Each year, the National Vehicle Leasing Association (NVLA) honors individuals who embody the best of the leasing industry, such as leaders, innovators, and lifelong contributors whose work resonates far beyond balance sheets and contracts.

At the 2025 NVLA Annual Conference in Clearwater, Florida, four individuals were recognized, including:

• 2025 Clemens-Pender Award Winner: Doug Moore

• 2025 Samuel J. Lee Memorial Award Honoree: Gary Mott

• 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Tom Kontos

• 2025 President’s Award Winner: Mark Van Nest

Their stories illuminate the passion and purpose that keep the vehicle leasing industry resilient and constantly evolving.

Doug Moore: Championing Leadership and Collaboration

Doug Moore, winner of the 2025 Clemens-Pender Award, is a true industry veteran.

Moore has been at the forefront of driving success from his leadership roles at Somerville Auto in Toronto and Vancouver to his current position as managing director of Leasing Competitive Edge at Cathedral Consulting. His work leading the performance groups, bringing together owners, CEOs, and senior managers from across North America, has helped elevate the performance of many leasing companies.

Moore also serves as the board chair of the BFM Foundation, a Canadian charity operating 51 Mission Thrift Stores, raising support for Bible League Canada ministries worldwide.

“It is a humbling honor to have my name included with previous recipients of this prestigious award. Whoever coined the phrase ‘May you live in interesting times’ must have been thinking of the vehicle leasing business,” Moore said. “We are a resilient industry built on integrity and good service by always putting our customers’ needs first. This is what the NVLA is about.”

The Clemons-Pender Lessor of the Year Award is the highest honor bestowed by NVLA and is awarded to an outstanding leader and friend of NVLA. Since its establishment in 1977, this award has recognized those who exemplify the values of dedication, integrity, and unwavering commitment to our profession.

“Doug Moore not only upholds these ideals – he embodies them,” Tarry Shebesta, NVLA president, said. “His passion for advancing our industry and supporting his peers is truly inspiring, and his contributions to the industry and NVLA are immeasurable.”

Gary Mott: Innovating with Integrity

Gary Mott, honored with the 2025 Samuel J. Lee Memorial Award, has been a driving force in the industry for more than three decades. From his early days at FLD to his current role as president and principal, Mott’s career has been a testament to hard work, vision, and leadership.

“But what truly sets Gary apart is not just his impressive career trajectory, but his unwavering commitment to innovation,” Shebesta said. “Through his leadership, he has not only advanced his company but has also contributed to the broader evolution of vehicle leasing. His dedication, integrity, and forward-thinking approach have made an indelible mark on this industry, along with his long-time support of NVLA.”

The Samuel J. Lee Memorial Award is presented to exceptional non-lessor individuals whose work has impacted vehicle leasing. The namesake of this award, Sam Lee, was a pioneer in the field — an innovator, a mentor, and a relentless advocate for progress. He helped shape the industry with his willingness to break new ground and share knowledge.

“Gary’s contributions will continue to shape our field for years to come, just as Sam Lee’s did,” Shebesta added.

Tom Kontos: Data-Driven Visionary

The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, Tom Kontos’ name has always been synonymous with expertise, insight, and leadership in the vehicle remarketing industry. With a 30-year career as an auction industry analyst and economist, Kontos shaped the way to understand economic trends in the field.

“As the newly retired chief economist at ADESA, he has been a trusted voice,” Shebesta said. “Tom’s impact goes well beyond numbers and analysis. He has been a thought leader, a mentor, and an innovator. His influence is not just recognized, it’s celebrated.”

In 2016, Kontos was honored with the Ed Bobit Icon of the Automotive Industry Award, a testament to his lasting contributions to the industry.

“Many NVLA members and leaders have had the privilege of learning from Kontos – whether through his many presentations at the NVLA Conference and other industry events – or his insightful contributions to industry publications and media outlets too numerous to name,” Shebesta added.

“His deep knowledge and ability to translate complex data into actionable strategies has been invaluable to everyone. Kontos' contributions to the lessor community are immeasurable. His work has not only shaped the present but will continue to guide the future of our industry for years to come. The NVLA Lifetime Achievement Award is a well-deserved recognition of his extraordinary career and dedication,” Shebesta said.

Mark Van Nest: A Lifelong Commitment to Education

Mark Van Nest, CVLE, CVLP, OCLC, received the President’s Award for exceptional leadership and service to NVLA.

Van Nest is currently the managing partner of MidWestern Leasing in Dayton, Ohio. He joined NVLA in 1988 and attended his first conference in 1996. He has been in the vehicle leasing and sales industry since 1977. He also received the President’s Award in 2021 and 2018.

“Accounting, marketing, vendors, supportive leasing colleagues, manufacturers. You name the topic. The NVLA conference had it all!” Van Nest said.

“By 1998, I was enrolled in the Certified Vehicle Leasing Executive Program (CVLE). CVLE opened my eyes to the true value of NVLA membership. The value is in the members. Anyone is willing to help at any time in any way they can. My thirty-five-plus years of NVLA membership is, without a doubt, the best investment I have made in my vehicle leasing career. I am proud to be a member, but I take the greatest pride in being the chairman of the NVLA education programs,” Van Nest added.