AMHERST, N.Y. — The man who has led AAA Western and Central New York for more than a decade, and worked for AAA for over four decades, plans to retire at the end of 2024. The upcoming retirement of Anthony Spada on Dec. 31, 2024 will conclude his 43 years of service to the organization, […]
AMHERST, N.Y. — The man who has led AAA Western and Central New York for more than a decade, and worked for AAA for over four decades, plans to retire at the end of 2024.
The upcoming retirement of Anthony Spada on Dec. 31, 2024 will conclude his 43 years of service to the organization, AAA announced on Dec. 6. A national search to identify Spada’s successor will begin immediately.
AAA named Spada its president and CEO in 2012. He had served as VP of finance and CFO from 1995-2012.
Describing itself as upstate New York’s largest member-services organization, AAA Western and Central New York says it provides more than 862,000 members with travel, insurance, financial, and automotive-related services. With over 600 associates across three major metro areas — Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse — AAA serves its members 24/7/365 with emergency road service.
“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, the organization said.
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.
“I have a passion for traffic safety, and I’m proud that AAA continues to be an advocate for the safety and security of all motorists and travelers,” he said.
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.
“During Tony’s tenure, he has set a strategic course for growth and diversification of services for AAA Western and Central New York and our 862,000 members. Together with his outstanding executive team, Tony has laid the groundwork for even greater success in the future,” Laura Saxby Lynch, president of the AAA Western and Central New York board of directors, said in the release. “In more than four decades with AAA Western and Central New York, Tony has demonstrated the kind of unfailing and ethical leadership that inspires respect among his peers, associates, and the community. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank him for his dedicated service and wish him well as he starts this new chapter.”