ELFA Announces Leigh Lytle as New President and CEO
ELFA HAS ANNOUNCED the appointment of Leigh Lytle as President and CEO, effective Dec. 4, 2023. ELFA Board Chair Bob Neagle made the announcement at the 62nd ELFA Annual Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Lytle will succeed Ralph Petta, who is retiring from the association at the end of the year.“We are pleased to welcome Ms. Lytle to ELFA as our new President and CEO,” said Neagle. “Leigh is a dynamic leader whose experience, passion and vision make her uniquely qualified to guide our association into the future. Her experience in banking, operations, advocacy and education, and most recently with a fintech company and a fintech trade association, will add momentum to our current ELFA efforts in those same areas. After conducting a national search, we are delighted with this outcome and the opportunity it offers our organization. I would like to thank our search committee for their tremendous work throughout the process.”
As the Head of North American Policy at Plaid, Lytle led education and engagement efforts with regulators and financial institutions. In this role, she advocated for protecting consumers’ rights within the digital financial ecosystem and in Washington, D.C. She also served as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Financial Technology Association (FTA), which represents innovative companies shaping the future of finance. The industry trade group champions the power of technology-centered financial services and advocates for the modernization of financial regulation to support inclusion and responsible innovation. Before joining Plaid, Lytle spent over 15 years in the Federal Reserve Bank system in various executive roles ranging from engagements in monetary and regulatory policy to operations and data analytics oversight.
“I am honored to be joining the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association as the organization moves into its next phase and navigates the digital landscape and abundant opportunities on behalf of our members,” said Lytle. “The association has an incredible board, members and team championing this critical sector that adds tremendous value to the American economy. I am proud to join the ELFA staff to build on the solid foundation established by Ralph Petta and the team, and look forward to meeting with and working with our members in the coming months.”
ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta and former ELFA Chair Dave Schaefer attended the induction celebration of Fred Van Etten, President, Midland Equipment Finance, into the Arizona State University W.P. Cary School of Business Alumni Hall of Fame in Phoenix.
ELFA Leadership
Rob Boyer, 2024 ELFA Board Chair
OFFICERS
Robert Boyer, CLFP, First Commonwealth Equipment Finance (Chair)
Robert Neagle, Finova Capital, LLC (Immediate Past Chair)
James Cress, Stryker Flex Financial (Chair-Elect)
Deborah Baker, HP Inc. (Vice Chair)
Nathan Gibbons, CLFP, QuickFi by Innovation Finance USA LLC. (Vice Chair)
Leigh Lytle, ELFA (President/CEO)
Ed Rosen, ELFA (Secretary)
DIRECTORS
Jon Biorkman, BMO
Kathleen Canum, Canon Financial Services, Inc.
Debra Devassy Babu, Darcy & Devassy PC
David Drury, Fifth Third Bank, National Association
Jeffry Elliott, CLFP, Huntington Equipment Finance
Katie Emmel, Solifi
Brian Eschmann, CLFP, Northland Capital Equipment Finance
Eric Gross, Dext Capital
Randy Haug, LTi Technology Solutions
Mathew Iacobucci, U.S. Bank
Christopher Johnson, Pitney Bowes Global Financial Services
Michael Jones, First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance
Brad Peterson, Channel
Kirk Phillips, Wintrust Commercial Finance
Michael Romanowski, Farm Credit Leasing
Jayma Sandquist, John Deere Financial
Nick Small, Cisco Systems Capital Corporation
Michelle Speranza, CLFP, LEAF Commercial Capital Inc.
Robert Wax, Kingsbury Wax Bova
Stephen White, Stonebriar Commercial Financea
Bruce Winter, CLFP, FSG Capital, Inc.
2024 Dues Renewal Season Is Here
It’s that time of year again and the ELFA membership dues renewal campaign has begun. Renewal invoices for the 2024 membership year were emailed to the key contacts of all ELFA member companies Nov. 8-10. Timely payment of 2024 membership dues will ensure uninterrupted access to indispensable benefits, such as federal and state advocacy updates, targeted industry research, discounted fees for ELFA events and much more. Key dates to remember:Nov. 8-10 – 2024 dues invoices emailed to key contacts
Dec. 31 – Deadline to pay 2024 dues
Throughout 2024 – Take advantage of ELFA’s many benefits
Please contact [email protected] with any questions or to learn more about the resources available to all ELFA members.
Celebrating Business Intelligence
The Research Committee met at ELFA headquarters in Washington, D.C. in October to update the questionnaire for the 2024 Survey of Equipment Finance Activity (SEFA). Exciting new topics are coming to the SEFA, including climate finance. Make sure your company completes the survey in early 2024 to receive a complimentary copy and other benefits. Learn more at www.elfaonline.org/SEFA.
Coming in February: 2024 Women’s Leadership Forum
The ELFA Women’s Leadership Forum will take place Feb. 8-9 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Nashville Downtown in Nashville, Tennessee. This interactive event will focus on leadership development for women at all stages of an equipment finance career. The agenda will feature dynamic speakers and offer time for attendee networking with other industry leaders. This event is sponsored by the ELFA Women’s Council. See www.elfaonline.org/calendar.Save the Date: ELFA Executive Roundtable
Discuss the issues of the day, strategize about the future and create lasting business relationships at the ELFA Executive Roundtable, March 3-5 at the Conrad Orlando in Orlando, Florida. This event is open only to executives from ELFA member companies, including Service Provider member companies. Watch for details at www.elfaonline.org/calendar.Membership Minute
UPLOAD the ELFA Member logo to your company website and show your support of the industry and the association. Learn more.
