Cole Taylor Equipment Finance, a subsidiary of Cole Taylor Bank, announced the hiring of a new direct sales officer for the Mid-Atlantic region. Brian Karfonta will be responsible for building client relationships and developing new lease and loan originations in Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Karfonta brings more than 19 years of financial industry and equipment leasing experience to Cole Taylor. Among others, his areas of expertise include manufacturing, transportation, marine, and distribution. Karfonta joins Cole Taylor from Fifth Third Equipment Finance Company, where he was a vice president and region director responsible for all aspects of new finance and tax leases within the Mid-Atlantic territory. Prior to that, he held management positions with Mercantile-Safe Deposit and Trust Company, MBC Leasing Corporation, NationsBank, and Norwest Mortgage.

“I’m very happy to have Brian on board,” said Edward A. Dahlka, Jr., president of Cole Taylor Equipment Finance. “He brings a wealth of experience that will strengthen our already outstanding equipment financing team and provide us with substantial new growth opportunities. I look forward to working with him.”