The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation is pleased to welcome its newest class of CLFPs: 19 industry professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the equipment finance body of knowledge by passing the rigorous CLFP Exam. Representing diverse companies and roles across the industry, these individuals have joined an elite community united by a commitment to professional excellence and ethical practice. They are:
1. Jessica Byrne, CLFP – Assistant Vice President, Originations, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
2. Colin Crean, CLFP Associate – Litigation Specialist, Dext Capital
3. Amelia Dolman, CLFP – Assistant Vice President - Business Process Analyst, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
4. Jason Domres, CLFP
5. Maurice Fischer, CLFP – VP and Manager of the Learning and Development Dept., First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
6. Amber German, CLFP – Senior Equipment Finance Customer Service Specialist, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
7. Thomas Gustin, CLFP – VP of Quality Control and Complaints Management, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
8. Luke Harter, CLFP – Credit Analyst, Dext Capital
9. Christopher Hartzog, CLFP – Senior Equipment Finance & Leasing Officer, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
10. Katie LeClair, CLFP – Senior Originations Specialist, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
11. Abigail Lynch, CLFP – Vice President, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
12. Jacob Moore, CLFP – Senior Originations Manager, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
13. Virginia Ruff, CLFP – Assistant Vice President, First American Equipment Finance
14. Jochen Schwarz, CLFP – Senior Vice President, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
15. William Shepherd, CLFP – VP, Industrial Originations, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
16. Andrew Smith, CLFP – Director, Originations, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
17. Cherilyn Smith, CLFP – EF Senior Relationship Specialist IV, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
18. David Stevenson, CLFP – Assistant Vice President, Originations, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
19. Melissa Thliveros, CLFP – Vice President, Originations, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
Lynch shares, “I pursued the CLFP designation to strengthen my expertise and credibility within the equipment finance industry. As a widely recognized certification, the CLFP demonstrates a deep understanding of the principles and best practices that drive our field. Through the process, I was able to further develop my technical knowledge, analytical thinking, and overall decision-making skills. Earning this designation signals to that I am dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in equipment finance.”
Byrne adds, “I wanted to deepen my knowledge of the entire equipment finance lifecycle. Having spent my whole career thus far within the same department, I recognized this opportunity as a way to broaden my perspective, become a more well-rounded employee, and be able to better support my team and colleagues. I also value the professional credibility that comes with earning the CLFP designation and am very excited to be joining the CLFP community!”
Earning the CLFP designation signals more than technical expertise. It reflects a commitment to elevating the equipment finance industry through continuous learning, ethical leadership, and shared professional standards. CLFPs and Associates are now found across the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, India, Pakistan, Africa, New Zealand and Australia.