The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation proudly celebrated CLFP Day 2026 on October 8th, marking 41 years of the CLFP designation. Under this year’s theme, Decades of Dedication, CLFPs and industry colleagues came together for a virtual celebration and in-person gatherings across the country, honoring the professionals, relationships, and shared commitment to excellence that continue to strengthen the equipment leasing and finance industry. This year’s celebration also honored three outstanding members of the CLFP community: Andrea Schmid, CLFP, recipient of the Cindy Spurdle Award of Excellence, and Dave Schaefer, CLFP, and Terey Jennings, CLFP, recipients of the Larry LaChance Lifetime CLFP Award.
The CLFP Foundation proudly recognized Andrea Schmid, CLFP, with the Cindy Spurdle Award of Excellence for her leadership, service, and continued commitment to advancing the CLFP designation and supporting fellow equipment finance professionals. The Cindy Spurdle Award of Excellence recognizes a CLFP in Good Standing who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the equipment finance industry and the CLFP Foundation. Schmid’s dedication to helping others succeed reflects the spirit of this award and the collaborative culture at the heart of the CLFP community.
Throughout her career, Schmid has been a dedicated advocate for professional development, helping colleagues expand their knowledge and achieve their CLFP designations. Reflecting on her decade as a CLFP, Schmid looked back at the impact of her efforts and counted nearly 100 professionals she has helped earn the designation, with that number continuing to grow. “The CLFP community embodies everything that makes our industry exceptional: a commitment to learning, collaboration, and helping others succeed,” said Schmid. “I am honored to receive this recognition and remain passionate about advancing the CLFP designation and supporting future leaders. My hope is that we continue to inspire the next generation of equipment finance professionals and foster the same sense of community and opportunity that has meant so much to me.”
The CLFP Foundation also recognized Dave Schaefer, CLFP, and Terey Jennings, CLFP, with the Larry LaChance Lifetime CLFP Award, honoring their longstanding contributions to the Foundation and their continued connection to the designation.
Schaefer earned his CLFP designation early in his career and credits the knowledge it provided as an important part of his professional journey. “The CLFP designation is more than a title representing your standing in the industry. It shows your pride and commitment to professionalism in our valuable industry, supporting small and large businesses,” said Schaefer. “I was fortunate to earn my CLFP early in my career. It prepared me for my nearly 50-year career. And maybe the best part is all of the wonderful and enjoyable folks associated with it!”
Jennings, a longtime leader at Financial Pacific Leasing, saw firsthand how the CLFP designation strengthened both individual professionals and the organizations they served. “I’m honored to be selected as one of this year’s recipients of the Larry LaChance Lifetime CLFP Award. It’s extra special to be recognized along with Dave Schaefer, who I’ve known and worked closely with for 40 years,” said Jennings. “For many years Financial Pacific had more CLFPs than any company, and I would routinely be asked why FinPac valued the CLFP designation so much. My answer was easy in that we were a better company because of our CLFPs. The breadth of equipment finance knowledge needed to become a CLFP created great value to each of our CLFPs and our company.”
In addition to the virtual celebration, CLFPs and industry colleagues gathered at in-person events across the country to mark the occasion. These local celebrations provided opportunities to reconnect with colleagues, welcome fellow professionals, and recognize the shared dedication that unites the CLFP Community.
The CLFP designation continues to represent a commitment to comprehensive industry knowledge, continuing education, and professional excellence. As the CLFP Foundation looks ahead, it remains committed to expanding professional development opportunities, strengthening connections throughout the industry, and supporting the next generation of equipment leasing and finance professionals. The Foundation extends its gratitude to the volunteers, instructors, mentors, employers, and CLFPs who make this community possible and who continue to advance its mission of building a better commercial equipment leasing and finance industry, one individual at a time.