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SFNet Launches IMPACT Awards to Celebrate Excellence in the Secured Finance Industry
April 15, 2024
By SFNet
SFNet is proud to unveil our new program to celebrate excellence in the secured finance industry: the SFNet IMPACT Awards. Created to honor innovation and leadership, these awards will demonstrate the crucial role that our SFNet community of members play in putting capital to work.
“The SFNet IMPACT Awards are designed to recognize and showcase how our members embody the core values of Secured Finance Network. Adding them to our 40 Under 40 Awards and Hall of Fame provides a dynamic way to further celebrate the successes across our community and I can’t wait to review the nominations,” said Robert Meyers, chair of the SFNet IMPACT Awards Committee and president, Republic Business Credit. From innovation and market leadership to performance and achievement, these awards recognize outstanding contributions that shape the industry's landscape. Moreover, they emphasize the importance of customer focus and teamwork in driving positive change and success.
According to Rich Gumbrecht, CEO of SFNet, "The launch of the SFNet IMPACT Awards allows us to acknowledge the diverse talents and achievements of the secured finance industry, which fulfill our purpose of providing the working capital that fuels our economies. It’s an opportunity to highlight the remarkable efforts that individuals and organizations are making to drive innovation and excellence to positively impact our clients and the industry at large.”
The awards program features four distinct categories, each designed to showcase different aspects of excellence within the industry:
* Transaction(s) of the Year: This category focuses on transactions that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and tangible benefits for borrowers. “Transactions are the lifeblood of our industry, and it’s essential to recognize those that go above and beyond in delivering working capital to support their clients’ business goals,” said Kurt Marsden, SFNet IMPACT Awards Committee member and executive vice president, head of Wells Fargo Capital Finance.
*Leadership in DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts are paramount in fostering a fair and inclusive workplace. "By acknowledging leadership in DEI, SFNet is sending a powerful message about the importance of creating diverse, inclusive and equitable environments within our industry," remarked Betty Hernandez, SFNet IMPACT Awards Committee Member and chief credit officer, SLR Business Credit.
* Chapter(s) of the Year: SFNet chapters play a crucial role in advancing the association's mission and pillars. "Chapters serve as hubs of knowledge exchange and networking opportunities at the local level. Recognizing their contributions is a testament to the collective impact of our community," said Bethani Oppenheimer, SFNet IMPACT Awards Committee Member and shareholder, Greenberg Traurig.
* Volunteer(s) of the Year: Volunteers are the backbone of SFNet, driving the execution of programs and initiatives. "Volunteers epitomize dedication and commitment to the betterment of our industry. Their contributions deserve to be celebrated and honored," states Michael Coiley, SFNet IMPACT Awards Committee member and managing director, Healthcare Finance, First Citizens Bank.
Nominations for the SFNet IMPACT Awards are open until June 3, 2024. SFNet encourages all employees of national member organizations to participate in recognizing deserving individuals, organizations and chapters. Winners will be honored at a special event in Houston, TX, on November 12, 2024, preceding SFNet’s 80th Annual Convention. Additionally, they will be featured in the November issue of The Secured Lender.
If you are interested in submitting a nomination or seeking further information, visit SFNet.com or contact Michele Ocejo at mocejo@sfnet.com. Winners will be notified in early August, with a public announcement to follow.
The launch of the SFNet IMPACT Awards underscores the association's commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence in the secured finance industry to the betterment of the communities we serve. As the industry continues to evolve, these awards will act as a beacon, inspiring continued innovation, leadership and collaboration among industry professionals.
“The SFNet IMPACT Awards are designed to recognize and showcase how our members embody the core values of Secured Finance Network. Adding them to our 40 Under 40 Awards and Hall of Fame provides a dynamic way to further celebrate the successes across our community and I can’t wait to review the nominations,” said Robert Meyers, chair of the SFNet IMPACT Awards Committee and president, Republic Business Credit. From innovation and market leadership to performance and achievement, these awards recognize outstanding contributions that shape the industry's landscape. Moreover, they emphasize the importance of customer focus and teamwork in driving positive change and success.
According to Rich Gumbrecht, CEO of SFNet, "The launch of the SFNet IMPACT Awards allows us to acknowledge the diverse talents and achievements of the secured finance industry, which fulfill our purpose of providing the working capital that fuels our economies. It’s an opportunity to highlight the remarkable efforts that individuals and organizations are making to drive innovation and excellence to positively impact our clients and the industry at large.”
The awards program features four distinct categories, each designed to showcase different aspects of excellence within the industry:
* Transaction(s) of the Year: This category focuses on transactions that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and tangible benefits for borrowers. “Transactions are the lifeblood of our industry, and it’s essential to recognize those that go above and beyond in delivering working capital to support their clients’ business goals,” said Kurt Marsden, SFNet IMPACT Awards Committee member and executive vice president, head of Wells Fargo Capital Finance.
*Leadership in DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts are paramount in fostering a fair and inclusive workplace. "By acknowledging leadership in DEI, SFNet is sending a powerful message about the importance of creating diverse, inclusive and equitable environments within our industry," remarked Betty Hernandez, SFNet IMPACT Awards Committee Member and chief credit officer, SLR Business Credit.
* Chapter(s) of the Year: SFNet chapters play a crucial role in advancing the association's mission and pillars. "Chapters serve as hubs of knowledge exchange and networking opportunities at the local level. Recognizing their contributions is a testament to the collective impact of our community," said Bethani Oppenheimer, SFNet IMPACT Awards Committee Member and shareholder, Greenberg Traurig.
* Volunteer(s) of the Year: Volunteers are the backbone of SFNet, driving the execution of programs and initiatives. "Volunteers epitomize dedication and commitment to the betterment of our industry. Their contributions deserve to be celebrated and honored," states Michael Coiley, SFNet IMPACT Awards Committee member and managing director, Healthcare Finance, First Citizens Bank.
Nominations for the SFNet IMPACT Awards are open until June 3, 2024. SFNet encourages all employees of national member organizations to participate in recognizing deserving individuals, organizations and chapters. Winners will be honored at a special event in Houston, TX, on November 12, 2024, preceding SFNet’s 80th Annual Convention. Additionally, they will be featured in the November issue of The Secured Lender.
If you are interested in submitting a nomination or seeking further information, visit SFNet.com or contact Michele Ocejo at mocejo@sfnet.com. Winners will be notified in early August, with a public announcement to follow.
The launch of the SFNet IMPACT Awards underscores the association's commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence in the secured finance industry to the betterment of the communities we serve. As the industry continues to evolve, these awards will act as a beacon, inspiring continued innovation, leadership and collaboration among industry professionals.
