The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation is pleased to announce that 16 individuals who recently sat through the online proctored CLFP exam, have passed.  They are:

• Melissa Abrahamson, CLFP – Information Systems Manager, Western Equipment Finance
• Mayana Akbari, CLFP – Credit Specialist, RidgeStone Capital
• Malik Awan, CLFP – Business Development Manager, Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance LLC
• Brett Chase, CLFP – Sales Support Analyst, DLL
• Katharine Converse, CLFP – Vice President, Sales, First Commonwealth Bank
• Matthew Freeman, CLFP – VP of Business Development, Wintrust Specialty Finance
• Dana Goldis, CLFP
• D. Samuel Giroux, CLFP – Treasury Process Improvement Lead, EquipmentShare.com Inc.
• Alyssa Meraz, CLFP – Lead Funder, RidgeStone Capital
• Melissa Rice, CLFP – Vice President Funding Operations, Financial Partners Group
• Tracy Stevens, CLFP – Post Booking Team Lead, DLL
• Jay Strock, CLFP – Senior Legal Counsel, DLL
• Bryan Thomas, CLFP – Business Development Officer, Wintrust Commercial Finance
• Nicholas Vasto, CLFP Associate – Account Manager Vendor Development, Financial Partners Group
• Michelle Verra, CLFP – Middle Market Specialist, DLL
• Michael Viola, CLFP – Regional Sales Manager - Southeast, Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance LLC

Nicholas Vasto shares, “When I accepted my equipment financing job with Financial Partners Group, I knew the best course of action was to further educate myself on the industry. Learning about the CLFP designation early on, it [became] a goal of mine. Being in various industries prior, I knew holding a certification would allow me the opportunity to gain more credibility. Knowing the standards set forth by the CLFP and now having the official credential, gives me more confidence moving forward to provide the best services to my clients.”

Mayana Akbari states, “The CLFP represents a commitment to professionalism, excellence, and continuous learning, which aligns with my personal and professional goals. By achieving this designation, I aim to enhance my expertise, better serve clients and colleagues, and contribute meaningfully to my organization. Additionally, I see this as a chance to connect with and learn from a respected community of industry leaders, which will further support my growth and development.”

The CLFP designation identifies an individual as a knowledgeable professional to employers, clients, customers, and peers in the commercial equipment finance industry.