About Us

The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) designation is the preeminent credential for equipment leasing and finance professionals who have demonstrated competency through testing of knowledge, continuing education and a commitment to their business practices and dedication to the industry. 

Our Mission

Building a better commercial equipment leasing and finance industry one individual at a time. 

Our Vision

Establish the Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) designation as the preeminent credential worldwide for professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the CLFP Body of Knowledge, exceptional competency, and a commitment to exemplary ethics through their business practices, continuing education, and dedication to the industry.

Our Core Values

Professionalism: CLFPs promote excellence, continuous learning, and adherence to industry best practices.

Knowledge: CLFPs have proven their comprehensive knowledge by passing a rigorous exam and reviewing and testing for annual industry changes.

Community: CLFPs form a vibrant community and embrace collaboration, warmly welcome newcomers, and thrive on working harmoniously with others to elevate the industry’s standards and practices.

Dedication: CLFPs demonstrate their devotion to the worldwide equipment leasing and financing industry. Their tireless pursuit of excellence builds a stronger industry, one individual at a time.

 

Essential Roles and Practices

  • Encourage attainment of superior levels of professional development through education, involvement in, and contributions to the Industry.
  • Define and promulgate industry standards for professionalism and ethical practices in the equipment leasing and financing industry.
  • Promote awareness, respect, and trust throughout the industry, the general public, and government for the Foundation and its Professional Certification program.
  • Build, maintain, and distribute a core Body of Knowledge to properly present the full scope of industry policies, procedures, and practices.
  • Require CLFPs to expand and update their knowledge of the equipment leasing and financing industry through continuing education.
  • Promote the “CLFP” designation as an enviable brand of professional achievement and peer recognition within the Industry.
  • Serve as the governing body for CLFP certification and re-certification.
  • Provide access to education, training, and certification testing through strategic partner alliances.
  • Stimulate general global awareness and interest in the Foundation and the CLFP designation through press relations, professional associations and other public relations activities.

CLFP Board of Directors

Todd Buzard, CPA, CLFP

Todd Buzard, CPA, CLFP

President

Todd Buzard is a Senior Vice President of Finance for First American Equipment Finance (FAEF), An RBC/City National Bank Company. Todd joined FAEF in 2002 and has over 18 years of experience in the leasing and finance industry.

Prior to joining FAEF, Todd worked in public accounting for Arthur Andersen, LLP. Todd also taught accounting, finance, and business courses at the college level for over 10 years in his spare time.

Since becoming a CLFP in 2014, Todd has been active in the CLFP Foundation. Todd is an active instructor in FAEF’s internal CLFP program. Additionally, Todd has traveled to many Academy for Lease & Finance Professional sessions in order to help prepare aspiring CLFP’s for the CLFP exam.

Todd earned a B.S. in Accounting from Utica College and a M.B.A. in Finance from St. Bonaventure University.

Todd, his wife Kimberly, and their two children reside in Henrietta, NY.

Candace Reinhart, CLFP

Candace Reinhart, CLFP

Vice President

Candace Reinhart leads Operations and Client Experience at CoreTech Leasing, an independent middle market equipment lessor, and drives client value to enhance CoreTech’s leadership in the industry. 

Candace achieves this for CoreTech by relentlessly pursuing what is best in the lease and finance industry with a singularity of focus that is unmatched. She leads with an infectious passion for learning, which is one reason it comes as no surprise to anyone who knows Candace that she has risen to the top in her field. Her proactive management style and strong work ethic set the standard for diligence at every organization she has led.

Candace has worked in every element of the lease life cycle; she knows first–hand the challenges and responsibilities that come with each position and is uniquely able to encourage creative solutions and outside–the–box thinking. This insight into each role within the organization enables her to bring empathy to build an empowered team that delivers unparalleled service and responsiveness to clients.

From the get-go, Candace deliberately set her sights on raising the bar on industry ethics and standards. She pursued her CLFP on her own and not only proudly accomplished this goal but has now been elected to the 2021 CLFP Board and has also been selected as one The Monitor’s Top 50 Women in Equipment Finance.

