The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) has selected Robert Boyer, President of Susquehanna Commercial Finance, Inc. (soon to be renamed BB&T Commercial Equipment Capital Corp), to receive its 2017 David H. Fenig Distinguished Service in Advocacy Award. The award, named for ELFA’s former Vice President of Federal Government Relations, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the association’s advocacy efforts to promote sound public policies for the equipment finance industry. Boyer will be formally recognized during a ceremony at ELFA’s Capitol Connections event on Wednesday, May 17, in Washington, D.C.

ELFA President and CEO Ralph Petta said, “As the leading advocate for the equipment finance industry, ELFA plays a critical role in representing our industry before federal and state policymakers, regulators and standards-setting bodies. We wouldn’t be successful without the outstanding efforts of members like Rob Boyer. For more than a decade, Rob has worked tirelessly to help educate lawmakers about issues of concern to our industry, advancing the ELFA advocacy agenda and raising awareness of the value of the $1 trillion equipment finance industry to the U.S. economy. It is an honor to present this well-deserved award to Rob.”

Boyer said, “It’s with honor and gratitude that I accept the David H. Fenig Distinguished Service in Advocacy Award. Government regulations and laws have profound impacts on our businesses. I believe that acting as an ambassador for our industry, clients and associates is a critical function of my role as a leader. Engaging in this process over the years with other leaders and our ELFA Government Relations team on state and federal issues has shown me that collectively and collaboratively, we are capable of shaping policy and orchestrating change. I would like to commend the ELFA and our Government Relations team for their dedication to continually enhancing our advocacy program. They truly punch above their weight-class.”

Boyer has worked in the equipment finance industry since 1995. He has been an active participant in ELFA and has supported the industry’s policy objectives in a number of ways. He has served as a member of LeasePAC, ELFA’s nonpartisan federal political action committee, working to increase member contributions to the PAC and consistently contributing to the PAC at the Chairman’s Club level. He also has been a steadfast participant in and promoter of ELFA’s annual Capitol Connections advocacy event in Washington, D.C., attending every year since 2004. At this event, Boyer has met with members of Congress and executive branch agencies, highlighting the value of equipment finance to the U.S. economy and the impact of legislative and regulatory proposals on the industry.

Boyer has also been active on the local level in his home district in Malvern, Pennsylvania, consistently nurturing relationships with his elected representatives. He has participated in local area industry roundtables with members of Congress and has hosted members of Congress at the offices of Susquehanna Commercial Finance. He also has attended fundraisers for his members of Congress on behalf of LeasePAC

Currently Boyer serves as an Officer and Treasurer of ELFA and is a member of the association’s Executive Committee. Previously, he chaired the ELFA Membership and Small Ticket Business Council Steering Committees.

In his current position as President of Susquehanna Commercial Finance, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T), Boyer is responsible for developing and executing the strategic plan for the organization and has managerial responsibility for the Sales, Acquisitions and Syndications, Credit, Operations, Client Services and Support areas of the company. Since joining Susquehanna in 1998, Boyer has held positions of increasing responsibility, including Sales Executive, Syndications Manager, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Syndications and Executive Vice President.

Boyer has spoken on behalf of the equipment finance industry and Susquehanna Commercial Finance at various events and interviews for published articles. He holds a bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University.