Orion First CEO Dave Schaefer shifts to chairman

December leadership changes in the equipment finance industry comprised lenders, trade associations and a service provider. 

Orion First 

Gig Harbor, Wash.-based Orion First, an equipment loan and lease service provider, announced that founder Dave Schaefer has become chairman after 23 years as chief executive, effective immediately, according to a Dec. 11 release.  

Mark Johnson, a member of Orion First’s advisory board, is the new CEO. His previous leadership roles include chief executive at loan servicer Concord Servicing, president of Wyndham Consumer Finance and vice president of global operations at GE Capital. 

In addition, the company promoted Jenny Wood from senior vice president of client services to chief client experience officer, overseeing all aspects of the client experience.  

NAEDA  

The North American Equipment Dealers Association tapped Tom Healy as director of dealer development, a new position for the trade group that represents roughly 3,000 dealerships, according to a Dec. 1 release.  

Healy will lead initiatives to help equipment dealers grow across North America. He will work with members to ensure they have adequate resources and support while fostering collaboration.  

In the past, Healy has focused on growth, dealer operations and dealer relations in leadership roles at dealerships.  

EverBank 

Jacksonville, Fla.-based EverBank appointed Dondra Benjamin as vice president and commercial operations leader of its vendor equipment finance division, effective immediately, according to a Dec. 4 release.  

Benjamin will spearhead strategies to improve efficiencies and bolster growth of EverBank’s equipment finance business. She will oversee tasks such as lease and loan processing, client services and lease accounting while providing operational direction. 

With more than 25 years of experience in the equipment finance industry, Benjamin has worked at Somerset Capital Group, Accenture, Truist, Siemens and Canon Financial Services.  

Jupiter Equipment Finance 

Jupiter, Fla.-based Jupiter Equipment Finance promoted Brian Petrikonis to senior vice president of sales from regional sales manager, according to a Dec. 10 release. The role had been held by Linda Kester since October 2022, according to LinkedIn. 

Petrikonis will oversee growth strategies and develop industry-specific financing programs in his new role. He has held sales and business development positions at NewLane Finance, CAN Capital and Marlin Business Services. 

ELFA  

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association appointed Kyle Alexandre as vice president of state government relations, effective immediately, according to a Dec. 4 release. She replaced Scott Riehl, who left ELFA in September to open a rental cottage in northwest Ireland, according to LinkedIn.  

Alexandre will spearhead policy initiatives while monitoring legislation and regulations relevant to the equipment finance industry. Her previous roles include deputy political director for the state of Florida, vice president of public policy at the Orlando Regional Realtors Association and chief legislative aide in both the Florida Senate and the House of Representatives.  

The third annual Equipment Finance Connect at the JW Marriott Nashville in Nashville, Tenn., on May 14-15, 2025, is the only event that brings together equipment dealers and lenders to share insights, attend discussions on crucial industry topics and network with peers. Learn more about the event and register here.