Candace takes tremendous pride in her CLFP certification and in upholding the standards of the lease and finance industry. Her focus has always been in playing the long game and never being satisfied with expedient answers or self-interested deals. Rather, Candace has cultivated a very strong sense of integrity, one which she has never betrayed.

She envisions herself as someone helping the industry to grow and evolve into a more digital future. In an industry that has been somewhat slow to adopt change, she looks to herself and her peers as being pivotal in driving the human-powered capabilities our digitized future will need.

Candace is an avid sailor, who enjoys trips to Catalina with her husband on their sloop, and she is also proud to have run her first marathon at the beginning of 2020. Her greatest source of pride, however, is her family and being a mom to her 15-year-old daughter, Jackie.

Mike McDonald, CLFP

Mike McDonald, CLFP

Treasurer

Mike McDonald, CLFP is the Treasury Director at CoreTech Leasing. In his current role, Mike oversees the finances of CoreTech. In this role, Mike monitors the day-to-day operations, including expenses and incoming cash flow, with a primary focus on developing a strong, long-term financial strategy. Prior to his current role, Mike has worked at a variety of institutions with roles in accounting, finance, pricing, sales, and credit.

Mike obtained his MBA with a concentration in Finance at Arizona State University and Bachelors of Science from Michigan State University. Mike and his wife Lauren reside in Mattawan, MI.

Kathy Nordendahl, CLFP

Kathy Nordendahl, CLFP

Secretary

Katherine (Kathy) Nordendahl is Vice President Sales Third Party Relationship Manager at Dext Capital.  She focuses on building and maintaining relationships with 3rd party originators.  Previously she worked with Dedicated Funding, and Bank of the West for 19 years in the Equipment Leasing Division. Kathy earned her CLFP designation in May 2006.  Her career has been primarily in sales but over the year’s she has also assisted in credit, documentation, systems, and operations.  She believes that her CLFP designation provided the information she needed to be a strong contributor.   She is a member of the AACFB and NEFA organizations.  Kathy is married with 2 grown children.  Interests includes Mountain Biking, Scuba Diving, and hiking.    

Lia Wax, CLFP

Lia Wax, CLFP

Past President

Lia Wax is the Vice President of Operations – Contract Management at Financial Pacific Leasing, Inc. Lia entered the industry in August of 1999, after relocating to the Pacific Northwest from Knoxville, Tennessee, upon completion of a master’s degree in music. She’s spent her entire 24 years in the industry at FP, working her way up from the file room, through supervising Customer Service and Titling, managing various Funding groups, to currently managing post-funding operations. She’s never met a problem that she hasn’t wanted to try and solve. She loves analyzing complex issues and finding creative ways to solve them. She believes in leveraging technology to create a better customer experience, while maintaining the human touch in places where it will have the most impact. She also believes strongly that knowledge is power, and that you should strive to learn something new every day.

Lia earned the CLFP designation in 2004 and has been an active participant in supporting the foundation’s growth and advocating for the designation ever since. She takes great pride in being part of such an amazing organization with such a hard-working board.

Jill Brothers, CLFP

Jill Brothers, CLFP

Director

Jill Brothers holds the position of Assistant Vice President – Relationship Manager at Financial Pacific Leasing. She manages both the FP Commercial channel and oversees a region of Finpac Classic relationships. With over 30 years of experience in this industry, Jill’s journey with Financial Pacific began in 1991 when she joined as an inside sales representative. Over the years, she has held various roles in inside sales, credit, and business development. Notably, Jill took a hiatus from FP between 2008 and 2019, during which she put her credit skills to the test and gained valuable knowledge while working at another leasing company and a credit union before returning to FP in 2019.

In 2000, Jill earned the original CLP designation and has actively engaged with the CLFP Foundation for the past five years, where she serves on the Vetting Committee. Additionally, she regularly participates in representing the CLFP booth at various industry events.

Jill and her husband, Brant, reside in Tahuya, WA, nestled along the beautiful Hood Canal.

