The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation announced that 14 individuals have successfully earned their CLFP designation after passing the online proctored CLFP Exam.

The newly certified professionals represent a range of companies across the equipment finance sector. They are:

• Fahima Ahadi, CLFP – VP, Contract Manager, Key Equipment Finance
• Avery Cantrell, CLFP Associate – Business Development Manager, Trans Lease
• Cathy Clair, CLFP – Vendor Experience Representative, Financial Pacific Leasing
• Tanner Deeds, CLFP – Equipment Finance Officer, Key Equipment Finance
• Kenneth Elliott, CLFP – Vice President, Business Development Officer – Healthcare, Wintrust Specialty Finance
• Stephanie Griffin, CLFP – AVP: Accountant Equipment Finance Controllership, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
• Shannon Harames, CLFP – VP, Power & Utilities, First American Equipment Finance
• Matthew Kleberger, CLFP – Credit Analyst II, Trans Lease
• Grant Kneisel, CLFP Associate – Sales Associate, Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance
• Jason Mitchell, CLFP – National Sales Manager, Trans Lease
• Emily Roberts, CLFP – Director of Deal Financial Strategy, Impact Networking
• Lucas Trujillo, CLFP – Senior Associate – Capital Markets & Large Corporate, Key Equipment Finance
• Jake Wenzel, CLFP Associate – Assistant Vice President – Program Management, First American Equipment Finance
• Brett Williams, CLFP – Assistant Vice President III, First American Equipment Finance

Achieving the CLFP designation is a significant milestone for professionals in the equipment finance industry. Brett Williams emphasized the impact of the program, stating, “I chose to pursue the CLFP designation to level up my career in the equipment finance industry. This CLFP Foundation and Exam gave me great insight into the history of how it all started, as well as how I can apply the processes and procedures to the activities in my daily role. I am now able to have educated conversations around the risks and benefits of leasing.”

Similarly, Cathy Clair reflected on the dedication required to achieve certification, noting, “Several years ago, I decided I wanted to pursue the CLFP designation because this was the gold standard of the industry. It took a lot of demanding work and studying and it was not easy. I achieved success on Monday, January 13, 2025! It was one of the best professional days I have ever had.”

The CLFP designation serves as a mark of excellence, recognizing individuals as knowledgeable and skilled professionals in commercial equipment finance. CLFPs and Associates are found across the United States, Canada, India, Pakistan, Africa, and Australia.

Brett Williams shares, “I chose to pursue the CLFP designation to level up my career in the equipment finance industry. This CLFP Foundation and Exam gave me great insight into the history of how it all started, as well as how I can apply the processes and procedures to the activities in my daily role. I am now able to have educated conversations around the risks and benefits of leasing.”

“I have been in the Equipment Finance/Leasing industry for over 30 years and have worked in different areas during this time,” says Cathy Clair. “Several years ago, I decided I wanted to pursue the CLFP designation because this was the gold standard of the industry. Encouragement came from my family and from coworkers who also hold this esteemed designation. I depended a great deal on past and present colleagues for their knowledge in specific areas of expertise. It took a lot of demanding work and studying and it was not easy. I achieved success Monday, January 13, 2025! It was one of the best professional days I have ever had. I am confident that the CLFP designation will inspire me to continue to learn and expand my finance and leasing knowledge and to better serve my internal and external customers.”

The CLFP designation identifies an individual as a knowledgeable professional to employers, clients, customers, and peers in the commercial equipment finance industry. There are Certified Lease & Finance Professionals and Associates located throughout the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, India, Pakistan, Africa, and Australia.