Credit professionals do more than manage risk and protect their companies’ bottom lines, they often serve as mentors, leaders and changemakers. Today, we celebrate those who not only excel in their own careers but also uplift others along the way. These credit professionals make a lasting impact on the people and organizations around them. We’re proud to recognize Michelle Riepe, CCE, credit support manager at Ben E. Keith Company (Fort Worth, TX), recipient of the GSCFM Student Leader Award from NACM’s National Honors and Awards Program.  

In an ever-changing field like credit management, continued education is a critical tool to help credit professionals keep up with the evolving risk landscape. For Leila Wolfe, CBF, credit supervisor at Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (Baton Rouge, LA), earning the Credit Business Fellow (CBF) designation deepened her understanding of the legal aspect of credit. 

Behind every strong, resilient business are credit professionals making bold moves. They’re the ones turning risk into opportunity. Today, we celebrate the credit professionals who are making their mark—not only in their organizations, but across the entire credit community. At NACM, we truly value and appreciate credit professionals who not only participate in our events but also actively contribute to the association and the broader credit community through their insights, expertise and engagement.

Earning a professional certification opens a new world of understanding in the field of business credit. Whether it’s your first designation or one of many, each new accreditation expands your knowledge of credit management and reflects a dedication to bettering yourself within the profession. For Philip Allen, CBA, CCRA, assistant credit manager at Guttman Energy (Pittsburgh, PA), earning his Certified Credit and Risk Analyst (CCRA) was an opportunity to improve his analytical skills and apply them in a field he is passionate about.  

Knowledge is a powerful catalyst—it not only equips you to make smarter decisions but also empowers you to push beyond your limits and grow in ways you never thought possible. For over 50 years, NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program has been a trusted resource for education and professional growth in the credit management field. 

Everyone moves through life at their own pace—whether in their personal journey or professional career, each path has its own unique timeline. No matter where you are on that path, there’s always an opportunity to continue learning, grow your skills and advance in your career. NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program serves as a continual reminder to credit professionals of the importance of growth through education. It encourages them to push boundaries, expand their expertise and elevate their roles in credit management. 

Earning a professional certification is a transformative opportunity for credit professionals worldwide, leading to dynamic career shifts. NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program does just that by enhancing a credit professional’s abilities and deepening their understanding of the field. 

The world of business credit is vast and ever-changing, with innovations constantly reshaping the daily tasks of credit managers and markets shifting every day. In today’s economy, credit professionals must take the time to build and refine their skills to prepare themselves for the many varied credit dilemmas they may face each day.