Valerie Gerard, Donna Yanuzzi, Zack Marsh and Ricky Rios
The start of a new year is always exciting and even more so for me this year as I begin my term as Chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees. I’m proud and a little humbled to lead the extraordinary efforts of the Foundation in providing the research, business intelligence and Campus to Career student talent development programs that help advance our industry, our businesses and our own careers. The Foundation volunteers and staff are world class, so to kick off 2024, here is some of what you can expect this year.
Academic Outreach
The Academic Outreach Committee, chaired by Donna Yanuzzi, EVP, 1st Equipment Finance, Inc. (FNCB Bank), will continue its focus on creating student awareness of career paths in the equipment finance sector. Yanuzzi says, “We are making great strides, and for 2024 we will continue to build on the momentum and enhance our strategic plan for the three areas that make up the Campus to Career student talent development programs.” Those areas are:
- Internship Resources: Designed to help companies find talent and for students to work and gain a better understanding of a career in equipment finance. Businesses are strongly encouraged to post their internship openings with the Foundation.
- Campus to Career Academic Presentations: Elevates industry visibility and makes it easy for industry participants to deliver a presentation at their alma mater, or any academic institution they are connected with.
- Foundation Scholarship Program: For 2024 the number of scholarships offered has increased from five to 10 scholarships of $5,000 each.
In addition, Yanuzzi, says, “We will continue to follow the Arizona State University implementation of the equipment finance curriculum, and learn from this initiative to introduce it to other colleges and universities around the country.”
Research
The Foundation Research Committee (FRC) will concentrate on two primary areas in 2024, according to Valerie Gerard, Co-Chief Executive Officer, The Alta Group LLC and new FRC chair. “The first is to remain laser-focused on the committee’s mission to produce interesting, germane research topics that assist equipment finance companies to grow and manage their businesses now and into the future,” Gerard says. “The second is more strategic because the way research is consumed—particularly by younger generations—is changing. The FRC is going to examine alternative research vehicles and identify ones that make sense to adopt over time.” She adds that the Foundation podcast program has been very successful since its inception in 2020, and in 2023 it expanded to include a vertical industry-focused podcast series.
Marketing and Branding
The Foundation’s Marketing and Branding Committee, established in early 2023, will provide its expertise in supporting Foundation outreach, chaired by Ricardo (Ricky) Rios, Jr., CFA, CLFP, COO of Commercial Equipment Finance, Inc. “The committee’s 2024 objectives are centered on increasing the effectiveness of the Foundation’s messaging, and executing initiatives that inform and engage stakeholder participation and consumption of Foundation resources,” Rios says.
This is going to be a big year at the Foundation. I encourage you to get the latest news and activities by following us on LinkedIn, and if you have an opportunity, get involved. It’s so rewarding!
