ELFA - Equipment Leasing and Finance Association - Investing Forward

Operations & Technology Conference

September 14, 2021
Virtual Conference

Operations & Technology Conference

September 14, 2021
Virtual Conference

Operations & Technology Conference

September 14, 2021

Virtual Conference



Operations & Technology LIVE! The Future of Work is the first virtual edition of this esteemed event and promises another program packed with engaging, timely content, as well as ample opportunity for networking and connecting.

Virtual Conference

Registered Attendees:

Welcome to Operations & Technology LIVE!. We are excited for a wonderful virtual conference. Registered attendees may enter the conference through the link below beginning at 8:00am ET on Monday, September 14th.

To log-in to the event, copy and paste this link into Google Chrome: https://lacotlive.elfaonline.org/community.
then enter your email and the Passcode: ELFAACOT.

Should you run into firewall or VPN issues, try accessing the event from your personal laptop/computer or accessing the Help Desk in the lower left corner of the virtual conference - on the login screen as well.
Here are some tips to help eliminate any issues you might have connecting to the conference:

  • Position yourself in a place with consistent, high speed internet.
  • Turn off VPNs and strict corporate firewalls. These throttle upload speed, causing lag, and can potentially block audio and video streams.
  • Use a desktop/laptop computer. The platform is not mobile-friendly.
  • Use Google Chrome or Firefox. These browsers are optimal for the platform.
Before you get started, here's a video overview of the virtual platform and how to navigate:

The Future of Work - with sessions such as:

  • Considering Unconscious Bias in Design, Data &Technology
  • You Can't Digitize Humanity
  • Brian Solis, Keynote Speaker on The Future of Work
  • Presentation from the Operations & Technology Excellence Award Winning Company
  • The Composable Enterprise
  • Innovating Apart
  • Every Leader is a Technology Leader
  • Leadership in Times of Uncertainty
  • And MUCH more!

Operations & Technology Excellence Award & Spotlight Talks

Don't miss out on this year's Operations & Technology Excellence Award, which has been developed to recognize equipment leasing and finance companies that have demonstrated best practices in developing and implementing innovative uses of technology or creative business processes to improve operations, enhance customer interactions, enter new markets and build overall ROI. Award applications have been submitted and the winning applicant will present at this years' conference.

Spotlight Talk in the Networking Lounge: Take some time to talk with two Spotlight companies who submitted for the Award. What were their projects? How did they impact their company? These two projects are noteworthy, interesting and their stories are compelling! You will absolutely want to hear about these amazing projects!


Registration Fees

Price Description Amount
Attendee $595.00
Attendee - Member Company $595.00
Attendee - Non Member (All) $795.00
Committee - Member $295.00
Speaker - Member $295.00
Speaker - Non Member $295.00

View cancellation and other policies

ELFA 2021 Operations & Technology LIVE! Schedule of Events

Below is the general schedule of events. Session descriptions and speakers are all located in the conference brochure, linked on the left side of this web page. Please note, all conference times are based in the Eastern Time zone.

Session descriptions and speakers are all located in the conference schedule - Download Conference Schedule Here

Tuesday, September 14th

All times are listed in Eastern Time zone.

9:30 - 11:15am ET - Welcome, State of the Association and Industry and Keynote Presentation
  • Keynote Speaker: Brian Solis, Best-Selling Author, Digital Anthropologist, Futurist, and Global Innovation Evangelist at Salesforce
11:15 - 11:45am ET - EXHIBIT HALL & NETWORKING

11:45am - 12:45pm ET - Session

12:45 - 1:15pm ET - EXHIBIT HALL & NETWORKING

1:15 - 2:15pm ET - Concurrent Breakout Sessions (2 sessions)

2:15 - 2:45pm ET - EXHIBIT HALL & NETWORKING

2:45 - 3:45pm ET - Joint General Session

3:45 - 4:15pm ET - EXHIBIT HALL & NETWORKING

4:15 - 5:15pm ET - Concurrent Breakout Sessions (2 sessions)

5:15 - 6:15pm ET - Virtual Reception

Mix and mingle with other attendees and share your takeaways from the day. Some virtual networking tables will be labeled so you can select the professional category or topic of greatest interest and further the discussion from the day's sessions.

