The Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation welcomed its newest class of CLFPs: 16 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. Nicholas Bruns, CLFP – Capital Markets Relationship Manager, Equipment Finance, Fifth Third Bank
2. Nathan Chilton, CLFP – Director - Mechanical and Engineering, Midwest Railcar
3. John Coad, CLFP – Business Development Manager, New Trucks, Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance LLC
4. Jack Dison, CLFP – Director – Work Truck Group, Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance LLC
5. Erin Fugh, CLFP – Application Consultant, Solifi
6. Evelyn Izydorski, CLFP – Large Ticket Credit Underwriter, Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance LLC
7. Alexandrea Jones, CLFP – Senior Application Consultant, Solifi
8. Rodney Landis, CLFP – Segment Credit Executive, Webster Bank
9. Nathan Obringer, CLFP – Officer - Equipment Finance Representative, Fifth Third Bank
10. Nicola Okolo, CLFP – Project Manager, Solifi
11. Jacquelyn Paulsen, CLFP – Chief Operating Officer, Synergy Financial Resources, LLC
12. Joseph Reed, CLFP – Senior Lease Commencement Administrator, Stryker
13. Kaye Rini, CLFP – Senior Application Consultant, Solifi
14. James Rusch, CLFP – Regional Credit Manager, Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance LLC
15. Brigid Ryan, CLFP – Equipment Finance Capital Markets Associate Relationship Manager, Fifth Third Bank
16. Carolyn Walsh, CLFP – Lead Business Analyst, Solifi
“I had been considering pursuing the CLFP designation for several years, so I was incredibly grateful to receive a scholarship through AACFB (American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers) to attend an Academy and take the Exam in honor of Roderick Knoll, CLFP,” shared Jacquelyn Paulsen. “Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors within the equipment finance industry. While I did not have the opportunity to know Roderick personally, I know the impact he had as a mentor to so many, which made receiving the scholarship especially meaningful.”
“I’ve also always had a strong desire to keep learning, and in an industry that is constantly evolving, there is always more to learn,” added Paulsen. “Pursuing the CLFP was an opportunity to expand my knowledge while demonstrating my commitment to my profession and to the vendors, customers, and colleagues I work with every day. I’m proud to have earned the designation, and am especially excited to add another CLFP to our small but mighty team at Synergy Financial Resources.”
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. To learn more or begin your own path to certification, visit www.CLFPFoundation.org.