Equipment Managers to Gather in March
As you make your plans for 2024, be sure to include the Equipment Management Conference and Exhibition, March 10-12 at the Sheraton New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is the premier event for equipment managers, appraisers and remarketers. It is attended by hundreds of people you need to meet and includes a fantastic exhibition showcasing leasing appraisers, remarketers, auctioneers and others who can help you perform your job more effectively. Watch for details at www.elfaonline.org/calendar. Bosco Enters Equipment Finance Hall of Fame
ELFA has named William Bosco, Jr. to the 2023 Class of the Equipment Finance Hall of Fame. Bosco accepted the award at the Chairman’s Dinner preceding the 62nd ELFA Annual Convention in Phoenix. He was recognized for his instrumental role in representing the association and the equipment finance industry in the decade-long effort to create a new lease-accounting standard. “Bill’s tireless work and leadership on the lease accounting project have been essential to the success of our association’s advocacy and outreach activities,” said ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta. Learn more at www.elfaonline.org/hof. ELFA Launches Refreshed Website
ELFA has announced a refresh of its website at www.elfaonline.org, providing user-friendly access to the latest information and resources for the $1 trillion equipment finance industry. The updated site offers improved navigation to enhance the member experience and showcase the latest ELFA member benefits. Learn more.Get the Fact Sheets
Ever wonder how prevalent equipment financing is in a particular industry? As part of ELFA’s campaign to promote equipment finance, the association has released a series of fact sheets that reveal equipment finance statistics and facts for 10 industries. View more on the association’s end-user website.High Achievers
CONGRATULATIONS to 27 member employees who completed ELFA’s two-day, instructor-led “Principles of Equipment Leasing and Finance” curriculum in September. Each member passed an exam and received a certificate of achievement signifying their exposure to and understanding of the basics of equipment finance. The next Principles Workshops will take place in 2024 on March 20-22, June 26-28 and Nov. 6-8 at ELFA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Learn about the course at www.elfaonline.org/POL.
Join the Q4 Mobile App Challenge
Cheers to Ralph! After 36 years of dedicated service to the equipment finance industry, ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta will retire at the end of 2023. Post a farewell message to Petta on the Engage Wall within the ELFA Engage mobile app for a chance to win. ELFA members who post between Nov. 1 and Dec. 15 will be entered to win a $25 Amazon Prime gift card and ELFA swag! #ELFAMugClubKnowledge Hub Spotlight: Human Capital
Did you know that ELFA offers resources for a wide scope of human capital issues, from organizational leadership, to training and development, to the next generation of talent? The association’s member benefits include live and virtual events, articles and research resources, all customized for professionals in equipment finance. Discover numerous resources for human capital development on the “Human Capital” webpage from the ELFA Knowledge Hub.5 Takeaways from ELFA’s Webinar on AI & Marketing
From optimizing advertising campaigns and personalizing customer experiences, to predicting consumer behavior and automating routine tasks, artificial intelligence (AI) is dramatically reshaping the marketing landscape. Members of ELFA’s Communications Committee highlighted key trends during the webinar “AI for Marketers: Embracing Analytics and Creativity.” Read 5 takeaways and access a recording and resource guide from the Sept. 28 event, which drew more than 250 industry professionals.Bank BCSC Honors Shrewd Forecaster
Congratulations to Matt Vazzana of Huntington Technology Finance for winning the Bank Business Council Steering Committee (BCSC) contest. Chaired by Rob Seltzer, the Bank BCSC held an internal contest to see who could guess closest to the Dow close on Sept. 1, 2023, without going over. As a member of the Bank BCSC representing the Emerging Talent Advisory Counil, Matt picked up some ELFA swag and is now a member of the esteemed #ELFAMugClub. He’ll also enjoy bragging rights for the next year. Congratulations, Matt! Members Show Team Spirit
Congrats to Oscar Bernal, Senior Business Architect at Odessa, on winning ELFA’s Q3 mobile app contest. Oscar posted his favorite sports team in the Engage Wall of the ELFA Engage app and picked up some fun ELFA swag. You can join Oscar and become a member of the #ELFAmugclub! Download the app today and join our latest contest at www.elfaonline.org/app. Women’s Spotlight: Meet Camtu Vo
The ELFA Women’s Council is shining a light on women in equipment finance through a new Q&A series. In the latest Q&A, meet Camtu Vo. Find out how this NYU grad with an art history degree ended up as a Manager of Product Development at DLL in Dallas. Also, what advice Camtu would give her younger self, the best decision she’s made in her career and her future goal. Plus: Her favorite quote (hint: think “Lord of the Rings”).
Autumn Special in the ELFA Career Center
If you’re an employer, this is a great time to post your employment openings in the ELFA Career Center. Save 15% when you post a 30- or 60-day posting using code Autumn2023. If you’re a job seeker, visit the ELFA Career Center today to search and apply for jobs in your field and enjoy free and confidential resume posting. http://careers.elfaonline.org/
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