Available Functions

Speakers

Richard Andersen

Vice President, Specialty Finance and Syndications
Key Equipment Finance


John Bober

Managing Member
IXL Lease Advisory Services, LLC


John chairs the accounting and reporting committee of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) and was the 2014 recipient of the ELFA’s Distinguished Service Award. As the managing member at IXL Lease Advisory Services, LLC, John specializes in lease accounting and financial reporting. He is also a senior consultant to Ernst & Young LLP.

John retired in 2018 after a 23-year career with GE Capital, where he primarily focused on vendor finance arrangements and the leasing of equipment as well as managing all aspects of General Electric Company’s Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) lease accounting project. He has been active in the accounting standards setting process, having served on both the Emerging Issues Task Force and the Accounting Standards Executive Committee working groups. John was a member of the joint FASB and IASB international working group on lease accounting. Active in Financial Executives International, he is the past chair of their leases working group.

John joined GE Capital in 1995 and held various positions in finance, risk and general management within GE Capital and GE Energy Financial Services. He managed the group within GE Energy Financial Services responsible for the analysis of economic returns from equity and debt investments, project financings, partnerships and large ticket leases, including lease pricing. Prior to joining GE in 1995, John was a partner with an international accounting firm, based in both Jakarta, Indonesia and New York. He frequently speaks at industry conferences on matters related to current developments in finance and accounting.

John has a BA in History from Tulane University. He is also an MPA from the University of Texas at Austin and is a past member of the Department of Accounting Advisory Council and of the McCombs School of Business BBA-MPA Alumni Advisory Board.

Angie Branch

Vice President, IT
Sasser Family Companies


Angie Branch?was the original Product Manager for Rail360 at Chicago Freight Car Leasing Co., leading the discovery, roadmapping, and initial implementation efforts for the system. Angie has been part of the Sasser Family Companies team since 2006, holding various roles in Information Technology leadership, Finance, and Accounting.

Angie is currently Manager, Business Information Technology at Sasser Family Companies and is Product Manager for systems at Express 4x4 Truck Rental, a Sasser subsidiary. Throughout her time as the Product Manager for various key systems across Sasser, Angie has been a champion of IT Governance best practices, the Agile development methodology, and most importantly building strong relationships and trust with internal and external stakeholders. Angie is passionate about creating an environment in which her team, peers, company, and community can thrive. In 2020, Angie was part of the team that was awarded the Fred R. Sasser Stewardship Award, a top honor at Sasser that recognizes a contribution with lasting impact that is expected to help preserve, protect, and enhance the Sasser organization and its culture.

Angie is elated that the Rail360 team is being recognized for their extraordinary accomplishments and is proud to have contributed to the effort.

Daniela Carijo Weitmann



With over 20 years of international experience with multiple Fortune 500 companies across the world, Daniela has a proven track record of general management, corporate development, product development, business operations and creating digital business models across multiple industries.

Before joining DLL as Head of Global Digital Transformation in July 2020, Daniela expanded the digital business at Converse – Nike from 20% - 45%. Having built a reputationas a pioneer in digital transformation and omnichannel business development, she is strongly committed to lead DLL’s digital capabilities to the next level.

Daniela holds a Master of Science degree in Engineering (PUC – Pontifical Catholic University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and completed her postgraduate studies from Cornell University and Baruch College in New York (US).

She is not only a passionate executive, Daniela is committed to giving back as well. Most recently she was selected to participate on W50, an executive program led by UCLA Andersson to equip the next generation of Global Women leaders.

Chad Carlson

Director of Professional Services
Tamarack Technology, Inc.


A strong advocate for the equipment finance industry, Carlson is an active member of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA), has served on the organization’s Ops and Tech planning committee since 2018, and earned the Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) designation in 2019. He began working in the industry in 2006 as a software developer at a leading equipment finance software company.

Earlier in his career Carlson gained experience in software development and account management while at Meritain Health, an Aetna Company. During his tenure at the company, he led a team of employee and contract developers as well as developed and expanded an in-house claims adjudication platform.

