The American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB) announced the inaugural members of its newly developed Industry Advisory Council at the AACFB Commercial Financing Expo in New Orleans last week. This esteemed group comprised of five distinguished individuals from AACFB funding source member companies, will collaborate to provide strategic guidance and industry insights to the AACFB Board of Directors.

The creation of the Industry Advisory Council supports the AACFB’s ongoing mission of nurturing the relationships between commercial finance brokers and their funding partners. The council will serve as a vital resource, helping the AACFB continue to thrive for the next generation of commercial finance professionals.

Each member of the council brings a wealth of experience and expertise from various sectors of the commercial finance industry. Their collective knowledge will be instrumental in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing AACFB members.

Members of the 2024-2025 AACFB Industry Advisory Council include:

John Boettigheimer, President, 4 Hour Funding
John Boettigheimer brings over 29 years of experience in the leasing industry. He received a degree in Economics and Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1983. In late 1984, he started and developed Pioneer Capital Corporation. In 2004, IFC Credit Corporation purchased Pioneer Capital, at which time John started Centra Financial Corporation as an investment vehicle. In 2008 another corporate entity - Centra Leasing, Inc. was created to handle all leasing activities. In 2014, Centra introduced the equipment financing industry’s first truly all-electronic signing process, and 4 Hour Funding was born.

Tina Cawthorn, CLFP, Business Development Manager, Orange Commercial Credit
Tina Cawthorn has over 30 years’ experience in the financing industry including equipment financing, ABL, and invoice factoring platforms. Tina’s career began at GE Colonial Pacific Leasing before it was part of the GE family of companies and known only as Colonial Pacific Leasing Co. From there Tina spent nine years with Textron Financial; first in their Vendor Finance Division and then their Asset Based Lending Division. While with these companies she held roles in customer service, operations, credit, and sales and marketing. Since 2009 Tina has worked as a Business Development Officer with Orange Commercial Credit, which provides invoice factoring.

Scott Hansen, Senior Account Manager, Avtech Capital
Scott Hansen has an extensive professional career including twelve years in the finance industry at Avtech Capital.  The past eight years have been dedicated to the Broker Desk at AVT, writing deals and funding transactions in all industries for all types of equipment. As a Senior Account Manager Scott’s role is to work closely with brokers and customers to navigate industry conditions and generate funding terms that meet the needs of both lessee and lessor. Scott is an excellent communicator and fosters trust and confidence in all aspects of his work.

Ariel Stich, Broker Supervisor, Stearns Bank
Since joining Stearns Bank in 2014, Ariel has gained vast, in-depth equipment finance experience, in a wide range of industries, and happily shares her understanding with everyone she serves. She is a strong, inspiring leader, guiding her team toward upholding Stearns Bank’s reputation of delivering seamless financing, hard work, and extraordinary personal service. Helping referral sources, along with their customers, achieve success is a huge motivator for Ariel. She especially loves seeing their growth over time as they achieve their own version of success.

Kit West, Business Development Director, C.H. Brown Co., LLC
Kit West was previously a ranch owner in Wyoming for over 17 years before becoming the owner of Kit West Motors in 2015. In 2020 he joined C.H. Brown Co., LLC where he works toward building broker relationships in the equipment finance industry. Kit also develops internal and external processes to build nationwide business relations, increase revenue, and expand brand recognition.

The AACFB is dedicated to providing its members with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in the competitive world of commercial finance. The formation of the Industry Advisory Council underscores this commitment and sets the stage for continued growth and innovation.