Craig Colling, CLFP

Craig Colling, CLFP

Director

Craig Colling, CLFP, SVP – Vendor Channel Leader at Ascentium Capital, a Division of Regions Bank, boasts 22 years of expertise in the equipment financing industry and currently spearheads the vendor sales division for his organization. Prior to his tenure at Ascentium Capital, Craig served as the Vice President of Sales at Paramount Financial Services.

Craig earned his CLFP designation in 2019 and has remained actively involved with the CLFP Foundation. His contributions include hosting multiple CLFP exams and teaching Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals (ALFP) courses. Craig ardently champions the CLFP Foundation and its mission of upholding exceptional standards of professional conduct and technical expertise.

Craig holds a degree in Marketing (BSBA) from the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ. He resides in Phoenix, AZ, with his wife Asia, son Jack, and daughter Dylan. In his leisure time, Craig enjoys playing golf, pickleball, and coaching youth team sports.

Nick Gibbens, CLFP

Nick Gibbens, CLFP

Director

Nick Gibbens – CLFP, is the Vice President of Business Development at Wintrust Specialty Finance. In this role he identifies, develops and manages relationships with leasing companies and banks who sell transactions through portfolio sales or one-off opportunities.

Nick began his finance career at US Leasing in San Francisco before moving to Trinity Capital Corporation where he was Vice President of Sales. Trinity was later acquired by Bank of the West. Nick became a Business Unit Manager tasked with expanding the Bank’s national vendor finance programs. Nick also managed the Bank of the West’ broker division supporting the 3rd Party segment of equipment finance originations. Nick joined Wintrust Specialty Finance in 2018 in his current role as business development manager.

Nick is a current member of the ELFA’s Small Ticket Business Steering Council and has been active in supporting industry related initiatives throughout his career. Nick obtained his CLFP in 2016. He resides in Marin County California with his wife and three grown children where he is an active mountain biker, hiker, and competitive sailor.

Ben Hall, CLFP

Ben Hall, CLFP

Director

Ben Hall, CLFP has over 13 years’ experience in compliance, operations, and legal areas of the equipment finance industry after spending his early career with a nonprofit.  He joined U.S. Bank Equipment Finance in 2022 as Senior Counsel, focusing on small ticket and government transactions as well as training and document development. Ben received his law degree and MBA from the University of Colorado. He lives in Colorado where he enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, and watching the Colorado Avalanche.
Mikki Henkelman, CLFP

Mikki Henkelman, CLFP

Director

Mikki serves as the VP of Credit & Risk at Oakmont Capital Services (OCS). She embarked on her career in the equipment leasing and finance industry in 2007 and joined the OCS team in 2018. Throughout her journey, she has gained extensive experience in various industry domains, with a particular focus on underwriting, syndications, and credit risk management. At OCS, Mikki holds responsibility for overseeing the Credit Department, aiding in policy compliance, implementing technology solutions, and managing risk.

Mikki earned her finance degree at Minnesota State University, Moorhead, with a minor in communications. In 2016, she achieved the Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) designation. Notably, she garnered recognition in 2021 as a Monitor NextGen Leader. Mikki passionately advocates for the CLFP designation, firmly believing in its value for anyone in the industry, regardless of their level of experience or specialization.

Mikki and her husband, Dustin, along with their three children, reside in Minnesota. When not busy shuttling her children to various activities, she finds solace and enjoys spending quality time outdoors and by the tranquil lake.

Paul Knowlton, CLFP

Paul Knowlton, CLFP

Director

Paul Knowlton is a National Program Manager with Huntington National Bank, formerly TCF Capital Solutions. His focus is on developing and delivering effective vendor programs with manufacturers and distributors of capital equipment with a current focus on automotive service collision and repair equipment.

Paul’s 30+ year career spans his partnership in an independent brokerage, the launching a small ticket division within a community bank and building a new asset type for a nation-wide finance company. His experience includes credit, underwriting, portfolio management, and extensive business development.

Paul has been a CLFP since 1995, served as President of UAEL, predecessor of NEFA and has served on the Small Ticket committee of the ELFA. He has provided mentoring and training in the industry throughout his career. Paul has volunteered on the Loan Committee of Working Solutions, a microfinance organization.

