New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business
and Related Industries

Priscilla A. Gray, CLFP, was hired as Documentation and Funding Manager, Battle Horse Financial, Vestavia, AL. She is located in Irvine, California. Previously, she was Documentation and Funding Administrator, First National Capital Corporation (April, 2025 - December, 2025); Senior Contract Manager, 360 Equipment Finance (January, 2025 - April, 2025); Operations Manager, LendSpark (November, 2019 - January, 2025); VP of Documentation & Funding, Ford Financial Services, Inc. (January, 2005 - November, 2019).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscilla-a-gray-clfp-b53920108/

Jenna Sikora was hired as Senior Vice President, Direct Originations at Post Road Equipment Finance, LLC (April 2026 – Present). Previously she was Vice President, Business Development Officer at PNC (January 2025 – March 2026), Vice President, Equipment Finance Specialist at PNC (December 2019 – January 2025, Associate Relationship Manager at Key Private Bank (May 2019 – November 2019)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennalester/

KLC Financial announced today that Spencer Thomas has stepped down as CEO after more than 25 years of leadership, with Shannon Smith named as his successor.

Spencer has played a defining role in building KLC into the company it is today, and his impact will be felt for years to come.

Shannon steps into the CEO role after more than 18 years with KLC, where he has been a key part of the leadership team across credit, operations, and strategy. He brings deep experience, strong relationships, and a clear understanding of what makes this company special.

This is a transition, not a change in direction.

Same team. Same culture. Same commitment to our customers and partners.

Full announcement here 👉 https://bit.ly/4t7ZUaV

[headlines]
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Woodhill Capital, Williamsville, NY
Charged with $13 Million Ponzi Scheme

FBI is charging Leasing Company Woodhill Capital, Williamsville. The company is reportedly well known on the East Coast. Several Leasing News readers have called, telling their experience with the company.

Leasing News has confirmed, primarily through their investigation, after the FBI agents conducted the search. Sources say items were seized on the property.

An attorney representing Woodhill Capital had no comment when contacted by “2 On Your Side.”

This information comes just four days after a lawsuit was filed against Woodhill Capital that alleges more than 100 investors were defrauded somewhere between $13 million and $18 million through an alleged Ponzi scheme.

According to its website, Woodhill Capital has "been in the financing business for almost 40 years," and that "partnering with Woodhill to finance equipment offers you in depth and extensive industry experience."

Woodhill Capital claims that it helps businesses acquire equipment through affordable loans.

Leasing News was informed, according to court documents, that the Ponzi scheme allegedly orchestrated by Woodhill offered investors the chance to fund specific loans to businesses looking to finance equipment.

An investor would receive an agreement that granted them rights of repayment and a schedule of those monthly payments.

The lawsuit alleges that the loans were manipulated or fabricated all together. It also alleges that Woodhill Capital management either loaned smaller amounts than it stated to investors, charged borrowers higher interest rates than it disclosed, or invented borrowers entirely.

Court records also allege that management at Woodhill Capital pooled investor money into one account. They allegedly used new investor money to pay older investors their monthly payments.

Fourteen different plaintiffs are involved in the initial lawsuit however, it was filed as a proposed class action, meaning there are more victims. Documents filed in Erie Co. (New York) Supreme Court indicate an additional 70 to 100 victims may have been defrauded.

The plaintiffs that filed the lawsuit recorded more than $13.4 million in losses, according to the records. The additional exposure with the additional victims could surpass $18M.

One plaintiff revealed losses surpassing $10.1 million from the alleged scheme.

The FBI had no official comment when contacted by 2 On Your Side.

Sources indicated that the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of NY is reviewing the matter.

Reportedly, an official statement from the U.S. Attorney's office said they would neither confirm nor deny investigations.

[headlines]
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Channel Earns 2026 USA TODAY
Top Workplace Award

Channel  has been named a 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplace, marking its first appearance on the national list and adding another segment to the company’s ongoing recognition for how its people experience their work and environment.

Adam Peterson, Chief Executive Officer, said, "I’m always impressed by how our team  salesman approach their work, no matter what comes their way. They figure things out, support each other, and keep moving forward.

"As individuals and as a team, we focus on going home at the end of the day knowing we did our jobs well, stepped up when it mattered, and did right by our partners. That’s the kind of grit and heart that makes this company what it is.

"Like other recognitions the company has received, this award is based on employee feedback, but each one captures a slightly different moment in time. "This year’s recognition reflects a workplace where employees are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and continue growing in their roles. Communication is open and ongoing, and leaders are approachable and involved. It speaks to an environment where people feel comfortable contributing, supporting one another, and playing an active part in how the organization moves forward."

