AAA Western and Central New York CEO to retire at end of 2024

AMHERST, N.Y. — Anthony Spada, president and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York, announced he will retire from AAA on Dec. 31, 2024, after 43 years of service to the organization.

The organization says a national search to identify Spada’s successor will begin immediately, per the announcement.

AAA named Spada its president and CEO in 2012. He had served as VP of finance and CFO from 1995-2012.

“I’m proud to say that, under my leadership, AAA is currently in a strong growth position. The Club is financially secure, and we have strategic plans for 2024 and beyond,” Spada said in a AAA news release. “In 40-plus years, I’ve enjoyed coming to work every day to serve our loyal members. I’m thankful for all of the dedicated AAA associates, and I look forward to working together on our goals throughout 2024 leading up to my retirement and helping ensure a smooth transition for my successor.”

Throughout his tenure at AAA, Spada has played an “integral role” in many major initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions that established AAA Western and Central New York.

He founded the AAA Members Insurance Agency of New York in 2006, and it reached $50 million in policy premiums this year, the organization said.

He also oversaw the rebound of AAA Travel following the pandemic and is leading plans to expand travel services with a focus on family, luxury, and group-travel opportunities. Throughout his career, Spada has sought opportunities to add more member benefits and find new ways to serve AAA members, the organization noted.

Spada founded the Auto Club of Western & Central New York Foundation for Traffic Safety, Inc.

Additionally, Spada serves as president of AAA New York State, a consortium of five AAA Clubs. Under his leadership, AAA championed efforts to expand the Slow Down Move Over law to include any disabled vehicle, which goes into effect in March 2024, and AAA was “instrumental” in implementing the state’s rear seat-belt law.