The Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation added eight new members following its first Academy for Lease & Finance Professionals of 2016.

The first CLFPs of 2016 are:

* Kristian Dolan, COO of Tamarack Consulting
* Cindy Fleck, director of national accounts at GreatAmerica Financial Services
* Michelle Fuchs, VP of business development at Stearns Bank
* Mikki Henkelman, syndication specialist and senior credit analyst at Stearns Bank
* Marc Keepman, president and CEO of KLC Financial
* Daryn Lecy, VP of operations at Stearns Bank
* Jim Peach, VP and sales manager at Stearns Bank
* Spencer Thomas, executive vice president at KLC Financial

The event was hosted by Stearns Bank in Albany, MN and all eight of the individuals who sat for the exam at the conclusion of the event passed. A vast majority (96%) of those who attend an ALFP and study prior to attending have passed the eight-hour exam.

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