A graduate of the University of Oregon, and father of two grown daughters, Paul, with his wife live in Oakland, California. They enjoy traveling, biking, golf and their Peloton.

Jill Molitor, CLFP

Jill Molitor, CLFP

Director

Jill Molitor started her career with Stearns Bank in 2001, as a Sales Representative in the Equipment Finance Division. She transitioned to the EFD Credit Team in 2002, and since has laterally expanded learning multiple facets of EFD including sales, credit, documentation, funding, and accounts receivable. She simultaneously gained an understanding of the fraud and compliance areas of EFD of the bank. Roles through her tenure included Credit Supervisor, Credit Manager, Fraud Strategy Officer, and Director of Credit and Fraud Strategy. Jill started learning bank-side credit and related functions along with BSA/AML in 2019 when she accepted the role of Director of Credit and Fraud Strategy. Jill was promoted to Chief Credit Officer in September 2022 with current duties including development, implementation, and oversight of credit and fraud-related efficiencies and best practices, internal controls, actionable reporting, and involvement in credit-related audits to maintain Stearns Bank’s “Credit-Strong” culture and strategic priorities. Her role allows her to work closely with a variety of Teams throughout the organization.

Jill earned her Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), CLFP (Certified Lease Finance Professional), and CFCS (Certified Financial Crimes Specialist) certifications, and is currently studying for her Cryptocurrency Investigator (CCI) certification. Jill is currently attending a year-long Leadership Academy hosted by the Minnesota Bankers Association. Jill serves on a variety of internal committees at Stearns Bank and serves on the CLFP’s ALFP Committee.

Jill is a May 2000 graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in business administration.

Jill resides in Richmond, MN with her husband, twin daughters, son, two dogs, and a cat. Jill actively cheers on her kids at their Cross Country, softball, track, and dance. She is an avid runner, starting each day with a 5-mile run, and enjoys spending time at her cabin and volunteering at her church.

Michael "Mic" Mount, CLFP

Michael "Mic" Mount, CLFP

Director

Michael A. “Mic” Mount has been in risk management roles in the equipment finance industry since 2001. He joined U.S. Bank Equipment Finance in 2012 and is currently Senior Vice President and Credit Executive for underwriting (large and small ticket), portfolio review, and document negotiations.

Prior to transitioning to U.S. Bank, Mic was Senior Vice President and Credit Executive at another large regional financial institution, where his responsibilities included oversight of the credit underwriting process and credit teams located in offices in the U.S., Europe, and APAC.

Mic began his career as a national bank examiner with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), transitioned into a role as a consultant with a nation-wide bank accounting & consulting firm, and then as commercial lender at a Midwest-based regional bank.

Mr. Mount holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado at Boulder and was awarded the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2002. He earned his CLFP designation in 2018. Mic previously served on the University of Colorado Alumni Association’s Board of Directors and as the Association’s Treasurer. He is actively engaged with the ELFA and has been a member of the Credit & Collections Management Conference Committee for many years, including serving as Chair of the Committee from 2016 – 2018. In his free time, Mic enjoys time with his family and dog, the outdoors, and is an avid skier and golfer. He is currently full-time remote and resides in the mountains of Colorado.

Carrie Radloff, CLFP

Carrie Radloff, CLFP

Director

Carrie Radloff is the Business Development and Marketing Director for American Financial Partners, Inc. (AFP). In her role, Carrie focuses on developing and strengthening vendor relationships, driving repeat business, developing new initiatives, and facilitating AFP’s marketing initiatives. Carrie joined AFP in 2018 and has over 25 years of experience in the leasing and finance industry. Prior to joining AFP, Carrie worked at U.S. Bank Manifest Funding Services within their credit management, sales, and leadership teams.

Carrie gained her CLFP designation in 2015 and was recognized among Monitor’s Top Woman in Equipment Finance in 2020. Carrie is Past President of the American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB) and is a member of NEFA and ELFA. Carrie earned a B.S. in Accounting and MBA from Southwest Minnesota State University.

