Executive Profiles

Richard Epley founded Auto Financial Group (AFG) in 1999 and currently serves as the CEO. His vision for a scalable business model that utilized technology to facilitate transactions was realized in DrivingSense™, AFG’s residual-based finance product that allows credit union members to customize a vehicle, compare payments with a loan calculator and access electronic loan documents. Epley continues to be responsible for AFG’s daily operations. Over the past decade with AFG, Epley has developed an understanding of the needs of credit unions and their members. His experience and knowledge have been instrumental in developing products that meet those needs. Epley is also a co-founder in FI-MOBILE, a company that develops intuitive, cost effective solutions for credit unions and banks to quickly and easily offer mobile applications for their members and customers. Richard received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin in 1995. He is a Carousel Board Member for the Texas Children’s Hospital and a Life Member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Tim Kelly has over 20 years experience delivering solutions to financial institutions. Most recently Tim was the CEO of Teres Solutions. After the acquisition of Teres by CRIF S.p.A he was promoted to President of CRIF Lending Solutions where he led the company through multiple acquisitions and integration. Tim also served as Vice President of business development for Harland Financial Solutions’ UltraData-Enterprise system. During his 10 year tenure with UltraData, he spearheaded key sales initiatives and contributed significantly to profitability and growth. Harland Financials marquee technology solution, the UltraData-Enterprise system, is one of the leading credit union core systems in the industry. Tim holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas State University (1983). Tim is a student of his customers, profession, and industry.

Holly Bentley oversees the Lender Account Managers as the National Lender Territory Manager for Auto Financial Group. With a background in Consumer Lending at Wachovia and HSBC Beneficial Finance, Holly contributes 17 years of experience to AFG. Her experience includes mortgage and automotive lending, credit counseling, business development, account management, and staff training. Most recently Holly worked successfully as a Finance Advisor in a virtual F&I office, using Dealertrack to help borrowers refinance their “off lease” vehicles through varied lenders. Holly’s passion for AFG’s programs keep her team motivated to continuously develop business by adding new lenders to AFG’s portfolio of partners. Holly’s team is dedicated to delivering the highest level of customer service both during onboarding and through ongoing training of partners to set them up for success with AFG’s programs.

Dave Funderburk is the National Dealer Territory Manager for Auto Financial Group (AFG). Dave brings 29 years of automotive finance industry experience to the AFG management team. His broad range of experience gives him a great understanding of customer expectations in the indirect lending arena for both dealership and lender environments. Prior to joining AFG, after 12 successful years of dealership finance and insurance tenure, he migrated to the lender side. Since 2001, he has held leadership roles developing sales teams and managing dealer relationships both regionally and nationally for various credit unions in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Dave has a strong commitment to team building, effective communication and client follow up, both internally and externally. During 2004-2007, Dave has also served on the board of The National Vehicle Leasing Association and, also served as Chair for the NVLA Texas Chapter.

Dave Pratt brings over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, having worked in various capacities at dealerships early in his career, followed by a successful run in the fleet lease industry as sales and marketing manager. More recently, Pratt was involved in building and running three auctions in Texas.

Monica Mendoza leads all marketing initiatives at AFG. Monica brings over a decade of experience in B2B marketing, with significant expertise in implementing marketing automation programs and digital marketing strategies. Monica started her marketing career at Elsevier, a top scientific publisher, where she spearheaded key digital initiatives. After moving to Houston, Monica worked in the petrochemicals sector as well as in the oil and gas industry where she implemented revenue-driving digital marketing campaigns. Monica holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Boston University as well as a Master of English and German Literature degree from the University of Tübingen.

Nicole Montgomery is the Controller for Auto Financial Group.  She has been working in accounting for 18 years.  Previously in SLB she was a controller for a division seeing the business through the day to day operations.  There she helped to implement process improvements around reporting and business requirements. She strives to see how we can complete the task more efficiently and how to be more cost effective.  Her motto is “A day on which we do not laugh, is the most wasted of all” and tries to live it.