Leigh Lytle to step down as ELFA president and CEO

Lytle will leave the association following the completion of her contract, having led a wide-ranging programme of organisational transformation aimed at increasing member value, enhancing advocacy efforts and positioning ELFA for long-term growth in a rapidly changing market.

Reflecting on her time at ELFA, Lytle said it had been “one of the greatest honours” of her career.

She said: “I am incredibly proud of what our team, volunteer leaders, and members have accomplished together. We challenged ourselves to think differently, embrace growth, and build an organisation positioned for the future.

“Today, ELFA is stronger, more agile, and more impactful than ever before. I have every confidence in the organisation’s trajectory and in the talented leadership team that will continue advancing our mission.”

During her leadership, ELFA secured several landmark legislative achievements for the equipment finance sector, including permanent 100% expensing, permanent interest deductibility and reforms to Section 1071. The association also undertook a major digital transformation, replacing legacy technology with a new enterprise member management platform, launching a redesigned website and modernising its digital infrastructure to improve member engagement and operational efficiency.

Lytle also introduced ELFA’s first formal research agenda and market intelligence platform, providing members with deeper economic analysis while reinforcing the industry’s contribution to the wider US economy. Her tenure also saw the creation of a new investor membership category, the evolution of the association’s flagship events and the establishment of a strategic affiliation with the Certified Lease & Finance Professional (CLFP) Foundation to support workforce development and attract the next generation of industry talent.

Deb Baker, chair of the ELFA Board of Directors, paid tribute to Lytle’s contribution.

“Leigh was recruited to lead ELFA through a period of significant transformation, and her impact on this organisation and the equipment finance industry has been extraordinary,” Baker said.

“Under her leadership, ELFA achieved historic advocacy victories, expanded its influence and visibility, strengthened member engagement, modernised its infrastructure and operations, and positioned the association for long-term success. Leigh leaves ELFA stronger, more influential, and better prepared for the future than when she arrived.”

The ELFA Board of Directors has begun the process of identifying Lytle’s successor and said further updates on the leadership transition will be provided in due course.