ELFA names Kelli Nienaber as Senior VP of Industry Advancement

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) has appointed Kelli Nienaber as Senior Vice President of Industry Advancement, a newly created role designed to strengthen the connection between industry research, education and workforce development.

The new division brings together the association’s research, education and professional engagement activities alongside the Foundation’s workforce development programmes, creating a more integrated approach to supporting the equipment finance industry.

Leigh Lytle, president & CEO of the ELFA and president of the Foundation, said the move reflects ELFA’s commitment to helping members navigate a rapidly evolving market.

“There is tremendous momentum in the equipment finance industry, and ELFA is aligning our work to help our members stay ahead of it,” she said.

“Under Kelli’s leadership, this new division will strengthen the connection between research, education, volunteer engagement and the Foundation’s workforce programmes. This alignment will ensure our members have the resources and talent they need to succeed, ultimately elevating our entire industry while reinforcing equipment finance as a driving force for the broader American economy.”

In her expanded role, Nienaber will oversee ELFA’s research agenda, including industry surveys, economic outlooks, market indicators and analysis designed to support member decision-making. She will also lead the association’s educational programmes and work closely with volunteer leaders across ELFA’s committees and boards.

At the Foundation, she will continue to guide initiatives focused on attracting and developing future industry talent, including scholarship programmes, internship opportunities, university partnerships and recruitment resources.

Nienaber said the new structure reflects the evolving needs of the equipment finance sector.

“This portfolio reflects where the equipment finance industry is headed and how ELFA can best support its continued growth,” she said.

“With a unified strategy across our research, education, volunteer communities and workforce programmes, we can better demonstrate the strength of this industry, expand awareness of what ELFA offers, and give our members the support they need to grow, lead and compete.”

Nienaber joined ELFA in 2006 and has held a variety of leadership positions spanning government relations, membership, research and the Foundation. As a member of ELFA’s executive leadership team, she will help shape the association’s future strategy by aligning industry intelligence, member engagement and talent development efforts.