NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--()--Stratus Financial LLC (“Stratus” or the “Company”), a leading provider of financing solutions for student pilots, is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Schondau as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This strategic addition to the leadership team further reinforces Stratus Financial’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge financial solutions while positioning the company for long-term success.

“Scott’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer represents a significant step forward for Stratus Financial,” said Anthony Geraci, CEO of Stratus Financial. “With over two decades of experience in finance, capital markets, and strategic financial management, Scott brings a wealth of expertise that will be invaluable as we continue to scale and expand our business. His proven ability to develop and execute sophisticated financial strategies, coupled with his leadership in optimizing financial operations, will play a critical role in enhancing our organizational efficiency and driving sustainable growth. Scott’s experience in managing complex financial portfolios and mentoring high-performing teams aligns perfectly with our vision for Stratus’s future. We are confident that his leadership will be instrumental in helping us navigate the next phase of our growth while continuing to deliver value to our customers, investors, and stakeholders.”

Brandon Martini, COO of Stratus Financial noted, “As we grow our portfolio and further refine our offerings in the flight school loan market, Scott’s expertise in financial strategy and operational optimization will be key to ensuring we maintain a solid financial foundation. He has a proven track record of driving significant growth, improving financial processes, and enhancing organizational efficiency, all of which will contribute to our ability to execute on our long-term vision. We are confident that with Scott at the helm of our financial strategy, Stratus will not only maintain its competitive edge but will continue to set new standards in the industry for financial excellence and customer-centric innovation.”

Throughout his 25 year+ professional career, he has held Managing Director and similar roles at prestigious financial firms such as J.P. Morgan/Bear, Stearns, Deutsche Bank and Guggenheim. Most recently, he was CFO for an auto finance & loan servicing company and an EVP, partner and advisory board member for a private equity firm.

“I am both honored and excited to join Stratus Financial as Chief Financial Officer,” said Scott Schondau, Chief Financial Officer at Stratus Financial. “Stratus has established itself as a leader in providing innovative financial solutions to students pursuing careers in aviation, and I look forward to contributing to this mission. With over two decades of experience in finance and capital markets, I am committed to strengthening the company’s financial infrastructure and ensuring we maintain our position of leadership in the flight school loan sector. By improving financial processes, optimizing operational efficiencies, and driving strategic initiatives, my goal is to support Stratus’s continued growth and success as we expand our offerings and enhance our impact on the aviation industry. I’m eager to collaborate with the talented leadership team to further elevate Stratus as we help more aspiring pilots achieve their dreams.”

As CFO, Scott will oversee Stratus Financial’s financial operations, working alongside the executive team to refine financial strategies, streamline internal processes, and maintain a high standard of financial integrity across all functions. His leadership will be instrumental in ensuring Stratus continues to meet the evolving needs of students pursuing careers in aviation.

About Stratus Financial

Stratus Financial is a premier consumer finance firm committed to providing innovative, flexible financial solutions. With a strong focus on strategic growth, risk management, and customer-centricity, Stratus Financial is poised to lead the industry in providing cutting-edge lending solutions across a broad spectrum of consumer products. The company is dedicated to empowering consumers with accessible financing options, driving success for its stakeholders, and setting new standards of excellence in the fintech space.