About AFIP & ADCO
The Association of Finance & Insurance Professionals (AFIP) and the Association of Dealership Compliance Officers (ADCO) have united to form a single organization dedicated to advancing compliance excellence, professional development, and ethical business practices across the automotive industry in the United States and Canada.
Founded in 1989, AFIP serves as the primary sanctioning body for automotive Finance & Insurance (F&I) professionals. Through industry-recognized certification programs, regulatory education, and advocacy, AFIP promotes professional ethics, regulatory compliance, and consumer protection while supporting dealership, lender, and vendor professionals. AFIP certifications—developed by industry veterans and attorneys—equip practitioners with the knowledge and credibility required to meet federal regulations, uphold ethical standards, and deliver compliant F&I services. Members benefit from regulatory updates, professional resources such as the Carlaw F&I Legal Desk Book, dispute resolution services, and expert witness support.
Founded in 2019 by Linda J. Robertson in collaboration with industry experts, ADCO was established to provide a practical, adaptable, and cost-effective approach to dealership compliance management. ADCO focuses on helping dealerships build and sustain robust in-store Compliance Management Systems (CMS) and serves as a vital resource for compliance officers' education and certification across franchised, independent, buy-here-pay-here, RV, powersports, commercial, and specialty dealerships.
Dealership compliance officers manage complex compliance and ethics programs that include policy development, employee training, monitoring, auditing, investigations, control solutions, change management, and quality assurance. Because many professionals serve in pioneering roles without established frameworks, ADCO emphasizes proactive risk management strategies that position operations as the first line of defense.
The ADCO community fosters collaboration among compliance professionals, enabling them to exchange insights, develop best practices, and receive recognition for their critical contributions to dealership compliance and consumer protection.
Together, AFIP & ADCO deliver a comprehensive compliance and training ecosystem that integrates professional certification, compliance management, regulatory guidance, and operational best practices.
Our unified organization provides:
By aligning compliance, training, and operational excellence under one organization, AFIP & ADCO empower dealerships to reduce risk, protect consumer information, strengthen regulatory compliance, and build cultures of accountability and trust.
Together, we are shaping the future of dealership compliance and professional excellence with the comprehensive compliance programs.
ADCO helps dealerships identify and address mandatory federal and state compliance requirements, providing targeted certification and training, tools, and resources to support adherence across all departments.
Our FRAT annual training program equips employees and leaders with essential regulatory knowledge, reinforcing ethical decision-making, professional conduct, and compliance with federal requirements.
We provide structured guidance and support for addressing customer and employee complaints, helping dealerships manage disputes professionally while reducing legal and reputational risk.
Operational audits and risk assessments help identify vulnerabilities, strengthen internal controls, and ensure compliance management systems remain effective and defensible.
From workplace policies to employee relations and regulatory obligations, ADCO supports dealerships in maintaining compliant HR practices that reduce liability and promote a respectful workplace culture.
Dealerships operate in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. A missed step or overlooked requirement can create significant financial, legal, and reputational risk.
ADCO fosters collaboration through peer engagement and professional discussion, allowing members to share experiences, insights, and best practices.
Five structured education modules guide compliance officers and dealership leaders in developing, implementing, and monitoring an effective Compliance Management System (CMS).
Interactive training sessions help dealerships strengthen compliance strategies while meeting evolving regulatory expectations and customer trust standards.
Expert-led webinars provide timely insights on regulatory updates, enforcement trends, and operational best practices, helping dealership teams stay informed and compliant year-round.
Our annual conference brings together compliance professionals, legal experts, regulators, and industry leaders to share insights, address emerging risks, and advance compliance excellence across the industry.
Clear, actionable guidance provides dealerships with confidence that their compliance programs meet regulatory requirements and operational best practices.
Leadership
Shannon leads with extensive F&I experience from his exposure to the industry.
Lindsey excels in strategic planning, teams, and organizational development.
Linda leads the day-to-day operations and our certification training.
Tevis assists with operations and oversees our compliance systems.
EJ is one of the country's leading experts in automotive compliance and auditing.
DJ designs, develops, and supports our web applications and creative.
Founding Board of Directors
With sincere appreciation, we recognize the ADCO Founding Board members whose vision, dedication, and leadership established a strong foundation for dealership compliance excellence. Through their service, they provided training, authored articles, and shared valuable insight and direction that guided ADCO’s leadership and growth.
Their commitment to ethical business practices, professional accountability, and industry collaboration has strengthened compliance programs and supported professionals across the industry.
We are deeply grateful for their service and lasting contributions.
JV Solutions
Randy Henrick & Associates
Reynolds & Reynolds
Core Auto Solutions
Former Partner at Wick Phillips
Buckeye Dealership Consulting
Krumland Auto Group
COO of Dawson Oil Company
Contact us
Let us know if you would like to speak with a dealership compliance consultant and get answers specific to your dealership or environment.
Outreach Initiatives
ADCO supports the Wounded Warrior Project as well as the Clothing for African Children initiative.