CIT, a division of First Citizens Bank, announced its Capital Equipment Finance business has named Eric Smith as a Business Development Officer serving the West region.

Smith, who is based in Greater Seattle, will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and expanding client and prospect relationships within the region, which includes California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii.

"CIT has long maintained a reputation for excellence in capital equipment financing," said Kevin Ronan, Senior Vice President overseeing business development for both the direct and indirect sales channels in Capital Equipment Finance. "I'm confident Eric will help us expand on that legacy by supporting our clients and their continued growth in this important industry sector."

Smith is a financial sales professional with over 25 years of experience developing equipment-based financial solutions across a wide range of industries. Prior to joining CIT, Smith spent five years in equipment finance at Wells Fargo and 15 years before that at GE Capital. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon with a degree in business and finance.

Capital Equipment Finance, part of CIT's Commercial Finance business, is a provider of equipment financing solutions to middle-market and large-cap businesses. The unit specializes in providing equipment loans and leases with flexible terms and rates tailored to the equipment needs and credit strength of the borrower.