A graduate of St. Cloud State University, Carlson earned dual degrees in Computer Science and Philosophy. He resides in Princeton, Minn. with his wife and 4 children.

Tina Cartwright CLFP

SVP Information Technology and Operations, Equipment Finance
U.S. Bank


Tina Cartwright is a Senior Vice President of US Bank and is responsible for Equipment Finance Information Technology Strategies, Security, Project Management, Facility Operations, Source Integration and Professional Development Programs. She began her career in January of 1997 with Lyon Financial, a small ticket leasing company. Lyon Financial was later acquired by US Bank in September of 2000.

Throughout her career, she has held a variety of positions within the organization working for both the Equipment Finance lines of business, as well as the Technology and Operations teams. Her responsibilities have included Credit Analyst, Credit Manager, Business System Analyst, Project Manager and most recently Director of Information Technology and Operations.

Josh Chesser

Interim General Manager
Sasser Family Companies


Josh Chesser is the interim General Manager for Chicago Freight Car Leasing Co. (CFCL). He is responsible for the development and execution of the company's strategic plan. Before his leadership position, he held the title of Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing. In that role he was responsible for all aspects of Sales, Customer Service and Portfolio Management. CFCL’s primary focus is on delivering a positive customer experience through best-in-class service.

Prior to joining CFCL in 2016, he was Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Salco Products, Inc. Salco Products is a leading component supplier in the rail market. He led the sales and customer support functions through over 15 years of company innovation. In his executive role, he was responsible for development and execution of top line revenue growth as well as development of a variety of markets including expansion into the European and middle east rail / trucking componentry.

Josh is heavily involved in the Traffic Club of Chicago, serving as Chairman of the Networking & Golf Committee as well as serving as the Vice President of the club. The club's main objective is to connect transportation professionals through networking and educational opportunities.

Andrew Cotter

EVP, Chief Information Officer
Somerset Capital Group, Ltd.


Andrew Cotter serves as Chief Information Officer for Somerset Capital Group, Ltd. and has been with the organization since 2002. Mr. Cotter is an experienced business leader and technology strategist providing vision and transformational leadership for more than 20 years. Mr. Cotter uses his extensive experience in people leadership, business operations, and technology innovation to partner with the organization. Through this partnership he develops effective plans and strategies to achieve meaningful results as well as enables continuous innovation needed to improve the customer experience required to succeed in the digital age.

Mr. Cotter serves on the board of Fairfield/Westchester Society for Information Management, is active on the ELFA Technology Innovation Working Group, and is the Immediate Past Chair of the ELFA Operations and Technology Committee.

Mark Farlin

Vice President-Head of Syndications & Healthcare
LEAF Commercial Capital Inc.


Vice President of Sales, Business Unit Head for Healthcare for LEAF Commercial Capital, Inc. (LEAF).

Formerly Vice President, Head of Healthcare at TCF Equipment Finance, Farlin will lead LEAF’s continued expansion into the healthcare industry. As the Business Unit Head for Healthcare at LEAF, Farlin will also leverage his leadership experience in healthcare finance roles at Olympus and GE Capital, in addition to leadership roles at First National Capital Corporation and Citicapital.

Farlin joins LEAF during a period of especially strong expansion driven by organic growth and acquisition. In addition to spearheading LEAF’s drive to increase that momentum in target segments such as healthcare, Farlin will spearhead the company’s focus on building infrastructure and also support premier national accounts in other key segments.

Keelie Fitzgerald

SVP, Marketing


Keelie is Odessa’s SVP, Marketing, responsible for global marketing and communications. A seasoned asset finance marketer, she is passionate about brand storytelling and translating complex technical concepts into market-ready content. Prior to joining in 2009, she developed B2B marketing and design programs at JNPR. Keelie previously served on the ELFA Communications Committee and is now focused in her current terms on the ELFA Operations and Technology Committee and on the Board of Directions for the Odessa Foundation. Committed to building diverse teams that serve communities, Keelie is the executive leader for Women@Odessa and CSR in the Americas. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Temple University.

