SFNet’s 40 Under 40 Awards will return on June 13, 2024, at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. The evening will offer great networking opportunities while honoring the secured finance industry’s rising stars.

Nominations for the 2024 40U40 Awards are open until February 9, 2024. The SFNet 40 Under 40 Awards Committee Chair is Betty Hernandez, executive vice president, chief credit officer of SLR Business Credit and Vice President/Finance & Audit on SFNet’s Management Committee. In addition to Hernandez, this year’s judges will include Paula Currie, SVP, internal controls director, PNC Business Credit; Mark A. Cuccinello, managing director, JPMorgan Chase Bank; Caitlin Sanders, managing director, Origination, Callodine Commercial Finance; Jennifer Wallace, loan portfolio manager, Wells Fargo Capital Finance; and David B. Kurzweil, co-chair, Global Restructuring & Bankruptcy Chair National Financial Institutions, Greenberg Traurig, LLP

For more information and to nominate someone for this year’s awards, please click here. Here we speak with Betty Hernandez who shares her insight and experience as a judge.

TSL: How has your experience been as an SFNet 40 Under 40 Judge?  In general, from what you recall in reviewing submissions, what were some things that stood out to you in reviewing letters or videos of recommendation and industry involvement? 

Hernandez: I have been a judge for the SFNet 40 Under 40 Awards for the last few years.  I find the experience to be extremely rewarding.  One of the things that stands out to me is how diverse and knowledgeable our younger professionals are in our profession.  They strive to be excellent leaders in their respective fields.  For example, many of the candidates who are lawyers have published articles explaining recent court decisions.  Others have led teams within their organizations whether it be on the new business side, operations, or field examinations.  In all aspects, they are the future leaders of the secured finance community.

Why should someone take the time to nominate someone?

Acknowledging a job “well done,” or providing positive feedback is always welcomed by a colleague.  In this instance, it is not only the member firm who is acknowledging the 40 Under 40 recipient’s achievement, but it is the whole secured lending community acknowledging the fact that “you are one of our outstanding leaders!”  That is something to be celebrated!

How can a potential nominee strengthen their chance of winning? 

There are several things we consider when evaluating a candidate.  There are three main components that we evaluate.  We like to see career achievements and leadership in the candidate.  That means we’d like to see what achievements have been realized as well as concrete examples of their leadership skills.  The third component, which is often overlooked, is volunteerism.  Is the candidate involved in their community and/or industry activities? Are they involved at the local SFNet Chapter level or have they written articles for The Secured Lender magazine?  To me, this shows great commitment to our industry.  If a candidate didn’t win in one year, I encourage the nominator to once again nominate your candidate!  Often, we are flooded with candidates, and it is an arduous process.  I wish we could make it 80 under 40 but, unfortunately, we can’t!  So please, try again.  We will take that into consideration as well as the age of the person being nominated and whether they are able to get re-nominated in the future due to “aging out.”

For those starting out in the industry who one day aspire to win a 40 Under 40 award, what steps can they take to stand out?  

For a young person starting in our industry, I would say get involved!  By all means, take advantage of the SFNet’s Mentoring Program which is currently seeking applicants for the next cohort.  Participating in that program will afford you the opportunity to meet other industry leaders who you might never get to meet.  I would also encourage the person to join a local SFNet Chapter and get involved with the Chapter Board of Directors.  There are many opportunities at the Chapter Board, such as participating in the golf subcommittee or organizing local YoPro events.  You would be surprised how much help is needed to run a Chapter successfully. 

In a few words, how would you describe the 40 Under 40 Award event itself?

The awards ceremony is aptly named a “Gala.”  You can feel the energy and excitement in the room.  As each candidate is called up to receive their award you can often hear tables cheering for their colleagues.  Overall, it is one of my favorite SFNet events!

I would like to add that as the Committee Chair I welcome feedback from prior attendees to deliver an exciting program.  We try very hard to get speakers who will engage the audience with topics that will resonate.  In an effort to do so, I welcome any ideas.  Feel free to contact me (bhernandez@slrbusinesscredit.com) and let me know how we can improve on what is already a special night.