Carrie and her husband Scott reside in Minnesota with their two teenage daughters, Madison and Samantha, and two dogs. Carrie enjoys golf, playing the piano and organ, scrapbooking, and attending her daughter’s events in volleyball, gymnastics, and barrel racing.

Deborah Reuben, CLFP

Deborah Reuben, CLFP

Director

Deborah “Deb” Reuben, CLFP, DES, is CEO and Founder of TomorrowZone, a technology strategy consultancy inspiring fresh ideas and collaborations to shape the future of business. She encourages new thinking to explore the art of the possible through her extensive technical knowledge, equipment finance experience, and passion for challenging the status quo. Her expertise will enhance and broaden your company’s products and services and create efficiencies that will produce a competitive advantage for your company. 

Her view on digital transformation and future-readiness is radically different with over two decades of innovating, speaking, and most importantly, real-life, in-the-trenches innovation experience in finance and software industries. Deborah appreciates and shares with clients and audiences that digital transformation is less about the digital and more about the people. When it comes to thinking about technology, innovation, and the future, you can choose to act today to shape your future. The best investment you can make is investing in what’s between your ears by taking ownership of your personal growth. Everyone, regardless of role, must stay on top of technology and trends to stay ahead of tomorrow.

What surprises most clients is her ability to combine big company thinking and entrepreneurial ideas to create marketplace success. Deb’s clients and audiences include companies like PNC, Wells Fargo, DLL Group, Huntington (TCF Bank), Dell, Mitsubishi UFG, Caterpillar, Key Equipment Finance.

She currently serves on the CLFP Foundation Board of Directors and authored The Certified Lease and Finance Professionals’ Handbook, 6th – 9th editions. She served on ELFA’s Board of Directors and is the founder and chair of the ELFA Innovation Advisory Council. In partnership with ELFA, she and her team moderate quarterly industry innovation roundtables for the ELFA to bring forward-thinking insights and fresh ideas to ELFA Members.

Reuben also served on the Monitor Editorial Advisory Board and co-founded the Disrupted+ innovation conference series with Monitor. She is the recipient of both the CLFP Foundation Cindy Spurdle Award of Excellence and the ELFA Michael J. Fleming Distinguished Service Award. Monitor Magazine honored her as one of the 50 Most Powerful Women Leaders in Equipment Finance, named TomorrowZone one of the most innovative companies in the equipment finance ecosystem and honored her as an Industry Disruptor Icon. 

Molly Simon, CLFP

Molly Simon, CLFP

Director

Molly Simon, CLFP, serves as Senior Legal Counsel at De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc. (DLL), where she brings 14 years of legal expertise to the equipment financing industry. In her capacity as in-house counsel, Molly plays a vital role in providing legal support to DLL, offering guidance on various legal matters concerning the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and equipment financing transactions.

Molly is a graduate of Hamline University, holding a law degree, and she also earned her MBA from Southwest Minnesota State University. She resides in Texas with her husband, four children, two dogs, and seven cats. In her leisure time, she finds pleasure in reading and playing the piano.

Bruce Winter, CLFP

Bruce Winter, CLFP

Director

Bruce J. Winter, CLFP, is Founder and President of FSG Capital, Inc., a 33-year-old middle market commercial equipment financing and leasing company headquartered in Maryland.

Bruce currently serves on ELFA’s Executive Committee, Academic Outreach Committee and serves as the Chair of LeasePAC, the industry’s only Political Action Committee. He has held numerous leadership positions with industry trade associations since 1996 and previously served on the Executive Boards of the EAEL, NEFA and the CLP Foundation.

He currently serves on the Executive Board of The Lutheran Church Extension Fund, a $2 billion nonprofit financial institution and was a founding shareholder and Regional Director for Revere Bank which grew to over $3 billion in assets before its successful sale in 2020. He is also a board member of a privately held $250 million manufacturer headquartered in Texas.

Bruce holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Maryland, College Park and received his CLP designation in 1998.

Bruce and his wife Sarita live in Ashton, Maryland and have one adult daughter. He enjoys traveling, scuba diving, cycling and following the Maryland Terrapins basketball and football teams.

