Meet AAPL member Ray Sturm. Ray is the co-founder and CEO of AlphaFlow who has been an AAPL member since 2016. He is a familiar face from the annual conferences, even leading a panel discussion about real estate crowdfunding and the opportunities it presents for not only investors but also for traditional lenders. When he's [...]
You may recognize RCN Capital's marketing manager, Erica LaCentra from Private Lender magazine’s Lender Limelight, AAPL’s Education Advisory Committee, or maybe noticed when she received one of AAPL’s very first Excellence Awards! We were fortunate to get a chance to talk to this bright and ambitious go-getter about her experiences as a successful female the [...]
Women can be a powerful force when they work to strengthen one another. What does it take for women to support each other to reach their full potential? More to the point—why is it important? Simply put, when women help other women, it benefits all women. Put aside the idea of competition—that helping someone [...]
American Association of Private Lenders announces Education Advisory Committee changes American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL) is pleased to announce the addition of Randy Newman of Total Lender Solutions, Inc. to its Education Advisory Committee. Andy Williams of Recon Realty and HGTV's Flip or Flop Forth Worth resigned his service to the committee due to scheduling conflicts. [...]
American Association of Private Lenders will offer its Certified Fund Manager designation class at the Geraci Activate Conference American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL) is offering the Certified Fund Manager (CFM) designation class May 9, 2018, at the Geraci Activate Conference, located at the Sofitel Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. AAPL members are eligible for [...]
Katia Potapov is director of operations at Walnut Street Finance, LLC. She has over 16 years of operational and project management experience in various industries, including real estate and construction, media and entertainment, industry associations and government agencies. Potapov directs and oversees Walnut Street Finance’s investor relations function and serves as the primary point of [...]
Kimberly Smith is CCHP and broker of AvenueWest Global Franchise LLC, launched in 2009. In 2006, she launched CorporateHousingbyOwner.com (CHBO), the first-of-its-kind online portal connecting furnished rentals and the traveling public. In 1999, Smith became the managing broker of AvenueWest Corporate Housing Inc., a company that provides real estate property management of furnished residential properties, offering corporate housing [...]
Linda Hyde is the executive director of American Association of Private Lenders. She executes AAPL’s overall business strategy, assuring its financial health and managing day to day operations. Hyde secures the necessary resources to implement the annual strategic plan and helps to promote membership and build strategic alliances. She shares her insights on being a [...]
Svenja Gudell is chief economist at Zillow.com. She has served in that position at Zillow since August 2015 after serving on the company’s economic research team for more than four years. Gudell holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Rochester’s Simon Graduate School of Business and previously worked with the Federal Reserve Bank [...]
Chrissey Breault is the director of marketing and member services at American Association of Private Lenders and the creator/editor-in-chief of Private Lender magazine. Before joining AAPL, Chrissey worked in county government as a communications expert. Her 15-plus years in communications and marketing started in the hospitality industry with Hilton and Marriot brands. She was the [...]
Membership Questions?
Call 913-888-1250
Nominations are open until August 30, 2026, with voting from September 7-30, 2026. We’ll announce recipients at our Annual Conference.
Member of the Year (MOTY): This award goes to a member based on their deep expertise, unique value, and strong commitment to clients and the industry.
Rising Star: Rising Stars are members who have accomplished outstanding growth in their company or industry sector over the past year.
Community Impact: Recipients improve their local communities or our industry through volunteering, development programs, or civic efforts.
See past award winners, award rules, and participate in the 2026 nomination and voting process here.
VIP RECEPTION // Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while catching up with VIPs from across the country, all overlooking the gorgeous Las Vegas Strip. AAPL Members may RSVP during conference registration at no additional cost; for non-members it is $199/ticket.
NETWORKING BREAKFASTS & SESSION BREAKS // Early-risers will appreciate plentiful coffee and a selection of pastries, protein, and more – along with the opportunity to talk shop in a quieter atmosphere. Session breaks feature an energetic environment with a variety of snacking options.
AFTER-HOURS RECEPTION // Continue conversations with fellow attendees, sponsors, and speakers in the Exhibit Hall while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres and two drink tokens.
OFFICIAL AFTER-PARTY // For those who hate to say goodnight, each year a few sponsors plan a little something extra to wrap up your day … or help segue from all-business to all-fun. We’ll mark the party as official and provide information about how to attend.
AAPL APP // The app is your insiders’ guide to getting the most out of #AAPLANNUAL and includes your personalized schedule, conference navigation system, and more! Download now!
Grand Prize – Custom Championship Belt & VIP Admission to Power Room event in St. Augustine, FL (February 27th – March 1st, 2023)
2nd Place – 2023 AAPL Annual Conference Bundle to include Individual Membership, 1 Conference Ticket and 1 VIP Reception pass.
3rd Place – 1 year AAPL Individual Membership