Looking forward: Evolving in the field of credit

As 2025 comes to an end, it is the perfect time to reflect and plan for the future. Many credit professionals are preparing for the year ahead, both professionally and personally. These plans are often shaped by the challenges faced and lessons learned over the past year. 

For Joseph Rogers, CCE, credit manager at JBS Foods USA (Greeley, CO), the lessons gained while earning his Certified Credit Executive (CCE) designation through NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program have prepared him for the new year. “This certification piqued my interest back in January because I wanted to improve in my role and inspire my colleagues to do the same,” said Rogers. “Shortly after earning my certification, I experienced a major confidence boost and gained new knowledge to add to my 15 years of experience.” 

The CCE is an executive-level certification that requires mastery of key skills, combined with experience and active participation in the credit field. While Rogers already had strong experience with financial ratios, the program helped deepen his expertise. “As I worked toward this designation, I gained in-depth knowledge I didn’t previously have,” he said. “The course materials, especially the book Credit Management: Principles and Practices by Charles Gahala, were instrumental to strengthening my financial statement analysis skills.” 

As a father of three who hadn’t been in a classroom for some time, Rogers faced the challenge of balancing study with family commitments. “I had some major doubts about whether I could dedicate enough time and absorb the information to pass the final exam,” he said. “With focus and the support of my family and company, I was able to balance my responsibilities while pursuing my studies.” 

Earning the CCE has enhanced Rogers’s professional credibility, allowing him to contribute more effectively to his organization and strengthen risk mitigation practices. “I’ve shared what I learned and celebrated various designees from the certification program within my company,” he said. 

Study tip: Slow and steady wins the race. “I took my time reading through the material and applying it to real-life situations,” Rogers shared. “Thoroughly analyzing different scenarios helped me retain the information better.”