Ryan Schlenner, Managing Director, said, "Our teams tackle challenges together, always focused on what’s best for our partners and their customers. They think creatively, share ideas, ask for help when needed, and step in for each other to get things done right. It’s that unity, combined with a practical, results-driven approach, that creates the culture and perspective needed to stay the course when things get tough and deliver beyond what’s expected. It’s how we consistently create something exceptional in the marketplace'"

The USA TODAY Award honors organizations with 150 or more employees that have created exceptional, people-first cultures. In 2026, more than 42,000 organizations were invited to participate. The results are determined through a confidential employee survey that measures how team members feel about communication, leadership, growth, and belonging. Channel’s inclusion reflects consistent feedback from its team that is practical, candid, and rooted in the day-to-day experience of their work.

Help Wanted Ad
    Ameris Bank Equipment Finance

[headlines]
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Celebrate the Win!
by Scott Wheeler, CLFP

There’s a powerful surge of energy that runs through an originator after closing a big transaction. It’s more than excitement—it’s a spark that others can feel. That sense of success is contagious because it represents far more than a signed document or a booked deal. It’s the culmination of discipline, persistence, and the quiet grind that most people never see. It’s the satisfaction of helping an end‑user acquire the equipment they need to grow, or the pride of strengthening a vendor relationship that will pay dividends for years. These moments feel good because they reflect real impact. They remind us why we do this work.

A win is worth celebrating. Not because of ego, but because of what it represents: competence, trust, and the ability to deliver value in a competitive marketplace. Every originator knows the difference between a lucky break and a well‑earned victory. The latter fuels confidence. It builds momentum. It reinforces the habits that lead to long‑term success.

And when those wins accumulate, when an originator posts a record month, quarter, or year, the feeling becomes something even deeper. It’s validation. It’s proof that the strategy was sound, the effort was consistent, and the relationships were nurtured with intention. Top originators don’t stumble into record performance; they build it brick by brick. They understand that every call, every meeting, every follow‑up, every “no” they push through is part of the architecture of a breakthrough year.

The best in our industry chase that feeling not out of desperation, but out of purpose. They know what it takes to get there, and they know how it feels when everything clicks. They celebrate the wins, but they also study them. They ask: What did I do right? What can I replicate? How do I raise the bar again? That mindset—curious, disciplined, hungry—is what separates top producers from the pack.

In the end, the joy of a big win isn’t just about the transaction. It’s about the journey, the craft, and the quiet pride of knowing you made a difference for a client, a vendor, or your organization. It’s one of the greatest feelings in this business, and it’s available to anyone willing to put in the work, stay focused, and keep moving forward.

Wheeler Business Consulting is working with individual originators and sales teams throughout the industry to ensure that they are well positioned in the market, capturing their fair share of business, and outperforming the competition. To schedule a one-on-one meeting, contact Scott Wheeler at: scott@wheelerbusinessconsulting.com

[headlines]
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### Press Release ####################

SLIM Capital Turns 10...
A Milestone Worth Celebrating

This month marks a major milestone for all of us at SLIM Capital—our 10-Year Anniversary. What started as a vision to simplify financing and deliver a more relationship-driven experience has grown into a nationwide platform built on speed, innovation, and trust. This achievement would not be possible without the support of our incredible brokers, partners, vendors, and clients.

To commemorate this milestone, we were honored to host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at our Beverly Hills corporate office, where the Mayor of Beverly Hills, Sharona Nazarian, presented SLIM Capital with a Certificate of Recognition in honor of our 10 years in business. It was a special moment to reflect on how far we’ve come—and even more exciting to think about where we’re headed. We celebrated with our team, friends and family whose dedication and hard work continue to drive our success every single day. Take a look at the following link for more about the day from the BEVERLY PRESS...

### Press Release ####################

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Top Ten Most Read Last Week
April 7 – April  10

(1) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2026/04_10.htm#hires  

(2) New Hires/Promotions in the Leasing Business and Related Industries
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2026/04_07.htm#hires

(3) NEFA Spring Conference in Huntington Beach, CA Draws Hundreds by Don Cosenza, Sr. Vice President, Maxim Commercial Capital  
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2026/04_07.htm#nefa  

(4) States Where the Most People
    Work After Age 65
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2026/04_07.htm#states  

(5) Story Credit Financing
Leases, Business Loans, SBA, Working Capital
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2026/04_10.htm#sc  

(6) ZRG Continues to Shape Leadership
Where it Matters Most
By Larry Hartmann, CEO, ZRG Partners  https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2026/04_10.htm#zrg

