New Year, new roles at ELFA

The New Year sees Ralph Petta take over as the new president and CEO of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA), following the retirement of William (Woody) Sutton, and his first step has been to announce three staff promotions.

Julie Benson becomes vice president, membership marketing, with a remit to play a significant role in the development of a broad strategy that both engages and retains ELFA members and enhances the membership value proposition. She will also drive the association’s efforts to grow its membership base in all member populations.

Lisa Ramirez becomes vice president, business and professional development, taking over from retiring staff member Lesley Sterling. In her new role Ramirez will oversee the management and direction of all business and professional development activities of the association, including the annual convention, conferences, workshops, best practices roundtables, e-learning initiatives, web seminars and web-based educational content.

Paul Stilp, who joined ELFA in 2004 as vice president, finance and administration, is promoted to the position of chief financial and operating officer. In his new role he will continue to oversee the association’s finances and treasury operations and work closely with the president and CEO and staff to provide for the overall daily administrative and operational requirements of the organization.

“ELFA is fortunate to have very knowledgeable and talented individuals on our staff,” said Petta. “We are pleased to recognize Julie, Lisa and Paul, whose experience and dedication to our mission and our membership make them invaluable members of the ELFA team. I look forward to working with them and the rest of our exceptional staff in 2016 and beyond.”

Bumpy end to 2015

Latest figures from ELFA’s Monthly Leasing and Finance Index (MLFI-25), suggest that new business volumes proved sluggish towards the end of 2015.

Overall new business volume for November was $6.1 billion, down 12% from new business volume in November 2014. Volume was down 21% from $7.7 billion in October. Year to date, cumulative new business volume increased 1% compared to 2014.

Separately, the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation’s Monthly Confidence Index (MCI-EFI) for December is 60.2, unchanged from last month’s index.