Bill Verhelle is changing the way business leaders fund growth. As founder of First American Equipment Finance, with well over $1B in assets, and Harvard Partners, LLC, Bill is an entrepreneur and thought leader in the industry. In Bill’s nearly 20 years as CEO of First American, the company received numerous awards, including 8 time INC 500 listing, and #1 best place to work in New York State.

Bill earned a BA from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, an MBA from the Anderson School at UCLA and a Doctor of Laws (JD) from Cornell Law School and is a member of the New York Bar Association. Bill is past Chairman of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) in Washington, D.C. and past Chairman of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation.

Read Bill's full biography here.

Mark has committed his career to building technology that empowers businesses. For nine years, Mark served as CIO at First American Equipment Finance, guiding the company's technology vision, strategy and execution. Mark is a recognized leader in creating exceptional client experience through the use of progressive technology. In 2011, First American was awarded the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association’s (ELFA) Operations & Technology award. Mark was also presented First American’s Chairman’s Award, their highest honor.

Mark has held senior management positions with Fortune 500 companies, including Sun Microsystems and Frontier Communications. Mark’s insights are sought in both finance and technology, frequently presenting to organizations like Box, Salesforce, Okta and the EFLA.  Mark holds a BS in Information Technology and is an active Box Digital Advisory Board member.

As CFO, Mike sets financial and credit strategy and builds the relationships and processes needed for sound lending practices. Mike started his career in 1992 in public accounting and worked at Rehmann, a top regional firm, until 2000.  In 2001, Mike joined First American Equipment Finance, serving first as Chief Financial Officer and then as Chief Credit Officer following the acquisition of First American by City National Bank in 2012.

A key member of Innovation Finance leadership, Mike is a member of the AICPA, and is actively involved in the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association, including previously serving on the Accounting Committee.

Nate is responsible for building and leading the operations team, while also overseeing the company’s strategy for on-boarding. He previously served as Vice President at First American Equipment Finance where he 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.

Nate has a passion for motivating people and helping them reach their potential. He currently serves as Chair of the Emerging Talent Advisory Council for the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) in Washington, DC., and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Certified Lease & Finance Professional Foundation. Nate has an MBA from the University of Rochester – Simon Business School, and a BA in Spanish from the University of Rochester.