CLFP Foundation Staff

Reid Raykovich, CLFP, CAE

Reid Raykovich, CLFP, CAE

Chief Executive Officer

Reid Raykovich, CLFP, CAE, is the CEO of the Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation. Reid took over the Foundation in 2012 and has grown the membership by over 1,000%. In 2014, she was honored with the Foundation’s Cindy Spurdle Award of Excellence.

Reid began her career in the commercial equipment finance industry at Great American Insurance, where she obtained her CLFP designation. She has also held various positions at McCommon Leasing, Irwin Commercial Finance, and Financial Pacific Leasing, where she was presented with the “Above and Beyond Leadership” Award. She also received the Leasing News Person of the Year Award in 2016. She was named one of the top 50 most powerful and influential women in the industry by Monitor magazine in 2019 and named the 2020 Pioneer Icon by Monitor.

Reid has authored and co-authored several articles regarding certification and continuing education. She has also spoken on various panels and presented at many industry conference sessions. In 2018, she traveled to Australia and spoke in three cities about certification.

She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with minors in Classics and Business from the University of Washington, where she graduated magna cum laude in two and a half years. She also obtained her Certified Association Executive designation in June 2023.

In her spare time, she loves crafting and making gifts for others. She has a daughter, Milla, and a loving cat, Toonces, who keep her on her toes.

Email: reid@clfpfoundation.org

Mel Vinson, CLFP

Mel Vinson, CLFP

VP of Marketing and Development

Melissa “Mel” Vinson, CLFP, is the Vice President of Marketing and Development at the Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation.

Mel is a native of Portland, Oregon and a graduate of Oregon State University. She began her career in banking with U.S. Bank back in 2012 and found that this was a great path for her – there was so much to learn and so many avenues for growth in the industry. Mel started in consumer banking where her passion to help her customers better understand the ins and outs of finance yielded great success and built many positive relationships. This quickly blossomed into eagerness to help business customers succeed financially. Mel moved into the Equipment Finance division of U.S. Bank a few years later and found that Leasing and Finance was truly where she belonged.

After becoming CLFP certified, Mel was ready to give back and support future CLFPs obtain their certifications and immediately began volunteering to teach ALFP courses. Mel’s joy to help others and enthusiasm for education helped launch her into the new Director role with the CLFP foundation.

In her spare time, Mel loves hiking, exploring the Pacific Northwest, photography, and running races including the world’s largest relay, Hood to Coast.

Email: mel@clfpfoundation.org

Sandy Vigilia

Sandy Vigilia

Executive Administrator

Sandy is a native of the Pacific Northwest. Born and raised in the Seattle area, she has experienced several diversified positions within many companies. Prior to the CLFP Foundation, she worked at Vivien Maier and Associates for eleven years as the Executive Administrator. She began her career in the legal industry, working for attorneys on Mercer Island, WA. The majority of her experience has been as the Executive Assistant to company presidents, sales managers, and large corporations’ executives. She was employed for more than 10 years as the Lead Section Assistant in a Northwest engineering firm where she supported 35 engineers in the wastewater department and received the “Pathfinders Program of Excellence Award.

Phone: 206-535-6281   |   Email: sandy@clfpfoundation.org

CLFP Partnership Program

The Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation is a not-for-profit organization and we are grateful to those companies and individuals who have graciously donated not only their time, but money as well. Please contact our CEO, Reid Raykovich, CLFP via reid@CLFPfoundation.org or call (206) 535-6281 to discuss your generous donation.

If you are a corporation interested in donating to the Foundation, you can learn more about the benefits of our Annual Partnership Program below.

Committees

The committees below are responsible for generating and supporting new ideas to make them a reality. Depending on its charter and specific needs, a committee may have several subcommittees to help divide the activities into more manageable chunks. CLFPs are encouraged to take the opportunity to get involved and help advance the CLFP Vision. 

 

Body of Knowledge Committee

This committee supports the ongoing update of the Body of Knowledge, which is reviewed and edited annually.

