The Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation has announced that 16 individuals have successfully passed the online proctored CLFP exam, earning the prestigious designation.
The newly certified lease and finance professionals (CLFPs) come from diverse roles within the commercial equipment finance industry, including sales, credit, legal, and operations, according to a Jan. 13 release.
The newly certified professionals are:
- Melissa Abrahamson, Western Equipment Finance
- Mayana Akbari, RidgeStone Capital
- Malik Awan, Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance
- Brett Chase, DLL
- Katharine Converse, First Commonwealth Bank
- Matthew Freeman, Wintrust Specialty Finance
- Dana Goldis
- D. Samuel Giroux, EquipmentShare
- Alyssa Meraz, RidgeStone Capital
- Melissa Rice, Financial Partners Group
- Tracy Stevens, DLL
- Jay Strock, DLL
- Bryan Thomas, Wintrust Commercial Finance
- Nicholas Vasto, Financial Partners Group
- Michelle Verra, DLL
- Michael Viola, Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance
New designees shared their enthusiasm for achieving the credential, according to the release. The certified lease and finance professional designation, recognized globally in countries including the U.S., Canada, India, and Australia, signifies expertise and professionalism in the commercial equipment finance industry.
The third annual Equipment Finance Connect at the JW Marriott Nashville in Nashville, Tenn., on May 14-15, 2025, is the only event that brings together equipment dealers and lenders to share insights, attend discussions on crucial industry topics and network with peers. Learn more about the event and register here.