(7) Why You?
by Scott Wheeler, CLFP
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2026/04_07.htm#why  

(8) Oaktree Closes Successful $355.8 MM Asset-Backed Securitization In Partnership With NMEF
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2026/04_10.htm#oak  

(9) Experience as a Competitive  
     Advantage
Career Crossroads by Emily Fitzpatrick
https://leasingnews.org/archives/Apr2026/04_10.htm#exp

[headlines]
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Update on Major Finance/Leasing
Associations Conferences

April 14—16, ELFA National Funding Conference
Chicago, Illinois
https://www.elfaonline.org/events/national-funding-conference

Randy Haug, LTi Technology Solutions, Leasing Person of Year 2024 will be covering the conference for Leasing News readers

---

May 5—May 7
American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Disney Springs, Orlando, Florida

Whether you’re coming for the education, networking, or to strengthen existing relationships, staying at the conference hotel enhances the full AACFB experience.

Plus - the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista is just steps away from the Disney Springs entertainment district and offers free shuttles to all four Disney Theme Parks! 
Room Rate: $219 per night plus a $25 resort fee 
Cut-off Date: April 20, 2026 
Resort Fee Includes:

• Guestroom high speed wireless internet access
• Shuttle transportation to/from Disney World Theme Parks
• DVDNow movie rentals
• Two (2) bottled waters daily
• $5.00 discount on one attraction ticket from concierge desk
• 50% off golf rentals at Disney Golf Courses

 Reserve your room today and check one more thing off your conference to-do list. 

Leasing News coverage by Vicki Shimkus, CLFP, Leasing News Advisory Board, Finance, Brokers Relationship Manager, Ameris Bank Equipment

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June 1
DeBanked Broker Fair
Returns to NYC June 1, 2026, after 1,100 Turn-Out in Miami
https://debanked.com/2026/03/broker-fair-returns-to-new-york-city-june-1-2026/

Don Cosenza, CLFP,  Senior Vice President, Maxim  Commercial Capital, will cover the conference for Leasing News readers

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September 15th - 16th
Brokers Expo, New York City
https://thefundersforumbrokerexpo.com/ny/

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September 28—30, NEFA Fall Conference
Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park
https://www.nefassociation.org/event/2026-fall-conference/

Don Cosenza, CLFP, Senior Vice President, Maxim Commercial Capital, will cover the conference for Leasing News readers

---

October 21-23, AACFB Commercial Financing Expo
Hilton Irvine, Irvine, California
https://community.aacfb.org/events/event-description?CalendarEventKey=068b9817-3c58-4aaf-b21d-01999b13a2e4&Home=%2fevents%2fcalendar

Don Cosenza, CLFP, Senior Vice President, Maxim Commercial Capital, will cover the conference for Leasing News readers

---

October 25—27, ELFA Annual Conference
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert, CA
Online Scheduling Coming

Randy Haug, LTi Technology Solutions, Leasing News Person of the Year 2024, will cover for Leasing News Readers

News Briefs

Trump vows to sink Iranian ships approaching
      a U.S. blockade of Strait of Hormuz
https://www.npr.org/2026/04/13/nx-s1-5783445/iran-war-updates

How the U.S. Navy Is Blockading the Strait of Hormuz to Choke Off Iran’s Ports
https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/how-the-u-s-navy-is-blockading-the-strait-of-hormuz-to-choke-off-irans-ports-0a3f9784?st=ps3gZP&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Intel’s $100 billion April rally makes It
    market’s hottest stock
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/04/13/intel-april-rally-stock

[headlines]
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Surcharges Are Suddenly Everywhere
—And Grumpy Americans Are Paying Up
https://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/surcharges-are-suddenly-everywhereand-grumpy-americans-are-paying-up-d5cb0e32?st=nEYjnW&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

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Sports Briefs

Dallas Mavericks CEO Rick Welts: 'We love the idea of the downtown site' for new arena
https://www.dallasnews.com/business/article/dallas-mavericks-rick-welts-downtown-arena-22197455.php

[headlines]
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California News Briefs

AI boom catapults San Francisco median home price above $2 million
https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2026-04-08/ai-boom-catapults-san-francisco-median-home-price-above-2-million

Heat Wipes Out Western Snowpack, Raising Fears of Drought, Wildfire
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/08/climate/heat-snow-drought-west.html

Teachers decry Newsom budget plan as districts issue thousands of layoff notices
https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/04/09/millions-school-funding-at-risk-under-newsom-proposal/

[headlines]
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Gimme that Wine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJnQoi8DSE8