Mark Thomas, CLFP (Chair)
Todd Buzard, CPA, CLFP
Matt Crawley, CLFP
Kate Georgiana, CLFP
Ben Hall, CLFP
Lana Kralik, CLFP
Martin Klotzman, CLFP
Jill Molitor, CLFP
Reid Raykovich, CLFP
Deborah Reuben, CLFP
Michelle Speranza, CLFP

CLFP Day Committee

This committee works to coordinate events for the annual celebration day of being a CLFP.

Mel Vinson, CLFP (Chair)
Amanda Brukbaken, CLFP
Kristin Coster, CLFP
Amy Spragg, CLFP

Engagement Committee

This committee is working to create a program to engage CLFPs on an annual basis actively. The goal is to connect CLFPs to their designation and the foundation’s activities.

Kirstin Elmer, CLFP (Chair)
Mirana Borgemoen, CLFP
Craig Colling, CLFP
Jennaleigh Lathrop, CLFP
Austin Law, CLFP
Theresa Kabot, CLFP
Paul Knowlton, CLFP
Matt Kondracsek, CLFP
Pierina Silvestre, CLFP
Rico Sondakh-Dorantes, CLFP

Personnel Committee

This committee is responsible for planning, monitoring, and overseeing the organization’s use of its human resources (paid and volunteer). It will also guide performance management and supervision, employee compensation and benefits, and grievance handling.

Mike McDonald, CLFP (Chair)
Todd Buzard, CPA, CLFP
Reid Raykovich, CLFP, CAE
Candace Reinhart, CLFP
Lia Wax, CLFP

Recertification Committee

This committee determines the subject(s) and comprises the annual industry knowledge review content.

Mic Mount, CLFP
Mike Baez, CLFP
Mikki Henkelman, CLFP
Reid Raykovich, CLFP, CAE
Kim Roseborough, CLFP
Suzzanne Salasbury, CLFP
Molly Simon, CLFP

Vetting Committee

This committee is responsible for recruiting candidates for board and committee membership and preparing a “slate” of candidates or nominees for consideration and action by the entire board.

Jill Brothers, CLFP (Chair)
Mic Mount, CLFP
Siobhan McGee, CLFP
Kersten Pelton, CLFP

Welcome Committee

This committee contacts new CLFPs and Associates to foster a welcoming community.

Tracey Elfering, CLFP (Chair)
Caprice Archer, CLFP
Nick Gibbens, CLFP
Janet Jonas, CLFP
Melissa Kaul, CLFP
Carol Maurer, CLFP
Mike McElroy, CLFP
Amy Page, CLFP
Lorraine Perkins, CLFP
Vickii Robinson, CLFP
Vicki Shimkus, CLFP

HBCU Task Force

This task force is exploring the potential of a certificate program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Reid Raykovich, CLFP, CAE (Chair)
Jill Molitor, CLFP
Deb Reuben, CLFP
Mel Vinson, CLFP

CLFPs in Good Standing

This is a comprehensive list of all Certified Lease & Finance Professionals who are currently in Good Standing and are granted the right to use the CLFP letters (except those noted as an Associate).

If you feel there are any errors, please contact Reid Raykovich, CLFP reid@CLFPfoundation.org or call (206) 535-6281.

Testimonials from CLFPs

 

David Schaefer, CLFP | Orion First Financial

“I wanted to set myself apart from others early on in my career and obtaining my CLFP certification certainly helped to distinguish myself within the lease and finance industry.

When I founded Orion First Financial, I wanted our management team to be well rounded, experienced and talented individuals committed to our industry. All but one of our senior managers is a CLFP. Our junior managers also see the value of certification and some have already obtained their CLFP certification. I expect that all of our managers will strive to achieve and become Certified Lease & Finance Professionals once they are eligible.”

Nancy A Geary, CPA, CLFP | ECS Financial Services, Inc

“I believe the CLFP designation gives ECS Financial Services, Inc. an additional level of credibility.

While our CPA designation says we know accounting, the CLFP designation tells clients and prospects that we also understand the leasing industry. Obtaining the CLFP designation was a great start to establishing a reputation of expertise in the industry, which I believe is critical to the success of any service provider.”

