Making a Difference &
Why Investing in Leadership Matters
A livestream hosted by STRIPES Leadership Program
Since its foundation in September 2021, STRIPES Leadership Program has graduated three cohorts of equipment finance’s best & brightest leaders. The 4th cohort is currently underway, and STRIPES is actively enrolling for cohort 5. Graduates of the Program, as well as stakeholders that have enrolled some of their strongest leaders in the Program, speak out about transforming themselves and the industry through STRIPES.
Panelist:
Joseph Turner
Director – Strategy & Analytics
First Citizens Bank
Joseph Turner is a Director responsible for Strategy and Analytics for First Citizens Bank Equipment Finance and has been with the firm since 2016. Joseph began his career at the bank through its two-year Finance Development Program and after three years in Finance transitioned into a role within what is now Equipment Finance in 2019. He joined the bank straight after graduating from the University of North Florida (UNF) with dual Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Finance and Economics. While in school, Joseph served as Student Body President and a Trustee on the UNF Board.
Panelist:
Valerie King
Former Demand Gen/SDR Manager
PEAC Solutions
Valerie King, former Demand Gen/SDR Manager at PEAC Solutions, grew up in Boise, Idaho. Her high school class consisted of 13 people – 40% of the school came from countries around the world. She earned an international baccalaureate degree and knew from the age of 12 that she wanted to go to school in Boston. King went to Wellesley College and majored in theatre studies and anthropology. She was the president of the Shakespeare Society and directed three plays in college; she acted in/produced/sound designed for around 25 more. She has lived in Idaho, Boston, New York City, Jamaica, St. Louis, Chicago, and San Francisco. She ended up in Philadelphia and bought a house there. She has a tech background and has done some political campaigning. She has always been sales or sales-adjacent, but her passion is coaching. Her husband is from Germany and her dog, a pug-cocker spaniel, is from Kensington. She is childfree by choice.
Panelist:
Ronnie DeMarco
Vice President – Transportation & Logistics
Auxilior Capital Partners, LLC
Ronnie DeMarco is the Vice President, Transportation at Auxilior Capital Partners, where she manages the seasoned transportation sales team as well as her own sales territory and customers as a player coach. She is responsible for the strategic direction of the group as well as its ongoing development and expansion into new transportation channels.
Prior to her career at Auxilior, Ronnie helped launch the transportation sales group at Element, which was later acquired by PNC Bank. In this role, she played a pivotal role in developing a wildly successful division, which included establishing private label captive financing for several manufacturers in the transportation industry. Serving as a Team Leader, she skillfully managed her own portfolio of clients, showcasing her prowess in negotiation, cash flow analysis, operations management, and efficient time and territory management.
Mrs. DeMarco also held the post of Vice President at Bank of the Ozarks, Leasing Division, where she effectively managed a territory for 5 years, demonstrating her knack for strategic leadership and financial stewardship.
Earlier in her career, she worked for Sterling Jewelers, and became a District Manager, showcasing her exceptional sales acumen and leadership capabilities.
Ronnie attended Kent State University, studying Chemical Engineering and Business Management between 1993 and 1997. In her free time, Ronnie enjoys reading, beach outings and boat adventures. What Ronnie finds most rewarding is her family time with her husband, Joe as they both watch their two daughters grow and flourish.
She also takes great pride in being the world’s best dog mom to Lucy and Minnie Moo.
Panelist:
Mike Jones
President – Equipment Finance
First Citizens Bank
Mike Jones has served as President of Equipment Finance for First Citizens Bank, previously CIT, since January 2018. He is responsible for First Citizen’s equipment finance businesses. Mike served as Managing Director, Business Capital of CIT from 2016 to 2018. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President, Managing Director for EverBank Equipment Finance/TIAA from 2009-2016 managing sales and operations for the Vendor Equipment Finance division and as a Director from 2004-2008. Mike also held management positions with US Bank Equipment Finance and Sunoco Oil Company. Mike retired honorable from the US Army (Ranger), completed one combat tour, and he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Widener University.
Panelist:
Nancy Robles
President
Eastern Funding LLC
Nancy Robles is President of Eastern Funding LLC. Nancy joined Eastern Funding in 2005 from Fleet Healthcare Capital Leasing/Bank of America. During her tenure at Eastern Funding, she has managed the company’s operations functions including credit, compliance, documentation, funding, loan servicing, legal and work-out, technology and human resources. Outside of Eastern Funding, she serves on the board of the Berkeley College Scholarship Foundation, Brookline Bank’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, The Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation, Equipment Finance Cares Foundation as well as the Monitor Magazine’s Editorial board.