In its more than 35-year history, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation’s mission of contributing to the betterment of the equipment leasing and finance industry has been focused on the future. At a time of dynamic changes in the industry and at the Foundation, EL&F Magazine invited new Foundation Board Chair Miles Herman, President and CEO of LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc., to share what he sees in store for the year ahead.
What are your priorities as Chair for the Foundation? What are you most looking forward to in 2026?
This is a pivotal moment for the Foundation, and I see tremendous opportunity ahead. The Foundation’s impact on our industry is significant, and my priorities as Chair center on two areas to further strengthen that impact.
First, realigning the Foundation and the Association to work more closely together, particularly around research. Both organizations have exceptional expertise. By strategically combining our resources and efforts, we can deliver insights that not only maintain the high standards we’re known for, but elevate them even further.
Second, I’m committed to continuing to bring the best and brightest into our industry. Attracting the next generation of talent will require deepening the Foundation’s roots in education and development. That means building relationships with schools nationwide, introducing students to opportunities in equipment finance, and creating clear, impactful pathways similar to the equipment finance curriculum we helped create at Arizona State University and the Commercial Equipment Leasing and Finance (CELF) course we support in partnership with the CLFP Foundation at the University of North Texas.
In 2026, I’m most excited to deepen my connections across the industry. As Chair, my role is to listen to and learn from everyone’s perspectives – then translate them into initiatives that reflect the needs of the entire industry and strengthen our impact within it.
Can you explain a bit about the evolution of the Foundation’s expanded programming for workforce development initiatives?
Developing our workforce is essential to our industry’s future – but historically, efforts have been fragmented and inconsistent. That’s finally changing, and I see it as one of the most exciting areas of growth for the Foundation.
2026 Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation Board of Trustees
We’re taking a unified, strategic approach to development that ensures professionals at every stage have the tools and training they need to succeed. In collaboration with ELFA and the new affiliation with CLFP, we’re building a comprehensive framework for education and professional development. By investing in our workforce now, we’re creating a talent pipeline that supports ongoing innovation and will keep our industry strong for decades to come. That’s the kind of progress the Foundation was built for, and it’s why I’m so committed to driving it forward.
What does the Foundation do better than any other organization for the equipment finance industry?
One thing that’s always stood out to me about the Foundation is its ability to open doors and create opportunities that transform careers and strengthen our entire industry. Education and scholarships are at the heart of that mission – initiatives that bring new talent into equipment finance and ensure our future workforce is ready to lead.
The Foundation is uniquely positioned to cultivate talent, connect individuals with opportunities, and unite the entire industry around shared goals. From independents to services organizations to the largest institutions, everyone has access to the resources and people they need to succeed – and that ability to connect and inspire is what makes the Foundation indispensable.
Anything you’d like to add?
The Foundation continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of equipment finance. Through initiatives like the 1989 Society, we’re also creating a lasting legacy – one that ensures this industry remains strong and viable.
As we work toward these goals, I believe in creating space for everyone. Whether you’re a small broker, an independent finance company, a large bank, or a services organization, there’s a place for you in shaping what comes next. As Chair, I’m committed to bringing people together and fostering collaboration so we can further the Foundation’s mission: to inspire thoughtful innovation and contribute to the betterment of our industry as a whole.