Keith Goepfert



Jennifer Golbeck

Computer Scientist, Director of Social Intelligence Lab, College of Information Studies
University Of Maryland-college Park


Jennifer Golbeck

Dr. Jennifer Golbeck is a computer scientist, Director of the Social Intelligence Lab, and a professor in the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. Her research focuses on analyzing and computing with social media and creating usable privacy and security systems. She writes for Slate and The Atlantic and frequently appears on NPR, including as a regular guest host for The Kojo Nnamdi Show. Her TED talk was named one of the most powerful talks of 2014. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Science degree in Computer Science at the University of Chicago, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Stephanie Hasenbos-Case

Chief Human Resources Officer


Peter Haug

Product Manager
LTi Technology Solutions


Current Member of the ELFA Operations and Technology Committee, Peter Haug is Product Manager at LTi Technology Solutions – the market-leading platform provider to the equipment finance industry. Since joining LTi in 2009, Peter has enjoyed collaborating with thought-leaders in the industry to understand and solve the critical challenges the industry is facing.

Recently, Peter has presented on technology topics covering innovation and the customer experience.

In his free time, Peter enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, watching soccer, and learning languages.

Leonard Lane CLFP

SVP, Product Management
Odessa


Leonard Lane brings more than 25 years of accounting and IT experience in leasing and equipment finance to his position as SVP, Product Management for Odessa, a leader in lease and loan accounting software solutions. Leonard joined Odessa in 2016, leading the Product team with responsibility for the functional roadmap of all Odessa products. Prior to Odessa, Leonard held various accounting, IT and operations roles for Winthrop Resources Corporation and TCF Bank (1992-2016). Leonard holds MBA, Finance and Operations and BSB, Accounting degrees from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and is a certified public accountant (inactive). He was also a member of the ELFA Operations and Technology Committee from 2012 – 2015.

Jeffrey Lezinski

SVP Solution Architecture
Odessa


Jeff is Odessa’s SVP, Solution Architecture, instrumental in architecting Odessa’s functional solutions since he joined the company in 2004. Jeff currently serves on the ELFA Accounting Committee and participates as a liaison to various industry and regulatory bodies. Prior to Odessa, Jeff worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP where he participated in and managed various engagements from a consulting and an audit perspective for a variety of industries, including financial services, pharmaceutical, and telecommunications. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Haverford College.

Gina LoCacciato

Senior Director, Customer Experience
Sasser Family Companies


Gina LoCacciato is the Senior Director of Customer Experience at Chicago Freight Car Leasing Co. (CFCL). She started with the company in 2014 as the Director of Business Operations and Transformation where she was responsible for driving a continuous improvement mindset and culture, and operational efficiencies in alignment with key strategic initiatives by developing processes and technologies that optimize operational costs and business processes. Gina was the Business Lead on identifying the business case for implementing a new future-state operating system, including a deep-dive analysis of a build vs. buy solution.

Prior to joining CFCL, Gina worked in information technology within the financial industry as a Senior Project Manager leading all phases of diverse and complex software projects where she gained extensive experience in business needs assessment, process improvement, project planning/management, and system migration/integration.

In her current role at CFCL, Gina is responsible for leading the development and monitoring of CFCL’s end-to-end customer experience strategy, as well as supporting other key processes that entail technology support and development.

Gina has more than 15 years of project management and process improvement experience and earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Technical Communications from Northern Illinois University.

As a Board member of Sasser Family Companies core charity, Avenues to Independence, Gina is actively involved in leading efforts which attract financial support and the leadership needed to carry out Avenues to Independence’s mission. She has also been a member of Sasser’s Change for the Better Council since 2016.

Jennifer Martin CLFP

Chief Product Officer
LTi Technology Solutions


Jen Martin is the Chief Product Officer at LTi Technology Solutions. In her role as CPO Jen leads the Product and Client Success teams. Jen is responsible for managing LTi's investment in new product and technologies, providing value added solutions to critical customer and market problems.

