In the ever-evolving landscape of secured finance, few roles are as pivotal as that of general counsel for a major industry trade association. For Bobbi Acord Noland and Jon Helfat, this role at the Secured Finance Network (SFNet) has been a journey of leadership, challenge, and growth.

Both have contributed significantly to the industry, and their collaboration offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing secured lenders today. TSL’s editor-in-chief sat down with them to discuss their careers, their roles at SFNet, and the future of the industry.

In their roles as co-general counsel, they both exemplify the dedication and expertise required to navigate the complexities of the secured finance industry. Their combined efforts, along with their advice for emerging professionals, highlight the dynamic nature of their work and the collaborative spirit that drives SFNet forward.

TSL: How did you get your start in commercial finance law and eventually to become co-general counsel of SFNet?
Bobbi Acord Noland: I started my practice after law school at King & Spalding in Atlanta in the commercial finance area. I was attracted to a transactional practice because of the complexity of the deals and also enjoyed the business aspects of this type of practice. I joined Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs more than 30 years ago, and I still enjoy so many of the same aspects of my practice that have made it interesting over the years. I am energized by the challenge of each new deal, the structuring and analysis of issues, the exposure to different types of businesses and industries and the ability to interact with a vast array of people to achieve a common goal.

I have been involved with SFNet for many years in various ways, especially at the national level. My involvement has included speaking on multiple panels; contributing to the Compendium of Commercial Law; serving on the Secured Finance Foundation corporate fundraising committee; and attending cross-border conferences, the annual conventions, the recent Women In Secured Finance conferences and the Emerging Leaders local and national programs. I always have enjoyed the networking, educational programs, camaraderie and market perspective that SFNet offers. When SFNet asked me to serve as co-general counsel several years ago, I thought that it was a great opportunity to expand my contributions to the organization and its leadership team in a unique way. 

Jon Helfat: I initially became involved with SFNet (which was then known as the Commercial Finance Association) through a recommendation from my mentor and former partner Alan Weiskopf when he suggested that I might benefit from attending the annual convention. I had no idea at the time that this invitation would so profoundly shape my career.

I’ve been co-general counsel for over 20 years, originally sharing this role for many years with Richard Kohn of Goldberg Kohn.

I have had the opportunity to work with the best and brightest in our industry under whose leadership SFNet grew to become the preeminent trade association for secured lenders. This leadership, to name just a few of their accomplishments, improved SFNet by reorganizing its financial structure, reinvented the Education Foundation, rebranded to SFNet, included service providers as full members, revitalized many of the chapters, completely revamped SFNet’s corporate governance, created the 40 Under 40 and the Lifetime Achievement Awards, published “guides” to the recent disclosure laws and hired an effective and forward- thinking chief executive officer. I was privileged to be a part of these successes by not only rendering advice when requested, but in helping in the execution of these initiatives.

I collaborated on these projects and many more with my then co-general counsel, Richard Kohn. Richard’s advice and guidance was one of the driving forces behind the growth of SFNet. In this regard, I am indebted to SFNet for giving me the opportunity to meet and develop a life-long friendship with Richard. I now have the privilege of working with Bobbi Acord Noland. SFNet is now the beneficiary of Bobbi’s wise counsel and clearly our organization is better off for her taking on this role.

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