AFSA's 2025 Annual Meeting

October 26-29, 2025 | Salamander Hotel, Washington DC

 

Join us October 26 to 29 for AFSA’s 2025 Annual Meeting in our nation’s capital.

Registration is Now Open

AFSA Registration

AFSA Registration (Members) $1,760
AFSA Registration (Non-Members) $2,760

Board/Committee Members

Board/Committee Members $1,430

First Time Attendees (Members Only)

First Time Attendees (Members Only) $1,000

Emerging Leaders

Emerging Leaders $1,000

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2025 Annual Meeting Schedule

*Agenda subject to change

October 26, 2025

4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. AFSA Registration Center
4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. AFSAEF Development & Marketing Committee
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Early Arrival Reception
Sponsored by

October 27, 2025

7:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m. AFSA Registration Center
8:00 a.m. – 8:40 a.m. Independent Auto Finance Executives Group Breakfast
Sponsored by
8:40 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Independent Auto Finance Executives Group Meeting
Invitation Only
Sponsored by
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Leadership Development Program Steering Committee
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Operations & Regulatory Compliance Committee
Sponsored by
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. AFSAEF Board of Directors & Lunch
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Installment Lending Policy Working Group
12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Vehicle Finance Board/Independent Auto Executives Group Joint Luncheon
Invitation Only
Sponsored by
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. The EDGE Advisory Board
12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Law Committee & Lunch
Invitation Only
Sponsored by
12:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Vehicle Finance Division Board
Sponsored by
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Operations Networking Group
3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Business Partner Board
3:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Executive Committee
Invitation Only
Sponsored by
3:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Vehicle Commercial Credit
Invitation Only
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Marketing & Communications Networking Group
Sponsored by
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Welcome Reception
Sponsored by
Entertainment sponsored by
Decor sponsored by
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. VF Board, IN Auto, & Commercial Credit Joint Dinner
Invitation Only
Reception sponsored by:
Dinner sponsored by
Wine sponsored by
Entertainment sponsored by
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Law Committee Reception & Dinner
Invitation Only
Sponsored by
Wine and entertainment sponsored by
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Monuments by Moonlight Tour
Old Town Trolley will pick up guests at the hotel at 7:30 p.m. and return 9:30 p.m.

 

October 28, 2025

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. AFSA Registration
6:30 a.m. – 7:15 a.m. Sunrise Run
Sponsored by
8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Networking Breakfast
Sponsored by
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Opening General Session & Keynote
AFSA’s 2025 Distinguished Service Award

Speaker: Hon. Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget

Stage sponsored by
10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Refreshment Break
Sponsored by
10:00 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Law Committee & Lunch
Invitation Only
Meeting & Lunch Sponsored by
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. General Session | Policy & Politics: Navigating the Forces Shaping Consumer Finance
From Capitol Hill to statehouses across the country, the policies shaping consumer finance are evolving fast—and the stakes for our industry couldn’t be higher. Join our AFSA government affairs all-stars Celia Winslow, Danielle Fagre Arlowe,  Ann Harter for the insider takes on the latest political and regulatory developments. Joining the panel will be Paul Ray, former Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), the “regulations czar,” to discuss the shifting regulatory environment for our industry and what may lie ahead. Come learn how AFSA and its member companies are working to ensure consumers retain access to the credit they need. This session will arm you with the insights and strategies to not just keep pace with policy—but help shape it.

Speakers:

Celia Winslow, President & CEO, AFSA
Danielle Fagre Arlowe, Senior Vice President, AFSA
Ann Harter, VP, Congressional Affairs, AFSA
Paul Ray, Of Counsel, Covington & Burling, LLP


Sponsored by

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. General Session | Lending Power: How Consumer Credit is Shaping the U.S. Economy
Consumer lending isn’t just a financial service; it’s a cornerstone of U.S. economic performance and touches nearly every part of American life—from buying a car to starting a small business or simply covering back to school costs. But how much does consumer lending really shape our economy? In this session, you’ll be the first to hear the results of two groundbreaking AFSA surveys that quantify just how vital credit is to fueling growth, creating jobs, and unlocking opportunity, as well as hear from the consumer side with Mark Mathews, chief economist for the National Retail Federation. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on how lending power continues to fuel America’s economic engine.Speakers:
Mark Mathews, Chief Economist & Executive Director, Research, National Retail Foundation
Tim Gill, Chief Economist & VP, Research, AFSA

Sponsored by

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Luncheon Speaker: New Sheriffs in Town? The Shifting Regulatory Frontier
As federal regulators scale back, state attorneys general are seizing a pivotal, expanded role in consumer protection and regulatory enforcement. Join this fireside chat with Brian Kane, Executive Director of the National Association of Attorneys General for a candid exploration of how AGs are re-setting their agendas, enforcement priorities and investigations, and what businesses should watch as state level action drives change and increases exposure.