Jen Martin has been in the equipment finance industry and was at Key Equipment Finance (KEF) for 28 years. She has held many roles over that time including Operations Manager for various support/client service areas and Originations teams, Technology Project Manager, Technology product owner and Quality assurance manager. In 2019, she led the team that implemented ASPIRE and was a lead on the team that upgraded KEF’s end to end technology stack. Most recently, Jen Martin was part of the Key Equipment Finance senior leadership team, responsible for the successful execution of KEF’s technology roadmap, aligning technology tools with the needs of Key Equipment Finance’s clients and employees. Additionally, Jen led a sales enablement team that enables KEF’s growth success through data driven strategic modeling, problem solving, helping market Key’s capabilities and exceeding client expectations through the implementation of innovative technology tools.

Jen Martin is also a founding member of the ELFA Women’s council, immediate past chair for the ELFA Operations and Technology Committee/Conference, a member of the Monitor’s Editorial Board and is part of the ELFA’s Innovation Advisory council.

Ron Meyer

Sr. Business Advisor
Linedata


Ron joined Capitalstream in 2010. He is currently responsible for directing the company’s credit-related systems initiatives and enhancing data governance and stewardship efforts. He has over 27 years of banking experience with particular focus on commercial lending and has worked in a multitude of lending positions including credit origination, administration, servicing and asset risk management. Prior to joining Linedata, Ron served as Vice President and Loan Operations Manager for AMCORE Bank N.A and Vice President and National Operations Manager for Banco Popular North America.

Brock Morrison

Chief Information Officer
Sasser Family Companies


Brock Morrison is the chief information officer (CIO) for Sasser Family Companies (Sasser), a fourth-generation, family-owned transportation asset services and management company headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois. Sasser's subsidiary business units include Chicago Freight Car Leasing, Union Leasing, Express 4x4 Truck Rental, CF Rail Services, Xced Aviation Services, and NxGen Rail.

Brock is an information technology and digital business leader who brings over 20 years of technology experience to Sasser's leadership team. He has full leadership responsibility for the company's information technology services, systems, and resources and reports directly to Sasser's CEO, Jeff Walsh. As part of the senior leadership team, Brock develops and aligns Sasser's information technology roadmap with corporate and business unit strategic priorities, including revenue growth, anticipating, and serving evolving customer needs, and planning for both the disruption and opportunities that technological advancements bring to the fore. He also works closely with Human Resources and Corporate Communications to shape and promote Sasser's culture, values, and purpose.

Before joining Sasser, Brock was vice president, Information Technology for FreightCar America, a publicly traded railcar manufacturer based in Chicago. In this executive role, he was responsible for application and infrastructure delivery, strategy and governance, and security and risk management. Brock's professional roots began in the rail transportation and logistics industries, where he progressed through technical roles ranging from Network Engineer to Software Architect.

Brock is actively involved in promoting knowledge-sharing among leading CIOs through his 3-year term as a member of the ChicagoCIO Advisory Board and serving as its Programs chair.

Steven Nelson

SVP, Director of Operations
TD Equipment Finance, Inc.


Steve's career spans 25 years in which he has held roles in Operations and Finance. Steve Joined TD in 2012 and in 2014 became Senior Vice President - Director of Operations at TD Equipment Finance based Cherry Hill, NJ. Prior to joining TD, Steve was at Hewlett Packard for 14 years, including Director of Operations and Portfolio Accounting Manager roles at Hewlett Packard Financial Services. Steve's roles had accountability for documentation, customer service, collections, end of term processing, managing the portfolio accounting team and systems functionality/design. Prior to joining HP, Steve held roles in Public Accounting, including auditing public and private companies with KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP. Steve is a graduate of Drexel University and received his CPA license in PA.

Lisa Nowak

Director, Director, SaaS and Marketplace Platforms
Solifi


Lisa Nowak is an accomplished product strategist who joined International Decision Systems in 2014 as the Senior Product Manager for InfoLease. With 15 years of experience across financial services, and risk and compliance product management, Lisa brings deep experience translating market needs into software solutions and managing applications throughout their lifecycle. Lisa has a passion for digital and emerging technologies, and currently serves on the ELFA’s Operations and Technology committee.

