SFNet IMPACT Awards

IMPACT Award recipients embody the core values and achievements that the SFNet community strives to uphold and promote. We look forward to celebrating with this august group on the evening of November 12 in Houston, prior to SFNet’s 80th Annual Convention. 

2024 IMPACT Award Winners

Chapters of the Year
New York Chapter
Michigan Chapter

Innovator of the Year
Andrea Beirne, KPMG

Leadership in DEI
Vincent Roldan, Mandelbaum Barrett

Transactions of the Year
Novo Advisors (Kimco)
Wells Fargo Capital Finance Corporation Canada (Rona, Inc.)

Volunteers of the Year
Laura Jakubowski, Goldberg Kohn (Advocacy)
Valerie Mason, Otterbourg P.C. (Women in Secured Finance)
Mignon Winston, Great Rock Capital (Education)

SFNet is pleased to announce the launch of our IMPACT Awards, celebrating excellence in the secured finance industry. IMPACT embodies the core values and achievements that the SFNet community strives to uphold and promote:

Innovation: Honoring innovative approaches that pave the way for new opportunities and solutions.

Market Leadership: Recognizing individuals and organizations that demonstrate exemplary leadership.

Performance: Celebrating outstanding performance and measurable results that contribute to the success of borrowers, lenders, and the industry as a whole.

Achievement: Highlighting noteworthy achievements that align with SFNet’s mission of putting capital to work.

Customer Focus: Emphasizing the importance of customer-centric strategies and initiatives that prioritize the needs and satisfaction of clients.

Teamwork: Acknowledging the collaborative efforts and achievements of teams to drive positive change and success.

Categories and Criteria:

1. Transaction(s) of the Year: This award distinguishes itself from traditional deal showcases by focusing on impact from the borrower's perspective. We seek transactions that demonstrate innovation, collaboration and tangible benefits for the borrower. Borrower consent is essential, and nominees must provide the borrower's name. Additionally, any size, type, product, structure of transaction or mix of deal participants is eligible. 
   
   
2. Leadership in DEI: This award celebrates individuals and organizations that are committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts. Improvement metrics, championing initiatives, and outwardly visible measures of progress are key evaluation criteria.
   
   
3. Chapter(s) of the Year: Chapters play a vital role in advancing SFNet's mission and pillars, including professional development, networking and charitable works. This award celebrates chapters that demonstrate year-over-year growth in engagement, contribute significantly to SFNet's initiatives, host inspiring events, and exhibit vibrancy within their communities.
   
   
4. Volunteer(s) of the Year: Volunteers are the backbone of our association, driving the execution of our programs and initiatives. This award honors individuals who exemplify dedication, leadership and commitment to the betterment of the SFNet community.
   
   
5. Innovator(s) of the Year: We recognize companies and/or individuals for the development and application of innovative processes, partnerships and technologies that address pressing challenges and advance the capabilities of our industry.

Award recipients will be honored at a special celebration on November 12, 2024 in Houston, TX, before SFNet’s Annual Convention. They will also be recognized in the November issue of The Secured Lender. 

We invite all employees of SFNet national member organizations to participate in the inaugural SFNet IMPACT Awards by nominating deserving individuals, organizations and chapters. Together, let's celebrate excellence, innovation, and the collective achievements that define our industry.

Nomination Forms - click the title

Transaction(s) of the Year

Leadership in DEI

Chapter(s) of the Year

Volunteer(s) of the Year

Innovator(s) of the Year

SFNet IMPACT Awards Committee Chair

Rob Meyers
President
Republic Business Credit

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