Leadership
Gary Rappeport, Chief Executive Officer, has led Donlen Corporation to significant growth since becoming CEO in 1996. Since 2003, annual revenue increased from $375 million to over $900 million last year and over that period of time Donlen has been the fastest growing fleet leasing and management company in North America. Much of this growth is attributed to Gary’s belief that employee satisfaction leads to customer satisfaction which ultimately results in business growth.
Gary’s focus on employee satisfaction, retention, and overall corporate culture has laid the foundation for a positive work environment. The effort and resources put forth by Donlen Corporation, led by Gary’s initiatives, were documented last year in the December 2007 issue of Smart Business Chicago magazine.
As a passionate and active leader, Gary is constantly focused on Donlen’s strategic alignment, new product development, green initiatives, and continuing to ensure that Donlen has the right resources and culture to achieve corporate goals.
Gary earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance at the University of Florida and an MBA in Finance and Information Systems at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Gary is a member of the Chicago Chapter of the Young Presidents Organization, and serves as President of the American Automotive Leasing Association.
Tom Callahan, President and Chief Operating Officer, brings invaluable global perspective and customer focus to Donlen Corporation, serving in various leadership roles overseas for GE Fleet Services. His wide-ranging management experience has positioned Tom to successfully oversee many of the client facing operations teams at Donlen.
Tom implemented the Net Promoter Score customer satisfaction measurement at Donlen Corporation. This metric measures customers responses, on a scale from 1-10, “How likely are you to recommend Donlen to a friend or colleague?” In 2007 and 2008, Donlen’s Net Promoter Score was three times higher than the U.S. company average.
Tom has proven himself a successful leader and change agent throughout his tenure at Donlen. He began his career at Donlen as VP of Customer Relations, overseeing all customer service initiatives. He has openly taken on new responsibilities and challenges, leading many departments to new levels of success.
Tom has vast experience in the fleet industry, having spent most of his career prior to joining Donlen in 1996, at GE Commercial Finance, Fleet Services and Ford Motor Company. He earned a BBA from the University of Notre Dame and Master’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Michael Manfred is Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Donlen Corporation, managing the finance and accounting operations at Donlen. Mike has extensive financial industry experience in corporate finance, treasury, and investment related areas.
Prior to joining Donlen in 2004, Mike was Vice President for Bank One / JPMorgan Chase where he was responsible for structured finance and funding of asset-backed securities. Mike's other experience includes positions in Citigroup’s Global Securitized Products service area and at Heller Financial, Inc., a $20 Billion multi-national commercial finance company.
Mike earned a Bachelor’s degree in business from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York, and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame.
Barry Steel is Senior VP of Sales Development and Strategy for Donlen Corporation. Since 2002, when Barry joined Donlen as Senior Vice President of Sales, he has been an integral part of Donlen’s Leadership Team and its significant growth.
Before joining Donlen, Barry spent six years at GE Capital Fleet Services where he began his career as an Account Manager in Philadelphia. He then was promoted to several management positions in St. Louis, Mo., and Irvine, Calif. before relocating to GE Capital headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Prior to GE, Barry began his fleet leasing and management experience at Enterprise Leasing as an Account Manager.
Barry is an active member and participant in the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA), American Fleet Leasing Association (AFLA) and other fleet related associations.
Dave Lodding is President of Donlen Fleet Management Services and is directly responsible for its strategic direction and day-to-day operations. Dave joined Donlen in August 1986 and has held numerous positions including Maintenance Advisor, Manager of Product Development, Director, and Vice President.
Dave has been instrumental in the development and expansion of Donlen’s Truck Maintenance, Fuel Management and Accident Management programs.
Prior to joining Donlen, Dave began his industry experience as an automobile technician for General Motors and held ASE Master Technician and General Motors Master Technician status. He also served as a part time fire department Captain/Paramedic for over 20 years.
Dave earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Elmhurst College and an Associate Degree in Fire Science from the College of DuPage.