Theresa Kabot, CLFP | Kabot Commercial Leasing

“When I first entered the industry I understood CLFP stood for knowledge, credibility and integrity – the characteristics I want for myself and my company.

For the last several years the CLFP designation has played a major role in our success in establishing relationships with banks and funding sources. Better business means doing business with a CLFP.”

Kevin Clune, CLFP | Clune and Company LC

 “We decided to make the CLFP program the center point of an employee continuing education and training program.

While not specifically designed for that purpose it is a great way to train employees and expose them to all of the facets of the leasing and financing industry. Each of our employees had the option to participate or not. Whether or not they decided to sit for the test, all involved gained a broader and deeper knowledge of the industry as well as a higher level of confidence in their job skills.”

Donna Wesemann, CLFP| Navitas Credit Corp.

“During a troubling time in our industry when “leasing” was experiencing some negative media and our industry was misunderstood, I felt it important for vendors and customers to know they were working with a qualified and credible expert. I was also looking for a way to take my career up to the next level and pursue job advancement. The President of our company at that time, Ken Collins, had suggested taking the CLFP courses and exam. Studying and taking the exam has made me more confident and positive. It has had a major impact on my professional progress by having my level of expertise understood and recognized.

During my many years in leasing and finance, my job responsibilities required the evaluation and decisions on choosing the right indirect business partners to develop a funding relationship with. Prospects that displayed the CLFP designation, distinguished themselves as individuals and companies with a reputation of integrity, expertise and a higher standard of ethical practices. These were the individuals and companies that I choose to focus on and work with.

Bruce Winter, CLFP | FSG Leasing Inc

“By earning the CLFP designation, an individual demonstrates they have not only mastered a comprehensive knowledge base reflecting all aspects of the equipment leasing and financing industry but they also have proven they possess solid work and study habits necessary to pass the CLFP exam.

When I see the letters “CLFP” on a business card, I see a person who was willing to undertake a challenge and accomplish a significant professional goal. Only those that have truly absorbed the many facets of our industry can reasonably expect to earn their certification. In my eyes, those individuals recognized as CLFP’s have proven they have a comprehensive skill set that will undoubtedly serve them well throughout their career.”

David Normandin, CLFP | Wintrust Speciality Finance

“The CLFP designation is our industry standard of excellence. I believe that this designation makes the statement that Banc of California is committed to being the best-in-class lessor within our industry.

Additionally, the designation is a differentiating factor with our vendors and customers that distinguishes us from our competitors. Finally, the CLFP network is full of the brightest minds in our industry and is an invaluable resource to help grow my business.”

Spencer Richman, CLFP |AFN Equipment Leasing & Financing Services

“I use my CLFP designation as a means of differentiating myself from the rest of my competition.

I find that I can effectively use my CLFP designation, along with my other professional association service and recognition, to show potential vendors and lessees that my company is something different. I explain to them that what it all means is that they can TRUST us to treat them (or their clients) professionally, honestly, and ethically. It means that we have competitive pricing, and thorough industry knowledge with which to serve them and their clients.”

Amanda Brubaken, CLFP | Mitsubishi HC Capital

“I want to take my career in equipment leasing and finance as far as I can, and the CLFP designation is going to be a tool to help get me there.”

Mitchell Jurius, CLFP | Full Skope LLC

“I pursued the CLFP designation to broaden and deepen my expertise in the equipment finance space.

My background is in Operations, so I wanted to gain exposure to the Legal and Accounting aspects of the industry, which the ALFP course fully delivered on. The designation equips me with the knowledge, insight, and credibility to ensure that [we] can deliver the best solutions to the industry.”

Anthony Schindell, CLFP | Trio Captial Solutions

“I chose to pursue the designation to enrich my knowledge of the Equipment Finance Industry.

Having extensive insight on the Credit and Funding Departments I support will help me become a much more effective leader. Also, knowing more of how my role impacts the other functions in our company will positively impact my self-awareness.”

Matt Williamson, CLFP | DLL

“Obtaining my CLFP was a goal I set for myself in order to fully understand the leasing and finance industry. Having the title CLFP was important to me as it feels like additional schooling for an industry I enjoy working in and being a part of. “