Fred SasserChair Emeritus, Sasser Family Holdings, Inc.

Fred Sasser is Chair Emeritus of Sasser Family Holdings, Inc., a fifth-generation family-held transportation asset services and management company. After 36 years as CEO, Fred turned over daily management to the company’s first non-family CEO in 2017, retaining the position of Chairman of the Board.  In 2019 Fred subsequently retired to Chair Emeritus, turning over Chair of the Board to a long-time independent director.  Fred started his career with Chicago Freight Car Leasing in 1973 (subsidiary), serving in roles from engineering, to sales to fleet management until assuming the position of President in 1981 and Chairman in 1983. Under Fred’s direction CFCL expanded from its base of single business of leasing in North America to global organization with subsidiaries.  Fred currently serves on the fiduciary Board of Directors of two-family owned businesses, Goodheart-Wilcox Publishing in Tinley Park, Illinois and PVS Chemical in Detroit, Michigan. Fred also serves on the Board of Directors for Avenues to Independence in Park Ridge, Illinois, providing residential and vocational services to developmentally disabled adults, and the Family Business Network (FBN), the largest association of multi-generational family enterprises, providing support for families continuing the success of their family enterprises though future generations. Fred is the Chair of the FBN-USA chapter.

Fred and his wife Pamela were born in Chicago but have now retired to Naples, Florida. They are active in organizations preserving the environment and wildlife in the Everglades and throughout Florida. Fred and Pamela have been a donor with Opportunity International since 1991. They have three children, five grandchildren and two dogs.