Kelli Nienaber is the Executive Director of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation in Washington, DC. Having been in this role since 2011, she is the primary conduit to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and volunteer governance committees. She oversees the business and staff of the Foundation, which propels the $1 trillion equipment finance sector—and its people—forward with its industry-specific knowledge, intelligence, and programs. Through free studies, internships, and Guest Lecture opportunities, the Foundation helps industry professionals navigate the changes coming up and make better business and personal career decisions.

Prior to the Foundation, Kelli’s career was focused in the government relations/political arena. She has successfully managed political involvement and grassroots campaigns, as well as developed and executed federal and state legislative strategy in corporate and trade association organizations. She began her professional career in the public sector working for former U.S. Senator Kit Bond (R-MO) both in his Washington, DC office and in her home state of Missouri.

Kelli holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is an active volunteer serving on non-profit Boards in her community. Kelli and her husband Brian reside in Alexandria, VA with their four children.