The American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB) announced the election of two new members to its Board of Directors and the election of a new Vice President, Teresa Thacker with Brahma Lending and Leasing. Michael Hong with Taycor Financial and Kalah Sprabeary with HUB Funding Solutions were elected to Director at Large positions. They will begin their service in their new positions in May.
 
Current AACFB President Cindy Downs said, “I am pleased to welcome the newest members to our Board of Directors. They will both bring valuable perspectives, which will benefit all AACFB members. I also want to thank AACFB Past Presidents, Paul Burnham and Bud Callahan, for their dedication and service to the AACFB as they complete their terms on the Board.”

The 2021-2022 AACFB Board of Directors are:

Officers:

• President - Carrie Radloff, CLFP, American Financial Partners
• President-Elect - Laura Estrada, Preferred Capital Funding, Inc.
• Vice President - Teresa Thacker, Brahma Lending and Leasing
• Secretary/Treasurer - Roderick Knoll, CLFP AS, Marathon Commercial Capital
• Past President - Cindy Downs, Heartland Capital Group

Directors-at-Large:

• Michael Hong, Taycor Financial
• Kalah Sprabeary, HUB Funding Solutions
• Amanda Zeken, CLFP, Smarter Equipment Finance, LLC

More About the Newest Board Members

• Michael Hong is President, CEO and board member at Taycor Financial. He began his career in the equipment finance industry as a teenager in the mail room, and over the last 20 years has accumulated a lifetime of lessons by working for and with countless inspiring mentors. Hong is originally from Texas and started his career in equipment finance for a company in Georgia. He worked his way through various sales and business development roles before relocating to California in 2011 and accepting a role as Director of Business Development at Taycor. At Taycor, Hong was responsible for the company’s development of several key technologies and process improvements that led to the organization’s year over year record growth. He was promoted to President and CEO of Taycor in 2015 and has continued to grow and evolve the company’s capabilities and product offerings.
• Kalah Sprabeary is co-owner of HUB Funding Solutions and has been involved in the alternative financing sector as a Broker and prior direct lender since 2013. HFS offers brokerage services including equipment, working capital, and accounts receivable finance. While their foundation is in the industrial sector, Sprabeary has worked with her team to provide services for a wide variety of businesses. Sprabeary was raised in the Lubbock, Texas area and graduated from Texas Tech University. Her experience in multiple industries such as oil and gas, agriculture, construction, and real estate has provided a depth of direct industry knowledge. During her professional career, Sprabeary has been active on multiple boards in associations across various industries and networking groups. She often participates with the AACFB in speaking engagements and panels, as well as working in the background with the board to coordinate events for the organization.