Nearly all the American Association of Private Lender’s efforts to support the private
lending industry operate under our three pillars: Education, Ethics, and Advocacy.

To support these pillars, we appoint AAPL members from across the nation to provide
guidance and lead initiatives. Together, these three committees are the drivers for the future of our industry.

Applications for all three committees are open for 2021-2022 seats. Here’s a little information about each committee as well as a word from two current committee members about what volunteering has meant for them.

Education // These committee members write for Private Lender magazine, lead live educational webinars, moderate panels, and present during certification classes as needed at our Annual Conference (aaplonline.com/conference). They also provide insight to help guide myriad industry-changing initiatives (such as our private lender industry survey). Apply at aaplonline.com/committee-app.

Ethics // This ad hoc committee reviews Code of Ethics complaints (aaplonline.com/standards) and advises on outcomes and consequences for members who break our code. They also write about ethics topics for Private Lender magazine. Apply at aaplonline.com/committee-app.

Advocacy // The Government Relations Committee helps guide federal and state advocacy efforts. Members provide feedback and strategy regarding specific bill support or opposition responses, help drive grassroots contact campaigns, coordinate with ally organizations, and lead quarterly virtual Legislative Town Halls. Apply at aaplonline.com/gov/volunteer/

Why I Volunteer

Chris Ragland
I volunteer in several capacities for AAPL’s Government Relations and Education committees because I believe in what we are doing for the private lending space. Educating, connecting, and holding each other accountable are all ways we can build each other and the industry up. Through our annual curriculum development and certifications, we have educated hundreds of new private lending professionals. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing newly minted lenders close their first big deals. Meanwhile, our government relations committee works on the frontlines to bring awareness of potential new legislation that could impact us all. 

I’ve formed some of my most valuable connections in the private lending industry while volunteering with AAPL. If you value the network effect, there’s no better way to super charge it than volunteering. I encourage everyone to become more involved and see what a positive difference you can make.

Erica LaCentra
I volunteer for AAPL’s Education Committee because I recognize the value and good it brings to our industry and, frankly, AAPL is a resource I wish I had access to when I was starting out in the private lending industry. I think it’s important for our industry to have a group of leaders who can share their expertise and knowledge with those who are just starting out and needing guidance. I’m honored to be part of a committee that does just that. I hope the content and classes we provide inspire individuals to get more involved and grow within the world of private lending.

I also greatly appreciate the exposure that the Education Committee provides for me in the private lending Industry. It is a great vehicle for showcasing my expertise and experience. It has allowed me to connect with other experts in this field and meet some truly incredible people that I might not have connected with or worked with otherwise. There really is not a single downside to being a member of the committee.