Dear Members,
It is with great honor that I write to you as the newly elected President of IAATI.
Stepping into this role as President of the Global Vehicle Crimes & Public Safety Initiative isn’t about titles. It’s about momentum — keeping it going, building on it,
I am before you today deeply honored and humbled to accept the role of President, one that I take this responsibility with a full heart and a steadfast commitment to the mission we all share:
Vehicle crime is more than stolen cars or chopped parts. It's organized fraud. It's identity theft. It's trafficking. It's a gateway to broader criminal enterprises that put our neighborhoods, our economy, and our people at risk. And that’s why our work matters — now more than ever.
— and why it has to be international, and inclusive.
Collaboration over Competition:
We build smarter, stronger, trusting networks by showing up and listening.
As we enter a new year, I am proud to reflect on the shared commitment that makes IAATI so unique. Our strength has always come from the dedication of our members and the partnerships we build around the world. This year, our guiding theme is “Collaboration Over Competition.”
Vehicle crime continues to evolve, and so must we. No single agency, organization, or individual can address these challenges alone. Real progress happens when we combine our knowledge, skills, and resources to achieve a common goal. By embracing collaboration, we not only expand our reach but also amplify our impact.
A major focus this year will be training for networking—creating opportunities that bring our members together to learn, share, and grow. IAATI will expand its webinar training series, making expert-led sessions accessible to members globally, regardless of location. We will also prioritize in-person training events, because there is no substitute for the relationships and trust built when we meet face-to-face.
These initiatives are designed to foster stronger networks and practical collaboration. Each conversation, training session, and shared best practice strengthens our collective ability to combat vehicle crime and protect communities worldwide.
I invite every member to take part—attend a training, share your expertise, and reach out to someone new. Together, through collaboration over competition, we will continue to build a stronger, smarter, and more connected IAATI.
I’m honored to stand and lead with you. And I’m excited for what we’ll accomplish together.
Thank you for your trust. I am very humbled by it.
There are a few special groups and individuals I want to recognize, by first name:
To my Arizona family — J.D., Joe, Charlie, Rich, Bob, Ann, and Nancy — you’ve been with me through the years and my career. Your friendship, mentorship, and passion for this work have meant more than I can express. You’ve shaped not only my career, but the way I approach this mission — with clarity, humility, and purpose. Thank you.
And to my IAATI family — what a wild journey it’s been. To Chris, Nathan, and Rusty, Wendell, Mick, and Arif, your dedication and leadership inspire us all, and much appreciation for showing up each day. And I want to give special thanks to Daan, whose leadership over the past year set the tone for what collaboration and integrity truly look like. You’ve left big shoes to fill, my friend.
To the newly sworn-in IAATI board — congratulations. I look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with you as we step into this next year, together. We have a few challenges ahead, but we also have the strength, the experience, and the unity and sense of humor, to meet them head-on.
Let’s move forward with networking opportunities, educational focus, and collaboration over competition.
I sincerely thank you for the confidence you have placed in me and the board.
Please feel free to make contact with me at any time for any reason!
Sincerely,
Carmen Swanson
President, IAATI
2025-2026