The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association announced plans for the second annual ELFA Equity Forum celebrating and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the equipment finance industry. Industry professionals who consider themselves diverse, as well as allies and those interested in creating inclusivity in their organizations, are encouraged to attend the Forum on Sept. 13-14 in New Orleans.

“The key theme of this year’s Equity Forum is showcasing how diversity, equity and inclusion are good for business, good for hiring and good for all of us,” said Scott Thacker, CPA, CLFP, Founding Chair of the ELFA Equity Committee, which is involved in planning and hosting the Forum. “We're going to dive into the business case for DEI as well as strategies for recruiting, hiring and creating a culture of inclusiveness. Throughout the Forum, attendees will have many opportunities to meet and network with a talented and thoughtful group of their industry colleagues. We had such a positive response to our first Forum last year, we can’t wait to bring ELFA members together for our second event. We hope you’ll join us Sept. 13-14!”

Agenda Highlights
At the 2023 ELFA Equity Forum, sessions will be offered in a variety of formats to create a place for meaningful conversation, balancing both learning and dialogue. The goal is to provide a forum to discuss strategies that can influence corporate social responsibility and broaden cross-cultural understanding. Highlights will include:

• DEI Strategies for Building an Inclusive Workforce
• DEI in the Manufacturing Industry & Beyond – Making the Business Case
• How to Hire for Diversity – Now and in 2028
• Recruiting in Our Industry
• The ELFA Equity Eco-Sphere – Others Are Jumping In
• From Hiring to ERG’s – Brainstorming How to Create a DEI Focus Throughout the Employee Lifecycle
• Real-Life Problem Analysis with Specific New Directions
• Multiple networking opportunities, including an opening networking luncheon with New Orleans jazz music, a networking reception featuring the Black Equipment Finance Network, a dine around, a fun run/walk and a networking breakfast.

Planning Committee

ELFA recognizes the members of the 2023 Equity Committee who are helping to plan the Equity Forum, including:

• Scott Thacker, CPA, CLFP, CEO, Ivory Consulting Corporation (Committee Chair)
• Michael Baez, VP, Professional Services and Customer Strategy, Leasepath
• Deborah Baker, Head of Worldwide Leasing and Financing, HP Inc.
• Linda D'Amico, Sr. Director, Global Lead Cisco Refresh, Cisco Capital Compliance, Cisco Systems Capital Corporation
• Julia Gavrilov, Partner, Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP
• Benjamin Grove, Legislative Director, Thompson Coburn LLP
• Christopher Johnson, SVP & President, Pitney Bowes Global Financial Services
• Svetlana Kralik, CLFP, Credit Administration Officer, VP, U.S. Bank
• Eric McGriff, SVP - Chief Risk Officer, Wintrust Specialty Finance
• Stuart Papavassiliou, Copywriter, LEAF Commercial Capital Inc.
• Ricardo Rios, President & CEO, Commercial Equipment Finance, Inc.
• Sean Scampton, Director of Sales & Marketing, Leasepath
• DelRoy Stauffer, CLFP, Director of Sales & Business Development, Odessa
• Moto Tohda, CLFP, VP / Information Systems, Tokyo Century (USA) Inc.
• Ernest Tsorvas, Senior VP, National Sales Manager, Fifth Third Bank, National Association
• Derek Vander Linden, Strategic Projects Business Analyst, Key Equipment Finance
• Amy Weum, Regional VP, Farm Credit Leasing

More Information
The agenda and registration details for the Equity Forum are available at www.elfaonline.org/events/2023/EQ.