Posted by & filed under Leadership, Member Spotlight.

Jul 16, 2019

NACM Commercial Services wants to congratulate Brett Hanft, CBA on his new position as CFDD National Chairman. Brett puts in an incredible amount of his time into CFDD and NACM and we want to recognize him for that. We asked one of Bretts many friends, Tawnya Marsh, who has spent a lot of time with Brett at CFDD Portland & NACM event to write a little something about him. Brett is also an incredible writer and no one is better to tell you more about what he has done and will be doing than him.

By Tawnya Marsh, Credit Manager, Pendleton Woolen Mills

When I moved to the Portland area 12 years ago, one of my first contacts at CFDD was Brett Hanft, CBA. I was new to the area and starting a new chapter of CFDD and was a bit nervous not knowing anyone in the group. Brett was welcoming and supportive right from the get-go, always asking if I had any questions and of course, asking if I wanted to get involved. Over the years, Brett has become a very close friend of mine, and I am so proud to see him in the role of our National Chair. I honestly cannot think of anyone better suited for that position than he.

Through the years Brett has consistently participated on committee’s and served the board of both the Portland and Salem/Albany Chapters. His dedication to CFDD and his passion for education shine through in everything he does with the organization. He is a huge supporter of education and the value of networking within the credit filed. I speak for the entire Portland chapter when I say that we are lucky to have Brett leading the ship for the next year. I am sure we will see amazing things happen!

From Brett Hanft, CBA – NACM and CFDD Involvement For 30 years…

When I joined NACM and CFDD 30 years ago, I desperately needed credit education and knowledge in order to understand the dynamics and nuances of the credit and finance profession. In an effort to ‘give back’ to both organizations, I’ve been an active and participative member the past three decades. Through service on local NACM affiliate committees and industry groups, local Board service on the CFDD Portland AND CFDD Salem/Albany Chapters, the NACM Commercial Services Foundation Board, and most recently, service as an officer on the CFDD National Board, I have worked diligently to network, mentor, and perpetuate the continued growth and success of our collective credit organizations. My consistent involvement and progression in CFDD has culminated this year with my installation as the CFDD National Chairman.

My theme for the year is “The Most Important Investment You Can Make Is In Yourself”, a powerful and meaningful quote by Warren Buffett. This theme mirrors the mission and vision of CFDD to help promote personal and professional growth in our members through continuing education, mentoring, networking, and leadership development.

The CFDD National Board has been working very hard to increase the financial assistance available to ALL CFDD members through the CFDD National Scholarship Program. Not only have the award values increased, but the number of annual scholarship offerings has also doubled, from one to two. I encourage every member to apply for the financial assistance available through these scholarship awards.

Efforts also continue to promote membership growth AND retention. We must continue to engage existing members while we advertise and share the benefits of membership in NACM and CFDD.

In order to help facilitate leadership development and assistance with top-notch educational program offerings, a task force has been created this year to review, refresh, and update the CFDD National Program Library. As each program is updated and reposted to the CFDD website, we will be reintroducing and promoting these programs in our CFDD newsletter. The CFDD National Board wants these programs to be available, accessible, and easy for any member interested in leadership development to print off, distribute, and present locally using speaker notes and talking points during the presentation. Members will benefit from the educational information and will have the ability to earn CEU and CCE recertification points. In turn, the presenter will gain leadership skills, build confidence with public speaking, and earn valuable roadmap points.

This year’s CFDD National Conference will be held in conjunction with the NACM Western Credit Conference, here in Portland, the City of Roses. I look forward to seeing a massive representation from the local NACM and CFDD delegation to support this conference.

It truly is my honor to represent the NACM Commercial Services affiliate and the CFDD Portland Chapter serving as your CFDD National Chairman.

— Brett M Hanft, CBA

2 Responses to “Spotlight on Brett Hanft, CBA the New CFDD National Chairman”

  1. Denise Dowless

    Congratulations to one of the nicest, kindest and hard working people I know. You inspire so many people Brett including me. xoxo

  2. Connie Barratt

    Congratulations, Brett! Your passion for CFDD has always been evident and so welcome from all of us who have been involved throughout the years. I’m sure you will do an outstanding job as CFDD National Chairman. Investing in myself as a credit professional, through CFDD, was how I became successful in the field. I couldn’t have done it without CFDD and all the wonderful mentors who were there to guide me. You are a mentor to all you meet and certainly share your passion! Keep giving back and best wishes to you this year!