Sheila Oliver

Global Product Manager, Retail Product Families


Career Highlights:

2019 Global Product Manager, Retail Product Families, JDF

2018 Director Global Retail Operating Platforms, JDF

2016 Region Finance Manager, Eastern Region U.S., JDF

2015 Director Strategic Planning and Business Development, JDF

2013 Director Wholesale Account Management, JDF

2010 Manager Retail Credit, JDF

2008 Manager Credit Operations, JDF

2004 IT Division Leader, JDF

2001 Agribusiness Product Development Manager, JDF

Previous Employment:

2000 Field Services Manager, Cybercrop.com, Ft. Collins, CO

1991 Purchasing and Transportation Manager, Purina Mills, Inc.,
St. Louis, MO

Affiliations & Organizations:

Deere ERGs: WomenReach, WORLD & I, Rainbow, Abled, BERG

Women Lead Change: Metro Women Connect Steering Council

Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA)
-Ops & Tech Committee

United Way Education Leadership Initiative

AHeinz 57 Pet Rescue and Transport

Other Development:

Smith-Tuck Leadership Program for Women

Global Leadership 2030 (2016-1017)

Ralph Petta



Ralph Petta is the President and CEO of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA), the premier trade association representing 550+ member organizations in the $1 trillion equipment finance sector. Mr. Petta leads the organization in executing its mission to foster business development, deliver industry information and analysis, provide educational opportunities and advocate for the industry. He is also President of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation, which is dedicated to inspiring thoughtful innovation and contributing to the betterment of the equipment leasing and finance industry.

Mr. Petta, an authority in the business of equipment finance, has been with the association since 1987. Before assuming the role of President and CEO in January 2016, he served as Chief Operating Officer for six years, providing coordination, direction and oversight of ELFA programs and services designed to add value to the association's member organizations. Prior to that, he served as Interim President. From 1987 to 2010 he was Vice President-Research & Industry Services, managing ELFA's information, benchmarking and market research initiatives. Throughout his career at ELFA, Mr. Petta has assumed leadership roles in virtually all functional areas within the organization, including governance, membership marketing, communications, business and professional development, state advocacy and the association's affiliated Foundation.

He is often quoted in industry trade publications and is a frequent speaker about the role of equipment finance in the U.S. economy and trends and developments in the equipment finance sector.

Mr. Petta is a member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), as well as ASAE's Key Industry Association Committee (KIAC). He completed the ASAE/University of Maryland College of Business and Management executive development certificate program in association management. He also was selected for and participated in the ASAE Future Leaders Conference. Mr. Petta is a member of the Exchequer Club of Washington, DC.

Before joining ELFA, Mr. Petta worked for nine years in the office of United States Senator Sam Nunn, serving in a variety of professional capacities. He was Senator Nunn's legislative assistant when he left to join the association. Mr. Petta graduated from Syracuse University, earning a B.A. degree in political science.

Candace Reinhart CLFP

COO/CXO
CoreTech Leasing, Inc.


With over two decades of experience as a Certified Lease and Finance Professional (CLFP), Candace has consistently harnessed her expertise to drive operational efficiencies and establish scalable solutions in the realm of equipment leasing. Her extensive tenure in the industry has molded her into an equipment generalist and fervent enthusiast for the nuances of equipment lease dynamics.

At the heart of her journey lies CoreTech Leasing, where Candace has assumed the pivotal roles of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Experience Officer. Guiding Operations and Syndications, she orchestrates strategic initiatives that amplify client value on a grand scale, solidifying CoreTech's standing as an industry frontrunner.

Candace's CLFP accreditation underscores her unwavering commitment to continuous learning and mastery of industry intricacies. This qualification empowers her to navigate intricate financial landscapes with finesse, shaping informed decisions that resonate across CoreTech's operational landscape.

Through adept leadership, she not only sustains CoreTech's competitive edge but propels it to unprecedented altitudes, infusing innovation into every operational facet. Her all-encompassing experience provides her with a holistic perspective on operational workflows, enabling her to forge seamless synergies between departments and foster collaborative excellence.

Candace's dedication to refining operational nuances, coupled with her strategic acumen, has earned her a reputation as a dynamic leader who transforms concepts into reality. By steering Operations and Syndications, she engineers fluid client experiences that resonate profoundly, solidifying CoreTech's position as an industry vanguard synonymous with excellence.

In essence, Candace's professional voyage is marked by an unrelenting pursuit of operational mastery, a fervent zeal for equipment leasing, and an unwavering dedication to propelling CoreTech Leasing towards an innovative and prosperous future.

