The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation is pleased to welcome its newest class of CLFPs: 19 industry professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the equipment finance body of knowledge by passing the rigorous CLFP Exam. Representing diverse companies and roles across the industry, these individuals have joined an elite community united by a commitment to professional excellence and ethical practice. They are:
- Ali Alsalman, CLFP – Senior Account Manager, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
- Andrea August, CLFP – Team Lead – Capital Equipment Group Documentation, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
- Elizabeth Canon, CLFP – Regional Finance Manager, Stryker
- Melissa Greenwood, CLFP – Assistant Vice President, Operations Manager, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
- Zane Hanayneh, CLFP Associate – Associate Credit Analyst, Dext Capital
- Yvonne Johnson, CLFP – Vice President/Director of Operations for Vendor Markets, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
- Jessica Maiher, CLFP – Account Manager, Premier Client Group, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
- Allison Midtaune, CLFP – Business Line Regulatory Review Manager, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
- Christopher Mongno, CLFP – Commercial Sales Enablement Specialist, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
- Jessi Olson, CLFP – Officer, Loss Mitigation Specialist, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
- Shannon Piekarski, CLFP – VP, Business Line Risk Manager- Equipment Finance, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
- Deidre Scherr, CLFP – Project Analyst, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
- Carol Streeter, CLFP – Account Manager, Premier Client Group, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
- Max Teunissen, CLFP – Senior Finance Specialist, Stryker
- Robin Thompson, CLFP – Assistant Vice President/Operations Manager, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
- Ryuta Tsubura, CLFP – Assistant Sales Manager, LEAF Commercial Capital Inc.
- Sandra VanBuren, CLFP – CEO and Co-Founder, FS Foodservice Solutions
- Jody Van Drunen, CLFP – Document Negotiations Manager, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
- Megan Wipperman, CLFP – Senior EF Relationship Specialist, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
Ali Alsalman says, “I chose to pursue the CLFP designation because I wanted to challenge myself and gain a deeper understanding of the equipment finance industry beyond my day-to-day responsibilities. Having spent years managing lease portfolios and supporting customers throughout the lease lifecycle, I have always enjoyed learning how all the pieces of our industry fit together. The CLFP Journey and Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals course provided an opportunity to expand my knowledge of accounting, tax, legal, and financial concepts while connecting them to real-world leasing practices. I am proud to join a community of professionals dedicated to advancing the equipment finance industry.”
Earning the CLFP designation signals more than technical expertise. It reflects a commitment to elevating the equipment finance industry through continuous learning, ethical leadership, and shared professional standards. CLFPs and Associates are now found across the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, India, Pakistan, Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. To learn more or begin your own path to certification, visit www.CLFPFoundation.org.