Speaker: Brian Kane, Executive Director National Association of Attorneys General

 

Sponsored by

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Human Resources Networking Group
1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. General Session | Staying Ahead of the Scam: Trends Redefining Risk in Lending
Fraudsters are getting smarter, faster, and more sophisticated with consumer and vehicle lenders in the crosshairs. From identity theft and synthetic borrowers to digital scams and dealership-targeted schemes, new fraud tactics are emerging as quickly as old ones are shut down. Join us in uncovering the latest fraud trends reshaping finance, with real-world cases, a discussion on the tools and strategies lenders need to outpace today’s threats. And walk away with insights you can use to protect your customers, your company, and the integrity of our industry.

Speakers:
Mona Donahoe, EVP, Director Central Operations, Republic Finance
Kevin Gillespie, Principal Solutions Consultant

Ken Meiser, VP, Public Policy, LexisNexis Risk Solutions

Sponsored by

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Vehicle Finance Credit Risk Working Group
2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Refreshment Break
Sponsored by
2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. General Session | Is Next-Gen Data the Future of Consumer Lending?
Artificial intelligence is accelerating a data revolution in consumer credit. By analyzing unstructured information AI is helping lenders move beyond traditional credit metrics, enabling sharper risk assessment and a more personalized borrower experience at every stage. Join leading experts as we explore how AI is generating deeper insights into applicants through digital footprints, behavioral analytics, and sentiment analysis, and enabling smarter originations and approvals, along with innovative products and greater personalized lending journeys, and operational and compliance excellence. This session is essential to leveraging the latest in AI-driven consumer data to power smarter decisions, reduce risk, and deliver exceptional customer experiences in a rapidly evolving market.

Speakers:
Lawrence Buckley, SVP, Business Development, DataOceans
Thamires Mouta, Product and Growth Lead, Salient

Sponsored by

3:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. AFSA Board of Directors
Sponsored by
4:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Women’s Leadership Council
Invitation Only

Speaker:
Ann Berry, Former Secretary of the United States Senate

Speaker sponsored by

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. A Wickedly Welcome Halloween Soiree 
Join us for a night of delicious food, open bars, and a fun costume contest! We have 6 contest categories, so don’t miss out!

Dinner sponsored by
Open Bar sponsored by
Entertainment sponsored by

October 29, 2025

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Level Up Breakfast & General Session
Breakfast sponsored by

Speaker: Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-TN

Sen. Bill Hagerty was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2020, where he serves on the Banking Committee and is Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government. Senator Hagerty began his career in private equity and has served in numerous government positions, including as a White House Fellow in the George H. W. Bush Administration, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, and Ambassador to Japan during President Trump’s first term in office.

9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. State Government Affairs
Sponsored by
9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Breakout | Leveraging Your Leadership Skills: Assessing Your Style, Coaching & Mentoring
As an emerging leader, understanding your leadership style is an important strategy to motivate your team for peak performance. During this breakout we will discuss assessing your style and recognizing its value when coaching and mentoring team members. Don’t miss this chance to network and learn about AFSA and Education Foundation management development opportunities.

Presenter: Neysa Laux, Temperament Specialist Counselor, EDGE Presenter, & Professional Leadership Trainer

9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Breakout | The Consumer Crystal Ball: What New Data Reveals About Tomorrow
Dive into the next wave of consumer credit intelligence with a panel of leading experts as they unveil new data on consumer behavior, credit defaults, collections, digital innovation, and underwriting. Explore what sets these new findings apart and how divergent insights can offer clarity in an evolving consumer credit landscape. Discover not just the latest trends, but what they mean for your business, your customers, and the future of consumer lending marketplace.

Speakers:
Darcy Locke, SVP, Head of Sales, ACI Worldwide

Suzi Straffon, Director, Finance Company MarketsLabs, Allied Solutions/Securian
Danielle Wohlfehrt, Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, Midland Credit Management

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Refreshment Break
Sponsored by
10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Breakout | From Learning to Leading: Building Community Engagement
Discover innovative ways that you and your company can make tangible differences by engaging with AFSA Education Foundation’s MoneySKILL and management development programs that can empower both your business and your community. Gain insights from those who have seen the transformative effect of these programs, explore meaningful strategies for engagement, and walk away inspired to shape financial futures.

Moderator:  Rhonda Ashburn, Executive Director at AFSA Education Foundation, Bio
Panelists:
Jasmine Carter, 2025 Leadership Development Program President
Olivia DiBiase, Director of Financial Education and Outreach at AFSA Education Foundation, Bio
Robert McLendon, EDGE Year 2 President

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Breakout | Mind the Mood: Rebuilding Trust with Customers and Policymakers
Voters and consumers are recalibrating their relationship with businesses, while at the same time policymakers are attempting to understand and communicate policy positions to constituents. This data-rich session examines research on what Americans trust, expect, and reject, with the goal of adding additional insights for your meetings on Capitol Hill to help you sharpen your narrative, de-risk engagement, and align your business with the mood of the consumer.

