Sterling National Bank, the principal subsidiary of Sterling Bancorp, announced that Lindy Baldwin has joined the bank's Franchise Finance team as Managing Director, Franchise Finance and Vice President. She will report to Keith Smith, Senior Managing Director of the Equipment Finance Division and SVP at Sterling.

Baldwin will drive a comprehensive business development plan, targeting franchise finance lending opportunities across the U.S. market. She will be responsible for contributing to the team's growth and profitability by strengthening relationships with franchisors and franchisees. Baldwin's product focus will encompass real estate, fee and leasehold mortgage, equipment, business value, acquisition refinance, recapitalization, interim development, remodeling, permanent and capital loan.

Baldwin brings a wealth of experience in franchise financing and a proven ability to build strong customer relationships to drive sales. She was most recently an Account Manager with Pacific Premier Bank, where she was responsible for conducting cash flow analysis to review opportunities, presenting financing options to franchisees and delivering loan proposals. Prior to Pacific Premier Bank, she held positions with Infinity Franchise Capital and First Franchise Capital Corporation.

"We are excited to welcome Lindy to our team," said Tom Geisel, President of Specialty Finance. "She has a track record of delivering excellent customer service to each and every client, including the nation's top franchisees. She will prove invaluable to the growth of Sterling's Franchise Finance team and the bank's overall success."