are high and the competition fierce. Get ready to be inspired, engaged, and entertained as we come together to celebrate creativity, collaboration, and friendly rivalry. Don't miss out on this thrilling opportunity to share, learn, and compete for success!

Facilitator: John Reed, Chief Information Officer, Aim NationaLease

Third Party Vendor Roundtable

Join us for an open roundtable discussion focused on key third-party vendor services that support and streamline fleet and business operations. This session will cover essential topics such as toll management, IFTA reporting, IRP registration, 2290 filing, payroll solutions, IT support, and lockbox services. Attendees will have the opportunity to share experiences, ask questions, and learn best practices from peers and industry professionals. Whether you’re evaluating vendors or looking to optimize existing partnerships, this session offers valuable insights to enhance your operational efficiency.

Amber Woodrome, Accounting Manager, Success NationaLease

Lunch

IT Meeting

Call Meeting to Order & Introductions

Join us as we officially call the meeting to order and commence with introductions. This session is your chance to connect with fellow IT experts and lay the groundwork for a successful event dedicated to advancing technology in the industry.

John Reed, Chief Information Officer, Aim NationaLease

Solution Evolution Panel

As the industry changes, so must our solutions. Join a panel of NationaLease members as they discuss how members are adapting their systems and processes to stay ahead. Panelists will share real-world examples of technology upgrades, lessons learned during implementation, and practical strategies to future-proof your operations. Bring your questions and ideas for an interactive conversation about what’s next in our technology evolution.

John Reed, Chief Information Officer, Aim NationaLease

Amber Woodrome, Accounting Manager, Success NationaLease

Dan Holz, IT, Brown NationaLease

Protecting Your Business in the Digital Age: Cybersecurity, Insurance & Data Governance

As the industry continues to modernize—from connected vehicles to digital records—cyber threats and regulatory requirements are becoming more complex. My goal in this session is to offer practical guidance that you can apply immediately to strengthen your defenses, protect your data and reduce risk exposure.

Mike Keese, General Manager, Williams & Stazzone

Break

AI That Works: Real Use Cases for Transportation & Leasing

AI is here—but safe, effective deployment is still a challenge. In this fast-paced breakout, C3 and Expedient will walk you through real-world AI use cases transforming transportation and leasing today. Learn how Conversational AI is streamlining Road Rescue and service ops, and how to securely deploy enterprise LLMs without exposing your data. You’ll leave with a practical framework to pilot AI in just 30–45 days—and finally move from “what if” to “what’s next.”

Bradley Reynolds, CSO, SVP of AI, Expedient

Hiring for Your IT Department

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, attracting and retaining top IT talent is more critical than ever. This session will explore key strategies for optimizing your IT department's hiring process, from identifying essential skill sets and leveraging innovative recruitment channels to fostering an appealing work environment.

Bill Markham, Director, Robotic Process Automation & IT Services

Dinner

Prepare for an exceptional evening at the IT Dinner in Chicago, IL, where cutting-edge technology discussions and high-level networking await. This is an exclusive event you won't want to miss!

Breakfast

NationaLease State of the Union

Join Dean Vicha as he delves into the current plans and goals for NationaLease, providing insights into the organization's direction. Explore how changing conditions may impact not just our members, but also their customers. This session offers a comprehensive overview of the strategic initiatives shaping the future of NationaLease and its impact on the broader industry landscape. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the state of our organization and the potential implications for your business.

Dean Vicha, President, NationaLease

Cybersecurity Roundtable

Cyber threats are evolving—are your defenses keeping pace? Join fellow IT professionals for an interactive roundtable focused on today’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges. This session will dive into real-world experiences, emerging threats, and practical strategies for safeguarding your organization’s data, networks, and assets. From ransomware and phishing to endpoint security and regulatory compliance, no topic is off limits. Come ready to share insights, ask questions, and collaborate on ways to strengthen your cybersecurity posture in an increasingly connected world.

Facilitator: Dan Holz, IT, Brown NationaLease

Business Continuity Planning

Is your organization prepared to respond when disruption strikes? In this session, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how to develop, implement, and maintain an effective business continuity plan. We will cover proven frameworks for risk assessment, data protection, disaster recovery, and crisis response to help you minimize downtime and protect critical operations. You’ll leave with actionable insights and practical steps to strengthen your resilience and keep your business moving—no matter what challenges arise.

Jennifer Taylor, Senior Manager, IT Risk & Compliance, Forvis Mazars

Break

AI Roundtable

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how businesses operate and the transportation and fleet management industries are no exception. This interactive roundtable brings NationaLease IT professionals together to explore AI’s current and future impact on operations, cybersecurity, customer experience, and data-driven decision-making. Discuss real-world use cases, challenges in implementation, and emerging tools that can help drive efficiency and innovation. Whether you're exploring AI for the first time or already piloting solutions, this session offers a collaborative space to exchange ideas and insights with peers across the network.

Facilitator: John Reed, Chief Information Officer, Aim NationaLease

Member Services Update

Stay informed about the latest developments at the NationaLease home office. Jane Clark will provide an update on new programs and services available through NationaLease, as well as introduce new members to our community. This session is essential for staying up-to-date with the resources and support available to your organization.

Jane Clark, Senior Vice President of Operations, NationaLease

Lunch

Technology Lifecycle Management

In this 60-minute talk you’ll gain a practical understanding of how to approach the growing complexity of modern IT infrastructure through the lens of Technology Lifecycle Management (TLM). Day-to-day business operations today have become incredibly dependent on technology infrastructure in all areas. A weakness in any one area of your tech stack often translates to downtime and lost revenues for the business. Attendees will be introduced to the five essential phases of TLM: planning and acquisition, deployment and integration, operation and maintenance, upgrades and optimization, and retirement and disposal. The emphasis will be on understanding how these stages connect and how strategic thinking at each point can extend the value and performance of technology investments and drive efficiency for your organization.

Shawn Mills, Founder and CEO, Cloud Source Services

NationaLease IT Forum Workshop

This interactive workshop will guide you through the quick and easy process of joining the NationaLease IT LinkedIn group. This private community is designed to help you extend your networking, deepen discussions, and continue collaborations long after the event concludes. We'll walk you through setting up your profile for maximum visibility, demonstrate how to engage with other attendees, and share tips for leveraging the group to maximize your professional connections and insights. Don't miss this opportunity to stay connected, share resources, and foster valuable relationships with your peers.

Facilitator: John Reed, Chief Information Officer, Aim NationaLease

Break

Customer Perspectives

Understanding our customers' evolving IT requirements is key to our shared success. This session will dive into customer requirements, revealing their current challenges and future technology needs. We'll explore what new technologies are customers adopting, and how our IT infrastructure can support them, identify where IT solutions can streamline customer processes, address concerns around data security, privacy, and regulatory needs, and discuss how our IT offerings can better support customer growth and adaptability.

Ashley Barber, Senior IT Program Manager, NationaLease

Best Practices Roundtable

Join fellow IT and operations professionals for an open Best Practices Roundtable designed to spark discussion and knowledge sharing across the NationaLease network. This session will tackle key topics such as managing in-house vs. outsourced services, software selection and optimization, and strategies for "future-proofing" your IT and operational environments. We’ll also dive into how members are handling today’s top daily issues and explore approaches to enhancing physical security, including the use of cameras, alarms, and fencing. Bring your questions and ideas for a collaborative, solutions-focused conversation.

John Reed, Chief Information Officer, Aim NationaLease