Auto Finance News is pleased to announce that Chris Kleczynski, head of auto lending product strategy at PenFed Credit Union, will join a panel discussion on AI and automation at Auto Finance Summit 2025, returning Oct. 15-17 at the Bellagio Las Vegas. 

View the full event agenda here. 

Chris Kleczynski

With more than two decades in the auto industry, Kleczynski has been with PenFed for five years, and his career spans roles at Volkswagen of America, Nissan Motor and Ford Credit.

During the panel, “Improving collections and servicing through AI and automation,” scheduled for 3 p.m. PT on Thursday, Oct. 16, Kleczynski will join other industry leaders to discuss how technology can improve internal operations and customer experiences. 

The discussion will touch on: 

• The use of chatbots to improve collections; 

• AI’s use in delinquency prediction; and 

• Self-service tools for enhanced customer experiences 

PenFed has leaned into auto refinance opportunities in recent months as consumers continue to search for ways to lower their monthly payments and manage affordability. The lender’s auto book stood at about $3.8 billion at yearend 2024, according to Big Wheels.  

The Auto Finance Summit provides unique networking opportunities across workshops, luncheons and roundtable discussions as well as chances to hear from industry leaders on top-of-mind industry topics such as dealer and lender relationships, subprime financing, compliance, fraud management and underwriting. View the full Auto Finance Summit 2025 agenda here.