Grants for the 2021 Chris Walker Education Fund (CWEF) have been finalized and awarded. Over $20,125 in total funds were awarded this year with nine grants going to individuals and three grants awarded to institutions, including the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation (ELFF), Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation and the National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA).

Chris Walker was a passionate leader within the equipment finance industry. His selflessness and dedication to helping others grow in the industry made him a beloved member of NEFA. Education was always important to him, so when he passed away in 2011, many NEFA Members flooded the organization with donations in his honor. All of these generous contributions lead NEFA to create the Chris Walker Education Fund.

Funds available through the Chris Walker Education Fund are available to be used for any project or need that provides industry education opportunities for leasing professionals. This includes grants for industry-related education, certifications (such as the Certified Lease and Finance Professionals (CLFP) designation), educational development through NEFA conferences and other education initiatives.

Special thanks go out to the National Equipment Finance Association for the support and opportunities they continue to provide the committee and all the NEFA members to participate.

Find out more information on how to donate to the Chris Walker Education Fund here.

Committee Members:

Randy Haug
LTi Technology Solutions

Chris Lerma, CLFP
AP Equipment Financing

Kim King, CLFP
BankFinancial Equipment Finance

Laura Carini, CLFP
Financial Pacific Leasing

Kayla Perlinger, CLFP
Oakmont Capital Services, LLC

Chad Sluss
National Equipment Finance Association (NEFA)