Deborah Reuben CLFP, DES

CEO & Founder
TomorrowZone


Deborah "Deb" Reuben, CLFP, DES, is CEO and Founder of TomorrowZone, a technology strategy consultancy inspiring fresh ideas and collaborations to shape the future of business. She encourages new thinking to explore the art of the possible through her extensive technical knowledge, equipment finance experience, and passion for challenging the status quo. Her expertise will enhance and broaden your company's products and services and create efficiencies that will produce a competitive advantage for your company.

Her view on digital transformation and future-readiness is radically different with over two decades of innovating, speaking, and most importantly, real-life, in-the-trenches innovation experience in finance and software industries. Deborah appreciates and shares with clients and audiences that digital transformation is less about the digital and more about the people. When it comes to thinking about technology, innovation, and the future, you can choose to act today to shape your future. The best investment you can make is investing in what's between your ears by taking ownership of your personal growth. Everyone, regardless of role, must stay on top of technology and trends to stay ahead of tomorrow.

What surprises most clients is her ability to combine big company thinking and entrepreneurial ideas to create marketplace success. Deb's clients and audiences include companies like PNC, Wells Fargo, DLL Group, Huntington (TCF Bank), Dell, Mitsubishi UFG, Caterpillar, Key Equipment Finance.

She currently serves on the CLFP Foundation Board of Directors and authored The Certified Lease and Finance Professionals' Handbook, 6th – 9th editions. She served on ELFA's Board of Directors and is the founder and chair of the ELFA Innovation Advisory Council. In partnership with ELFA, she and her team moderate quarterly industry innovation roundtables for the ELFA to bring forward-thinking insights and fresh ideas to ELFA Members.

Reuben also served on the Monitor Editorial Advisory Board and co-founded the Disrupted+ innovation conference series with Monitor. She is the recipient of both the CLFP Foundation Cindy Spurdle Award of Excellence and the ELFA Michael J. Fleming Distinguished Service Award. Monitor Magazine honored her as one of the 50 Most Powerful Women Leaders in Equipment Finance, named TomorrowZone one of the most innovative companies in the equipment finance ecosystem and honored her as an Industry Disruptor Icon. Learn more at tomorrowzone.io.

Rafe Rosato

Senior Vice President


Rafe Rosato is the Chief Innovation Officer of DLL Group, responsible for driving innovation through the acquisition, development and implementation of digital technologies that will transform the client experience at DLL. Rafe has held various commercial leadership positions in his twenty-four year tenure at DLL, bringing innovative ideas and solutions to some of the most recognized companies in the world. He recently led the design, creation and deployment of the DLL NewCo initiative, leveraging cloud-based technology to create a platform focused on speed, efficiency and transparency through a fintech approach.

Rafe received his formal risk management and credit training as a member of Chemical Banking Corporation and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Civilization from University of Pennsylvania in 1988.

Kris Snow



Kristine (Kris) A. Snow has more than two decades of commercial leasing and finance experience. In 2009, she joined Cisco Systems Capital Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cisco Systems, Inc. As President, she leads the company's global captive finance and certified remanufactured equipment businesses. Kris previously served as President of Global Vendor Finance at CIT Group.

Kris is currently serving as the Chairman of the Board at ELFA. During her tenure, Kris has been an active participant serving on the Board of Directors from 2008-2011 and returned to the Board in 2017. In addition to her current position on the Board, she is a member of ELFA's Executive, Nominating and Personnel Committees. Previously, she served as Chair of the Captive and Vendor Finance Business Council Steering Committee. She has also served as a participant in the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation's Industry Future Council and a contributor to previous “State of the Equipment Finance Industry” reports.

Outside of ELFA, Kris has been involved in numerous civic and community organizations. She serves on the Gonzaga University Board of Trustees and is Board Member Emeritus for St. Mary's College School of Economics and Business Administration. She was honored by the Computer Reseller News 2019 Women of the Channel list, received the Silicon Valley Business Journal's Women of Influence award, and the YWCA Tribute to Women Award for the Silicon Valley.

