The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association announced the new David H. Fenig Distinguished Service in Advocacy Award. The award will be presented annually to an ELFA member volunteer who has made an extraordinary contribution to the association’s federal or state advocacy programs. The first award was presented posthumously to David H. Fenig at ELFA’s Capitol Connections conference on May 15.

The award is named for Fenig, who served as an accomplished advocate on behalf of the equipment leasing and finance industry in his role as ELFA Vice President of Federal Government Relations from January 2004 to December 2011. During his time at ELFA, Fenig directed and managed federal regulatory and legislative programs with the White House and the U.S. Congress and worked on major legislation in key areas, including tax, economic stimulus, bankruptcy reform, renewable energy and financial regulatory reform. He also managed the work of several ELFA governance bodies and served as Treasurer for ELFA’s political action committee, LeasePAC.

“It is an honor to launch this award in celebration of David Fenig’s contributions to our association and our industry,” said ELFA President and CEO William G. Sutton, CAE. “Advocacy is central to our mission, and we look forward to
recognizing our volunteers for their important achievements in this area.”

“David Fenig was an effective advocate for the equipment finance industry and was instrumental in enhancing ELFA member involvement through our Capitol Connections program, multiple member committees and LeasePAC,” said ELFA Chairman Crit DeMent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LEAF Commercial Capital. “David was a good friend and valued member of our team; his passion for advocacy and member involvement will live on in this award.”

The award will be presented each year at ELFA’s Capitol Connections event in Washington, D.C. An Award Committee will select the recipient. Nominations for the award may be made by members of the Award Committee or by any person whose company is a current member in good standing of the ELFA. Eligible candidates must: 

• Have made an extraordinary contribution to or served in a highly distinguished manner in connection with the advancement of the association’s advocacy programs, including activities by federal, state and local legislative and regulatory bodies, and national and international standards-setting organizations. 
• Have played an outstanding leadership role representing ELFA in promoting the importance of advocacy on behalf of the equipment leasing and finance industry and ELFA to constituencies outside of ELFA and its membership.

Information about the 2013 award will be available on the ELFA website in early 2013.