The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) has selected Dennis Brown, ELFA Vice President of State Government Relations, to receive its 2016 David H. Fenig Distinguished Service in Advocacy Award. The award, named for ELFA’s former Vice President of Federal Government Relations, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the association’s advocacy efforts to promote sound public policies for the equipment finance industry. Brown will be formally recognized during a ceremony at ELFA’s Capitol Connections event on Wednesday, May 18, in Washington, D.C.

Brown has been a valuable member of the ELFA staff for 23 years. He was hired in 1993 to implement a proactive state advocacy program and has played an integral role in the success of the association’s government relations activities, promoting ELFA positions and policy and monitoring and engaging legislation and regulation impacting the industry in all 50 states. The myriad key state advocacy issues Brown has addressed during his tenure include sales/property tax, data security, Uniform Commercial Code, recycling, licensing and leasing to state governments.

ELFA’s state advocacy program relies on member volunteers’ involvement with their state legislators and regulators, and Brown has worked closely with members through a number of committees, including the State Government Relations Committee and the State Legislative and Regulatory Subcommittee of ELFA’s Legal Committee. He has also represented the industry by working with regional and national organizations representing state policy makers from around the nation, including serving as a liaison to tax committees of the National Conference of State Legislatures. In addition, he has served as president of several organizations representing government relations professionals, most notably the State Government Affairs Council, and has won the Award of Excellence in Government Relations from the American Society of Association Executives on several occasions.

Before joining ELFA, Brown served as Executive Director of the State Advertising Coalition representing the three largest national advertising associations in all 50 states. A veteran of the U.S. Army having reached the rank of Sergeant, he is a graduate in political science from the University of Maryland and attended law school at the University of Baltimore.

“Dennis has worked tirelessly as an advocate for the equipment finance industry for more than two decades,” said ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta. “He has done an extraordinary job working with member volunteers, lawmakers and other stakeholders to achieve numerous successes in the states. It is an honor to recognize his outstanding contributions with this well-deserved award. After many years of exceptional service, Dennis will be retiring at the end of this year. We will miss him greatly and, on behalf of the ELFA Board and staff, wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”

“It is a privilege to be receiving this award named in memory of David Fenig, a good friend and colleague with whom I worked,” said Brown. “My success over the past 23 years is a tribute to ELFA members who volunteer their talent to the betterment of public policy in the states. My service to industry has been rewarding not only for the high standard of professionalism fostered on a daily basis at ELFA but also by a welcoming staff that make me look forward to arriving at work every day. I am grateful for this award.”