Kris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Gonzaga University and a Master of Business Administration from St. Mary's College of California.

Brian Solis

Global Innovation Evangelist at Salesforce
Leading Authorities


Heralded as one of the ‘top 10 people to know in Silicon Valley’, and considered “one of the most important thought leaders of our time” and "one of the more creative and brilliant business minds of our time,” Brian Solis shares his vision, research and experiences through keynotes at conferences and events worldwide to help people understand and embrace the dynamics defining the rise of digital transformation, innovation, connected consumerism and digital lifestyles. He is consistently ranked as one of the top speakers at some of the biggest events around the world.

Brian is indeed ‘Mr. Futurist’. Not one to fly-by convention, Brian has personally influenced and shaped business and media through his work, lead numerous programs for Fortune 500 companies, notable celebrities, startups and is globally recognized as one of the most prominent thought leaders and published authors in new media. As a digital anthropologist, he humanizes technology trends to make sense to everyone at every level. His message simply resonates and that’s why he’s also followed by more than 700,000 people online and some of the most influential people in business, politics, entertainment, and other industries globally.

He’s an eight-time, best-selling, and award-winning author and has published over 60 research reports on the future of business, work, digital transformation, innovation, and industries such as retail, healthcare, financial services, insurance, and public sector. Whether it’s a technology or business event or an internal corporate summit, Brian brings a naturally engaging and entertaining message of clarity, meaning, and inspiration.

His blog, BrianSolis.com, is among the world’s leading business online resources. Brian also contributes to FastCompany, ZDNet, Techonomy, CIO, ADWEEK, and Singularity University.

Tawnya Stone CLFP

Vice President, Strategic Technology
GreatAmerica Financial Services


Tawnya Stone, Vice President, Strategic Technology, is responsible for the overall strategic direction, oversight and implementation of customer-facing tools and products across various GreatAmerica business units. She works in close collaboration with business unit and functional leadership and external technology partners. Tawnya joined GreatAmerica in 2011 as an IT Project Manager and eventually evolved into subsequent roles that blended technology and customer facing activities. Prior to joining GreatAmerica she worked for Philips Electronics and Verizon Communications in the Washington DC metro area.

Tawnya was the previous President of the Managed Print Services Association (MPSA) and Executive Council member of CompTIA’s Technology Lifecycle Services (TLS) Community and past Chair of CompTIA’s Managed Print Services (MPS) Community. She was recognized by ENX as Difference Maker in 2016 and 2018. Tawnya also is a member the Technology Innovation working group and Chair of the Operations and Technology committee within the ELFA.

Denis Stypulkoski

Founder and Principal
Reimagine Advisors


Denis Stypulkoski is a seasoned business executive with a successful track record of launching and building a private equity startup into a major industry competitor. Denis is known as a senior executive who bridges the business and technology landscape. He has envisioned, developed, delivered and managed business startups and technology platforms in leading-edge technology environments, with a focus on revenue creation, digitalization, and customer experience.

Denis's leadership experience spans from startups to global companies within the technology, finance and banking industries and includes executive positions with TIAA Bank, EverBank, Tygris Commercial Finance Group, US Express Leasing, CIT Group, Newcourt Credit Group, and AT&T Capital Corporation.

Denis most recently launched Reimagine Advisors, a business transformation consultancy helping organizations reimagine their business to compete in the digital economy. He also serves as an independent director and chair of the technology committee on the boards of both GreatAmerica Financial Services and IFG Companies.

Mark Tomaselli

President and CTO
QuickFi


As President and CTO of Innovation Finance, Mark is responsible for all aspects of product development, QuickFi Platform strategy, and QuickFi mobile app engineering.

Prior to joining Innovation Finance, Mark served as CIO at First American Equipment Finance. He guided the company's technology vision, strategy and execution. Mark is a recognized leader in creating exceptional client experience through the use of progressive technology.

Mark has held senior management positions with Fortune 500 companies, including Sun Microsystems and Frontier Communications. Mark’s insights are sought in both finance and technology. He frequently presents to organizations like Box, Salesforce, Okta, and the ELFA. Mark holds a BS in Information Technology and is an active Box Digital Advisory Board member.

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