Due to COVID-19, two previously scheduled in-person Academies for Lease & Finance Professionals (ALFP), were moved to an online format. The first was hosted by U.S. Bank Equipment Finance in May and the second by Arvest Equipment Finance this month.

“We were looking forward to hosting again in Kansas City but when we realized that wasn't an option, we adjusted our plans to move forward with the online class,” said Eric Bunnell, CLFP, President at Arvest Equipment Finance. “I observed the sessions and I was very impressed with the experienced instructors that the CLFP Foundation lined up and how they presented the material.”

Following both ALFPs, the Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation welcomed the following new CLFPs and Associates:

• Amanda Albertsson, CLFP – Vice President of Sales, Fernwood Capital & Leasing
• James (Jay) Bankston, CLFP – VP, Equipment Finance Business Development Rep., Arvest Equipment Finance
• Brett Blankenship, CLFP – Manager of Customer Support, LTi Technology Solutions
• Michelle Castor, CLFP – Director of Contract Administration, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
• Anita Colvin, CLFP – Vice President, Director of Sales, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
• Katie Crawford, CLFP – Vice President, Equipment Finance Specialist, Arvest Equipment Finance
• J. Patrick Doud, CLFP – Account Executive, Zions Equipment Finance
• Regina Eckendorf, CLFP – Vice President, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
• Maria Ehlers, CLFP Associate – Commercial Relationship Manager, American Equipment Financial Services, LLC
• Leslie Harty, CLFP – Sales Support Specialist, Arvest Equipment Finance
• Kacie Haugen, CLFP – Financial Analyst, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
• Austin Johnson, CLFP – Finance Manager, Commercial Capital Company, LLC
• Derek Johnson, CLFP – Partner, 10-4 Financing, LLC
• Eric Johnston, CLFP – Business Development Rep., Vice President, Arvest Equipment Finance
• Amber Kodet, CLFP – Business Analyst, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
• Jenaleigh Lathrop, CLFP – Sales Support Specialist, Arvest Equipment Finance
• Ryan Ledden, CLFP – Implementation Manager, LTi Technology Solutions
• Isaac Leman, CLFP – Vice President, U.S. Bank Manufacturing Vendor Services, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
• Andrew Lepley, CLFP – Leasing Credit Manager, Assistant Vice President, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
• John Marshall, CLFP – Principal, JRM Business Advisory & Consulting Services, LLC
• Jackie Moore, CLFP – Credit Analyst, Arvest Equipment Finance
• John (Clark) Parker, CLFP – Asset Manager, Arvest Equipment Finance
• Matthew Peters, CLFP – Sales Manager, Commercial Capital Company, LLC
• Jason Peterson, CLFP – EVP of Finance, JenCas Financial, Inc.
• Megan Syltie, CLFP – Operations Manager, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
• Jeffery Swift, CLFP – Vice President, Credit Manager, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
• John Thomsen, CLFP – Regional Sales Manager, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
• Annie Weets, CLFP – End of Lease Manager, AVP, Asset Management, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
• Kayla Werkman, CLFP – Financial Analyst, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance
• Justin Wilmes CLFP – AVP, Inside Sales Manager, Healthcare Vendor Services, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance

Annie Weets, CLFP, End of Lease Manager, Assistant Vice President at U.S. Bank Equipment Finance, explained why she pursued the designation, “The breadth of knowledge required to obtain the CLFP designation encompasses the entire leasing life cycle and all of the departments involved. Having this knowledge makes me a more valuable resource to my company and to my customers. Having the designation is just an outward sign of my commitment and passion for an industry that I love.”

The CLFP designation identifies an individual as a knowledgeable professional to employers, clients, customers, and peers in the equipment finance industry. There are currently 905 active Certified Lease & Finance Professionals and Associates in the United States, Canada, India and Australia.