Crestmark Equipment Finance announced the appointment of the division’s President Thomas R. Rutherford to the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s Board of Directors for 2020.

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association recently announced its new board of directors and officers at its 58th annual convention. An active member of ELFA, this is Rutherford’s first time serving on the board of directors, where he will serve one three-year term. ELFA’s Board of Directors develops and sets policy, provides for resources, adopts the strategic plan and budget, and monitors overall operations for the association. The board also appoints an executive committee, nominating committee, investment committee and audit committee.

“This is appointment is a well-deserved recognition of Tom’s contributions in the equipment financing industry,” said Mick Goik, Crestmark President. “He has an outstanding industry reputation, and we’re fortunate to have a division president with Tom’s experience and leadership.”

Rutherford joined Crestmark in 2014 through the acquisition of TIP Capital, an equipment leasing and finance company where he served as Chief Operating Officer, and co-founded in 1999. He has more than 30 years of experience in sales, marketing and operations, with over 25 years of experience in technology financing. Prior to TIP Capital, Rutherford was the director of syndications for AT&T Capital Systems Leasing, where he was responsible for the placement, syndication and management of a diverse portfolio of equipment financing transactions.

Rutherford earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of California – San Diego and his MBA from Wayne State University. He also has held Series 7 and a Series 63 Securities licenses.