Susan Naftulin is the co-founder and president of Rehab Financial Group, LP. She has an impressive background that ranges through several senior management positions in the mortgage industry, including general counsel, managing attorney, chief operating officer and senior vice president for both privately and publicly held mortgage lenders. In each of these positions, she was responsible [...]
Noelle Wheeler is president and broker of Nationwide Mortgage, a company she founded in 1997. As the president, she currently employs over 30 loan officers, 10 processors and is licensed in California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Virginia. Since its inception, over $3 billion in mortgage loans have been given. After years of running her company, [...]
Tammie Tirres, a senior advisor advocate of capital markets at Noble Capital, is responsible for building relationships with current and prospective financial advisors, sourcing new opportunities to grow relationships with existing and potential investors and coordinating Noble Capital's Private Lender Network. She is also the producer of the Real Wealth Blueprint talk radio show on 1370 [...]
Elizabeth Morales is the marketing and communications director at Applied Business Software, Inc. (The Mortgage Office). Morales has a proven record in senior operational roles and is known as an inspirational, forward-thinking approach leader and a data-driven marketer. She has created full-scale marketing platforms, handles media, public relations and brand management for ABS; she is [...]
AdaPia d’Errico is principal of d’Errico Creative Consulting. She is an entrepreneur, speaker, author, coach and facilitator who combines entrepreneurship, brand and business with the intentional development of personal leadership, mastery and accountability to the collective. She has helped clients turn their ideas into businesses, their startups into funded and successful companies, and most importantly, has [...]
Juli Vaupell joined National Real Estate Insurance Group (NREIG) in 2010 as a client service representative. Since then, she has earned promotion multiple times as client relations manager, vice president, and in 2017, she became executive vice president. Prior to her ascent at NREIG, Vaupell was a small business owner. Her business and client relations [...]
Melissa Martorella, Esq., has learned the importance of knowing her own value and of building self-confidence. Martorella’s curious mind and tireless work ethic earned her dual undergraduate degrees in Hispanic Studies and History from Boston College, a Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus in Spanish Secondary Education from Tufts University and a Juris [...]
The American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL) is recruiting a member to immediately fill vacated seat on its Education Advisory Committee through June 9, 2019. The Committee helps AAPL build its educational offerings and assists in reinforcing the framework of common principles and standards of practice that all members have committed to: the AAPL Code [...]
Meet AAPL member Bobby Montagne! Bobby is the CEO of Walnut Street Finance and has been an AAPL member since July 2016. He is also a CFM designation holder and a member of the AAPL Ethics Advisory Committee. When his time - and the weather permits - you'll find him fitting in a round of golf [...]
Eddie Wilson, formerly the president of Affinity Worldwide, succeeds retiring CEO, Mike Wrenn KANSAS CITY, Mo. – March 1, 2018 – Mike Wrenn has retired as CEO of Affinity Worldwide - the parent company of the American Association of Private Lenders - after leading and exponentially growing the enterprise since 2008. He has transitioned to chairman [...]
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