ELFA appoints Susan Sullivan Kinney as SVP of Policy & Government Affairs

This key leadership role is focused on shaping the organisation’s advocacy strategy at both the federal and state levels.

In her new position, Kinney will oversee ELFA’s government relations efforts, direct its legislative and regulatory agenda, and serve as the association’s primary representative before Congress and federal agencies. Her appointment comes as the equipment finance industry continues to play a central role in driving capital investment across the US economy.

Kinney joins ELFA from the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA), where she most recently served as Senior Vice President of Congressional Relations. During her tenure, she developed strong bipartisan relationships on Capitol Hill and led coalition-building initiatives to advance key legislative priorities for community banks.

Before her time at ICBA, Kinney spent nearly a decade at the American Financial Services Association (AFSA), holding multiple federal and state advocacy roles. She also managed the association’s political action committee, gaining extensive experience navigating policy issues critical to the financial services and equipment finance sectors.

ELFA leadership emphasized Kinney’s deep expertise and industry alignment as key factors in her appointment.

“Susan is an exceptional advocate with deep roots in Washington, D.C., and I am excited to have her lead our government relations efforts,” said Leigh Lytle, President and CEO of ELFA. “Because of her previous work at ICBA and her nearly decade-long tenure at AFSA, a regular partner of ours on lobbying issues, Susan understands our landscape and is prepared to hit the ground running on behalf of our members.”

Kinney expressed enthusiasm about stepping into the role at a pivotal time for the industry.

“The equipment finance industry is a primary driver of capital investment, and I am excited to lead ELFA’s advocacy efforts at such a critical time,” she said. “I look forward to leveraging my experience in financial services policy to advance our members’ priorities and to strengthen our relationships with policymakers at every level of government.”