During the National Equipment Finance Association’s (NEFA) annual meeting, in conjunction with the 2024 Fall Conference in Indianapolis, the association announced its new board of directors. Dennis Dressler of Dressler & Peters, legal committee chair for NEFA, announced that the quorum was reached during the NEFA election, and the slate of new board members was approved. The nominating committee, which was responsible for organizing the slate of board members, consisted of:
- Adam Peterson of Channel, chair and past president
- Ron Elwood, CLFP of Navitas Credit
- Robert Hornby of CSG Law
- Jaimie Haver, CLFP of Happy Manufacturing
- Shervin Rashti, CLFP of SLIM Capital
The new board members are:
- Jeffrey Bilbrey of Leasepath
- Melissa Fisher, CLFP of Mazo Capital
- Dave Gruber of Great American Insurance Group
- Kristi Schon of Channel
- Amy Wagner, CLFP of American Financial Partners
The 2024 – 25 board of directors are:
- Executive Committee
- President: Paul Fogle, CLFP of Quality Equipment Finance
- Vice President: Kim King, CLFP of Odessa
- Treasurer: Shervin Rashti of SLIM Capital
- Secretary: Ron Elwood, CLFP of Navitas Credit Corp.
- Directors
- Jeff Bilbrey of Leasepath
- Melissa Fisher, CLFP of Mazo Capital
- Dave Gruber of Great American Insurance Group
- Jaimie Haver, CLFP of Happy Manufacturing
- Beth McLean, CLFP of Northland Capital
- Drew Olynick, CLFP of Taycor
- Kristi Schon of Channel
- Amy Wagner, CLFP of American Financial Partners
The following members rolled out of NEFA’s board of directors:
- Past President: Adam Peterson of Channel
- Director: Don Cosenza, CLFP (in transition)
- Director: Scott Forrest (in transition)
- Director: Kayla Perlinger, CLFP of Oakmont Capital Services
- Director: Bob Rinaldi, CLFP of Rinaldi Advisory Services
NEFA hosted its fall conference on Nov. 11 – 13 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, attracting over 340 industry attendees. The conference kicked off with the “Monday Night Lights” charity fundraiser, featuring a tailgate party with various games for participants. The fundraising event attracted over 150 attendees and supported both Folds of Honor and the Chris Walker Education Fund. This event was organized through the new NEFA Foundation.
On Nov. 12, the conference offered the following opportunities:
- Women in Leasing Luncheon
- Exhibit hall and sponsor networking
- Committee meetings
- Spotlight Session speaker Holly Rowe, who chronicled her 29-year journey as a broadcaster and journalist. Following this session, Holly met with members during a VIP meet-and-greet
- Ambassador’s reception for new and first-time attendees
- Welcome reception & exhibitor networking
- Private events and dinners
On Nov. 13th, the conference offered the following:
- Networking breakfast
- Exhibit hall networking
- Knowledge Exchange Roundtables
- Chad Sluss, CEO and Robert Hornby, Board President, provided updates regarding NEFA’s strategic plan
- Spotlight Session speaker Rodney Peete shared his journey as a 16-year NFL quarterback, entrepreneur and family man. Afterwards, attendees had the opportunity to attend a VIP meet-and-greet.
- Annual meeting luncheon, in which NEFA announced its new board of directors and recognized its outgoing members and committee chairs
- Educational Breakout sessions:
- From Broker to Discounter: Capital & Financing Playbook
- Rapid Fire Leadership Huddle: Market Trends, Workforce Dynamics, & More
- Boosting Originators’ Playbook with AI and Tech: Strategies for a Winning Game
- The Next Big Play: Industry Opportunities and Broker Marketing Tactics
- A closing, Fowling at its Finest (a game that combines bowling and football)!
NEFA recognized its fall conference planning committee:
- Kirsten Dargy of LTi Technology Solutions
- Kim King, CLFP of Odessa
- Alyssa Lawrence, CLFP of Marshall Capital Group
- Michelle Noyes of Great American Insurance Group