ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta to Retire at End of 2023
At a specially convened meeting of the ELFA Board of Directors on March 25 Chair Bob Neagle announced that President and CEO Ralph Petta will retire at the end of 2023. Petta has served in a variety of roles at ELFA and its Foundation over the past 36 years. He was named President and CEO in 2016.
“For over three decades, Ralph has played an instrumental role in the success of ELFA, delivering on the value proposition to member organizations through development and execution of a variety of programs, products and services designed to assist them in achieving success in the equipment finance marketplace. He has been an integral thought leader across many of our initiatives over the years, possessing a keen operational focus, which has greatly benefited the association,” said Neagle.
“The association has retained the global executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles to conduct a comprehensive search for our next association leader. We expect this process to result in the selection of a successor CEO/President some time in the fourth quarter of the year,” added Neagle.
Funding Conference Takes Chicago by Storm
The Funding Conference convened in mid-March at the Hilton Palmer House in Chicago with more than 675 attendees and 62 funding sources in attendance—surpassing the 2022 turnout. The conference, which connects funding sources with equipment finance organizations looking to establish relationships to fulfill their funding needs, provided a welcome opportunity for industry leaders to get together. “The opportunity to network and do business at the Funding Conference is invaluable,” said Michael Ash, Chair of the 2023 National Funding Conference Planning Committee. “There’s no other event like this in
the equipment finance industry, where buyers and sellers connect to discuss funding programs and keep current on the latest funding issues.”Leadership Focus at Executive Roundtable
The Executive Roundtable brought over 100 equipment finance executives to Amelia Island, Florida, in late March to discuss the latest trends impacting the industry today, to strategize about the future and to create lasting business relationships. The theme was “Leadership with a Purpose” and keynote speakers included leadership master and adventurer Matt McFayden, futurist and global consumer trends expert Sheryl Connelly, holistic leadership strategist Ginny Clarke and investment strategist Jason Turner.ELFA Recognizes Member Company Milestones
ELFA is pleased to announce all the companies that are celebrating ELFA membership milestone anniversaries in 2023. We thank all companies for your membership, including those who have been members of ELFA for 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 years! See a full list of these special companies at www.elfaonline.org/about/2023-membership-milestones.
2023 Legal Forum: Attend In-Person or Virtually
When it comes to providing you with the timeliest information on legal issues impacting the equipment leasing and finance industry, there is no better place than the ELFA Legal Forum on May 7-9. This year the event will be hybrid, allowing attendees to attend in-person at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Ft. Myers, Florida, or remotely for only $295. To learn more, visit www.elfaonline.org/events/2023/LF/.Join the May 18 Innovation Roundtable
Sign up today for the ELFA Innovation Roundtable on May 18, noon-2:30 p.m. Central Time. The theme will be “Industry Transformation, Discussion and Debate.” ELFA’s quarterly roundtable sessions, facilitated by Deb Reuben of TomorrowZone, are an opportunity to find out what is on the mind of your peers, share ideas and discover new approaches for tackling your innovation challenges. Learn more at www.elfaonline.org/events.Membership Minute
Need an easy solution to connect with other ELFA members and stay informed on the latest member and industry news? Download the ELFA Engage mobile app today and conveniently gain access to member resources and information through your smartphone. Wherever you are, you can easily connect with your peers and stay up-to-date on critical industry news and trends. The app, available for both iOS and Android, serves as ELFA’s hub for content, collaboration and events. Contact [email protected] with questions.Calling All Tax Professionals
ELFA’s Tax Best Practices Roundtable will be held on June 22 in Cleveland and is the event to get up-to-date on the latest trends and issues that affect your job, impact your company and concern your customers. Offered exclusively to tax practitioners of ELFA member companies, the roundtable focuses on federal and state compliance and planning issues, recent developments, and sharing of internal best practices in the equipment finance industry. The roundtable, sponsored by Vertex, is open to ELFA member tax practitioners and other professionals that hold a position in tax, planning, research, business unit support or any other position responsible for corporate tax functions. Learn more at www.elfaonline.org/events/2023/TPR.
ELFA Podcast Interviews HR Expert
As the Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer for Mitsubishi HC Capital America, Joni Kovac has seen a lot of change over the course of her 20+ years in the industry. In the latest episode of the ELFA’s Equipment Finance Matters podcast, host Alexa Carnibella talks with Joni about her career path, her biggest challenges and rewards, her top three pieces of advice for equipment finance newbies and how hiring has (and hasn’t!) changed since the pandemic. Along the way, they talk about what people look for in their jobs (hint: it’s in the title), not being afraid to ask questions and why you should NEVER do tae-bo kicks at a work event.
www.elfaonline.org/podcast.Nominate a Leader
The Michael J. Fleming Distinguished Service Award honors the accomplishments of an outstanding ELFA volunteer who has made a significant contribution to the association and the industry, and who also encourages others to contribute to the development and growth of the industry. Submit your nomination by June 23 at www.elfaonline.org/awards/dsa.Job Seekers and Employers Meet in the ELFA Career Center
This spring and summer, turn to the ELFA Career Center to meet your employment goals. If you’re a job seeker, search and apply for jobs in your field and enjoy free and confidential resume posting. If you’re an employer, post and track job announcements and search our resume database. Get started today at https://careers.elfaonline.org.
Join ELFA’s “People Power” communities on LinkedIn
Looking to expand your network and advance DEI in equipment finance? Join one—or all three—of ELFA’s “People Power” LinkedIn groups:
• ELFA Equity
• Generation Next
• Women4Inclusion
Conference Draws Industry Professionals and Institutional Investors
The Investors’ Conference on Equipment Finance in New York City in March, hosted by ELFA and the Information of Management Network (IMN), drew some 150 equipment finance professionals, institutional investors and service providers who support the industry.Operations & Technology Committee Meets In-Person
The Operations & Technology Committee met in-person in Washington, DC--for the first time since 2019--under the leadership of Chair Tawnya Stone of GreatAmerica Financial Services to plan the 2023 Operations & Technology Conference. The future looks bright for this conference and the amazing ideas from the planning committee! Mark your calendars for the 2023 Operations & Technology Conference and Exhibition, Sept. 11-13 at the Sheraton New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana.We Are Back!
App Challenge: Spotlight Your Favorite Charity
What charitable causes are you passionate about? Post how you support your favorite charity in the ELFA Engage app for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Prime gift card and ELFA Swag! Whether you donate or volunteer your time, ELFA wants to know. One winner will be chosen at random at the end of Q2 2023. Learn more at www.elfaonline.org/app. #ELFAMugClub #WeAreELFA
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