Innovation Finance USA LLC announced Nate Gibbons, former Vice President of Learning and Development at First American Equipment Finance, has joined Innovation Finance as its Chief Operating Officer.

“As a former business colleague and long-time friend, Nate is a thoughtful, articulate and impassioned leader,” said Bill Verhelle, CEO of Innovation Finance. “I’m delighted to work closely with Nate as we build an exceptional team, capable of revolutionizing an industry.”

“Opportunities to effect truly meaningful change simply don’t come along very often, and the Company is positioned to do just that,” Gibbons said. “It is especially exciting to play a part in creating something new with people I admire and respect. Inspiring others is personally fulfilling to me, and I believe the work we are doing will encourage others to imagine new possibilities for the future of the industry.” 

As Vice President of Learning and Development at First American Equipment Finance, Gibbons helped develop and manage the company’s learning and professional development strategy. In his tenure, the company was recognized as one of Fortune Magazine’s 20 Great Workplaces in Financial Services, and 100 Best Workplaces for Millennials. He is the only First American employee to receive both First American’s Chairman’s Award and City National Bank’s Blue Ladder Award (both organizations’ highest honor for outstanding employee performance).

Prior to his leadership roles in professional development, Gibbons served as Vice President in First American’s Operations department. He currently serves as Chair of the Emerging Talent Advisory Council for the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA), and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation.

Innovation Finance is a new commercial equipment finance business with its headquarters in Fairport, N.Y.