The board of directors of the American Car Rental Association voted unanimously last week to appoint Sharky Laguana as president of the association. Laguana, president and founder of Bandago passenger van rental company, replaces Bill Plamondon, a board member of Advantage Rent A Car, who is stepping down.  

“With the dissolution of Advantage Rent A Car as a corporate entity it was time for me to step down as president of ACRA, though I’m looking forward to staying involved with the association in a consulting capacity,” said Plamondon. “It was an honor to serve on the ACRA board for many years and serve as its president. Despite these recent hard times, current ACRA members’ commitment to the industry is as strong as it's ever been.”

"I am honored to lead ACRA during the most challenging time our industry has ever faced,” said Laguana. “There is an enormous amount of work to do, but I feel up to the task and look forward to working with all our members as we chart a path towards recovery.”

“To that end, I want to stress to all of our members that we cannot do this alone. We need your help. Even small independent companies like mine can play a large role in the halls of government. In the days and weeks ahead ACRA will be working to activate your voices as we fight for our industry. We can handle this if we stick together. Let's get to work!"

Additionally, William Harris replaces Gary Macdonald as treasurer. Harris is co-owner of Edge Auto Rental in New York and Macdonald is retiring as president and chief operating officer of Midway Auto Group. Macdonald has also agreed to stay on as a consultant for ACRA.  

McKillop Erlandson of Sixt will replace Daniel Florence, COO of Sixt North America, on the ACRA Board. 

“I want to thank Bill Plamondon for his dedication to ACRA and the car rental industry,” said Sharon Faulkner, executive director of ACRA. “He has provided great integrity and moral uprightness to our association. He has been a mentor as well as a good friend. I also want to thank Gary Macdonald for all his years of devotion to maintaining our economic and filing requirements. His detail for perfection was and will continue to be invaluable to ACRA.” 

"I can't thank Bill and Gary enough for all their work on behalf of all of us. Aside from being great friends, they inspire me personally,” said Laguana. “I am grateful we will be continuing to work together, as we need their energy and input now more than ever."