Speaker:
Micah Roberts, Partner, Public Opinion Strategies

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Installment Credit Risk Working Group
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Lunch & Hill Prep

Join your AFSA team for a quick briefing and overview to prepare for “AFSA on Capitol Hill.” 

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Taking Consumer Credit to Capitol Hill
Our customers count on us. Congress needs to hear from us. Be part of AFSA’s “Credit on Capitol Hill” day and help shape smart consumer credit policy for the future. Join consumer credit colleagues in delivering a clear message to lawmakers: consumers deserve confidence and clarity in the credit market. Let’s ensure policies expand access to credit and meet the needs of the people we serve.

Featured Speakers

Hon. Russell Vought

Hon. Russell Vought

Director

Office of Management and Budget

Sen. Bill Hagerty

Sen. Bill Hagerty

Position

R-TN

Brian Kane

Brian Kane

Executive Director

National Association of Attorneys General

Speakers

Rhonda Ashburn

Rhonda Ashburn

Executive Director

AFSA Education Foundation

Ann Berry

Ann Berry

Former Secretary of the Senate

Lawrence Buckley

Lawrence Buckley

SVP, Business Development

DataOceans

Jasmine Carter

Jasmine Carter

Leadership Development Program President

Republic Finance

Olivia DiBiase

Olivia DiBiase

Director, Financial Education & Outreach

AFSA Education Foundation

Mona Donahoe

Mona Donahoe

EVP, Director Central Operations

Republic Finance

Danielle Fagre Arlowe

Danielle Fagre Arlowe

Senior Vice President

AFSA

Tim Gill

Tim Gill

Chief Economist & VP, Research

AFSA

Kevin Gillespie

Kevin Gillespie

Principal Solutions Consultant

ACI Worldwide

Ann Harter

Ann Harter

Vice President, Congressional Affairs

AFSA

Neysa Laux

Neysa Laux

Certified Temperament Specialist Counselor, EDGE Presenter, & Professional Leadership Trainer

Darcy Locke

Darcy Locke

SVP, Head of Sales

ACI Worldwide

Mark Mathews

Mark Mathews

Chief Economist & Executive Director, Research

National Retail Foundation

Robert McLendon

Robert McLendon

EDGE Year 2 President

Security Finance

Ken Meiser

Ken Meiser

VP, Public Policy

LexisNexis Risk Solutions

Thamires Mouta

Thamires Mouta

Product & Growth Lead

Salient

Paul Ray

Paul Ray

Of Counsel

Covington & Burling, LLP

Micah Roberts

Micah Roberts

Partner

Public Opinion Strategies

Jim Schneider

Jim Schneider

Chairman

AFSA Education Foundation Board

Suzi Straffon

Suzi Straffon

Director, Finance Company MarketsLabs

Allied Solutions/Securian

Dan Walters

Dan Walters

Chairman

AFSA Board of Directors

Sheri Wilford

Sheri Wilford

President

LPI Loans
2025 AFSAPAC Chair

Celia Winslow

Celia Winslow

President & CEO

AFSA

Danielle Wohlfehrt, MVP

Danielle Wohlfehrt, MVP

Business Development & Strategic Partnerships

Midland Credit Management

The Salamander, Washington DC

1330 Maryland Ave SW, Washington DC
(202) 554-8588

Prominently located along the capital’s vibrant Southwest waterfront, Salamander Washington DC is a short walk from the nation’s most cherished monuments and the exciting attractions and restaurants in the new District Wharf. The elegant hotel features beautifully designed rooms, spacious suites, and Washington, D.C.’s finest spa.

AFSA Discounted Rates:
Deluxe Rooms: $449
RESERVATION CUT OFF DATE: Wednesday, October 1
Online reservations here

TRANSPORTATION:
Taxi or Uber/Lyft Service: The approximate cost from Reagan National (DCA) is $25-30 and from Dulles International (IAD) $85

Car Rental:

AFSA’s partnership with Enterprise Rent-A-Car gives AFSA attendees a 10% discount on rental cars during their visit to Washington, DC. Click Here to access Enterprise’s web site for reservations.

AFSA Discount Code: 16AH072.

Parking at the Salamander is $79 per night.

AIR TRAVEL: AFSA is pleased to offer the following partner discounts:

UNITED

We are pleased to partner with United Airlines for air travel to our upcoming event.

You may also call United Meeting Reservation Desk at (800) 426–1122
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Saturday – Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations.

To make flight reservations online please click on discount code: ZQ9U326807

DELTA

Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for American Financial Services Association

Please click here to book your flights. You may also call Conferences and Events® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code: NY3MB 

*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via the reservation 800 number.

Sponsorships

There are many sponsorship and advertising opportunities. Contact Dan Bucherer at dbucherer@afsamail.org.