SFNet's Emerging Leaders Summit 2025

April 30 to May 1, 2025

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#SFNetLeaders25

Don't miss SFNet's Emerging Leaders Summit, a dynamic conference designed to unite professionals with 6-15 years of experience in secured finance, providing an unparalleled opportunity to gain insights from titans who have navigated the intricacies of the field. Engage in thought-provoking panels where industry luminaries will offer a unique perspective on both the industry and effective leadership. CPE credits are available for this event.

See who is coming to the Summit

Our Room Block Is Sold Out
The Westin Copley Place, Boston, is the official hotel for this year's Emerging Leaders Summit. We’ve arranged a discounted rate for conference attendees from April 30 to May 2. To access this rate of $359 per night plus tax, you must book by Friday, April 11, using this link.

Hotels within Walking Distance of the Conference 
Although we do not have a partnership with these hotels, they are conveniently located.

• Boston Marriott Copley Place
• Sheraton Boston Hotel 

 Jump to Registration Info 

Agenda*

Wednesday, April 30

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Bank CEO Roundtable Sessions (invitation only, separate registration required)

1:30 pm- 3:00 pm
Freedom Trail Walking Tour (additional fee)
"Walk Into History" on this 90-minute journey through Boston's pivotal role in the American Revolution. Explore 11 historic sites along the Freedom Trail, guided by costumed interpreters who bring the city's history to life. This interactive 1-mile walk encourages questions and curiosity, so put on your sneakers and get ready to immerse yourself in the stories of Boston's past. 

Add the tour when you register for the Summit. The fee includes a donation to the Freedom Trail Foundation, supporting the preservation of Boston's historic treasures.

3:30 pm
Registration Opens

3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Networking Break
Sponsored by Gordon Brothers

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Functional Roundtables
Facilitated by Bank CEO Roundtable participants, these dynamic small-group discussions offer the opportunity to share experiences and gain insights on what drives success, from personal stories of overcoming challenges to the most impactful professional advice you've ever received.

5:15 pm - 5:45 pm
Keynote Speaker Dave Spandorfer, CEO & Co-Founder, Janji
Dave is the head of a start-up apparel organization that links runners with exploring and giving back. Meaning promise, Janji is the first sports apparel brand of its kind. Through the sale of globally inspired and globally designed running apparel, Janji raises awareness and funds solutions for a crisis that affects over 700 million people worldwide, access to clean water.

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Opening Reception
Sponsored by Rouse Services

7:30 pm
Dine-Arounds (optional, self-pay)
Enjoy an evening of great conversation and networking with fellow attendees—participants cover their own meal costs. Choose one of four reserved restaurants when you register for the conference:

Grill 23 & Bar 161 Berkeley St.

Sonsie 327 Newbury St.
Parm 140 Dartmouth St.
Saltie Girl  279 Dartmouth St.

Thursday, May 1

9:00 am - 9:30 am
Breakfast/Networking/Prize Giveaway
Breakfast sponsored by Gordon Brothers
Giveaway sponsored by Riemer & Braunstein LLP
Make sure to enter the drawing for a reMarkable Paper Pro - 11.8" Paper Tablet with Marker Plus and Premium Leather Book Folio. Bring paper into your digital workflow with lightning-fast responsiveness and a pen-to-ink distance of less than 1 mm.

9:30 am - 10:15 am
Business Development – Winning the Deal
Sponsored by SLR Business Credit
What does it take to win the deal in 2025? The step-by-step process on how to win over a prospect and what potential prospects are most focused on in 2025 (liquidity/covenants/pricing/etc.) How is the competition in the market in 2025?

Moderator: Rob Meyers, President, Republic Business Credit
Panelists: Jeff Austin, Sr. Vice President, SLR Business Credit
Hiwot Gabreyes, Business Development, Wells Fargo
Susan Thompson, Executive Director Originations, JPMorganChase
Brendan Tully, SVP New Business Originations–Healthcare, Siena Lending Group 
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Credit/Portfolio Management – Distress in the Market
Is there evidence of underperformance in current and potential borrowers? What indicators of distress are borrowers dealing with in 2025 and how can they navigate these impacts effectively? What is the credit environment and outlook in 2025?

Moderator: Danielle Baldinelli, Managing Director, Wells Fargo
Panelists: Matt Czerkowicz, Director, Capital, Gordon Brothers 
Frank Nicoletta, SVP ABL Underwriting, Citi
Paola Socci, Associate Portfolio Manager, Siena Lending Group
James Wollweber Jr., AVP Credit Analyst, TD Bank 
11:00 am - 11:30 am 
Networking Break
Sponsored by Gordon Brothers

11:30 am - 12:15 pm
AI in the ABL Industry – Opportunities and Barriers
How is AI shaping the landscape within the ABL industry? We'll explore the role of AI in legal and financial processes along with regulatory restrictions faced by financial institutions in adopting AI tools and its impacts. 

Moderator: Philip Yannella, Partner, Blank Rome LLP
Panelists: Mary Beth Ciullo, Associate, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Jennifer Daniels, Partner, Blank Rome LLP
Dan Ennis, Partner, Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs LLP
Michael Rich, Member, Otterbourg P.C.
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Lunch & Networking
Sponsored by Gordon Brothers

*Agenda subject to change.

The Secured Finance Network is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.NASBARegistry.org. 

Thank you to our host & lead sponsor




Thank you to conference sponsors

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Registration

Pricing
Member pricing applies to employees of SFNet member organizations. Not sure if your company is a member? Click here to confirm.

Cancellation policy
All cancellation requests must be made in writing. Email requests to Betty at BLam@sfnet.com.

• Now - March 30, 2025: Full refund, minus a 10% administration fee per registration
• After March 30, 2025: No refunds

Reminder

Please take a moment to review our Code of Conduct to ensure a positive and respectful experience for everyone.

Member Price: $215

Non-Member Price: $315

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