ELFA appoints James Cress as Acting President & CEO

The Equipment Leasing & Finance Association (ELFA) has appointed James Cress as Acting President & CEO while it searches for a permanent successor to Leigh Lytle.

Cress, ELFA’s Immediate Past Chair, was selected by the Association’s Board of Directors following the announcement that Lytle will conclude her tenure as President & CEO later this year.

He brings more than 30 years of banking and equipment finance experience to the position, alongside more than two decades of involvement with ELFA.

Cress spent nearly 18 years at Stryker, most recently serving as Vice President and General Manager of Flex Financial, the medical technology company’s captive finance business. During his tenure, he helped develop Flex Financial into a significant healthcare finance operation serving customers across North America and Europe.

Before joining Stryker in 2008, Cress spent eight years with National City Commercial Capital and previously worked in commercial banking at U.S. Bank.

He served as Chair of the ELFA Board of Directors in 2024–2025 and has held a range of other positions within the Association, including service on its Board, leadership of LeasePAC and participation in the Captive and Vendor Finance Business Council Steering Committee. He has also been involved in ELFA’s advocacy and emerging-talent initiatives.

Leigh Lytle, President & CEO of ELFA, said: “I am so pleased that James has agreed to serve as Acting President & CEO.

“He is an experienced, forward-looking leader, and I have great confidence that he will ensure our important work to position the industry for the future continues.”

Cress said: “I am honoured to serve ELFA during this important transition. ELFA has an outstanding staff, a highly engaged membership and important work underway across the Association.

“My focus will be on supporting our people, maintaining continuity and ensuring that ELFA continues delivering at the highest level for its members while the Board conducts the search for our next permanent President & CEO.”

Cress will work with ELFA’s senior leadership team and staff to maintain continuity and progress the Association’s strategic priorities during the search for a permanent President & CEO.

Deborah Baker, Chair of the ELFA Board of Directors, added: “We are grateful to Leigh for her leadership and service to ELFA and pleased to welcome James to this important leadership role.”