The Certified Lease Professional Foundation said that Bree Johnson, senior processor, Commerce National Bank, and Mike Willerer, funding team manager, Direct Capital, have passed the CLP exam.

The Foundation said Commerce National Bank currently employs five CLPs – tied for fourth for the number of CLPs employed by any company. Steve Tidland, CLP, SVP/manager of the Equipment Finance Division of Commerce National Bank stated, “We have always been supportive of the CLP program and have used the handbook to help with our training programs. We are proud to have two more of our team make this commitment and successfully complete the process, and we expect to further expand our participation.”

Mike Willerer is the first CLP from Direct Capital and when asked why he chose to pursue the designation, he stated, “I wanted to become involved with the CLP Foundation as a way to help develop myself both professionally and personally and get more involved in the industry. All of the CLPs I have met are a dedicated group of individuals committed to excellence in the industry. I am very excited to grow along with those in the CLP Foundation.”

Companies that employ more than three Certified Lease Professionals are:

1. Financial Pacific Leasing – 18
2. First American Equipment Finance – 10
3. Orion First Financial – 7
4. Arvest Equipment Finance – 5
5. Commerce National Bank – 5
6. Great American Insurance – 5
7. Ascentium Capital – 4
8. Bank of the West – 4
9. ECS Financial Services – 4
10. First Star Capital – 4
11. Innovative Lease Services – 4
12. Maxim Commercial Capital – 4