The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA), the trade association representing the $1.3 trillion equipment finance industry, and the Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation, the organization responsible for the preeminent credential for equipment leasing and finance professionals, established a formal affiliation. The move follows a vote by CLFP members in good standing who approved the affiliation agreement. ELFA and the CLFP Foundation initiated the affiliation to meet the ongoing talent needs of the equipment finance industry.
“ELFA and the CLFP Foundation share a mission to ensure our workforce is well prepared, and I’m excited to formalize this affiliation,” Leigh Lytle, president and CEO of ELFA, said. “Combining our capabilities to develop and support the people in our industry will positively amplify our collective impact and ensure the equipment finance sector has the standing it deserves as a key driver of the U.S. economy.”
Reid Raykovich, CEO of the CLFP Foundation, said, “The response from the CLFP community to our affiliation with ELFA has been overwhelmingly positive, marked by pride, optimism and thoughtful engagement. Aligning our organizations supports a single vision for a stronger, more unified equipment finance industry built on shared standards, shared values and a shared commitment to professional excellence.”
The affiliation has several immediate and long-term goals. Initially, ELFA and the CLFP Foundation will focus on continuity and integration regarding a smooth operational transition of staff and systems to ELFA, standing up the Transitional Board and the Certification Commission, ensuring all CLFPs retain their certification status without interruption and maintaining program stability.
Longer term goals include:
- Accreditation: Pursuing American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accreditation to further elevate the credential globally.
- Global expansion: Supporting growth beyond the U.S., including the upcoming Canadian CLFP and additional international partners.
- Workforce development: Creating clear pathways from student programs and university partnerships into certification and industry roles.
- Enhanced educational offerings: Leveraging shared expertise to develop advanced credentials, specialty designations and more robust continuing education.
- Diversity and access: Strengthening the pipeline through partnerships, scholarships and inclusive programming.
