Supporter Spotlight
Mike Romanowski is an industry executive who has served on the boards of both ELFA and the Foundation. He and his wife Lisa are longtime donors to the Foundation. Learn more about Mike’s career, his passion for giving back, and why Mike and Lisa decided to make a legacy gift.
How did you first get involved in the equipment finance industry? What trajectory has your career taken?
I got involved in the equipment finance industry when CoBank obtained 100% ownership of Farm Credit Leasing (FCL). I fell in love with the industry and the opportunity to expand FCL’s business model to enhance the Bank’s mission to serve rural America. I held multiple leadership roles in Operations and Sales before becoming President of FCL.
How did you first got involved with membership/volunteering to support the industry? And what volunteer roles have you held?
My initial involvement with the ELFA was as a member of the Banking Business Council which I served on for two terms including one term as the chairperson. I then served as a Foundation Trustee for three years and served as the Development Director. I was a founding member on the Equity Committee and capped off my industry work as a Board Member for the ELFA where I served as the LeasePac chairperson and a member of the executive committee. I am a regular participant in Capital Connections and contributor to LeasePac and the Foundation.
Why did you decide to support the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation?
My wife, Lisa, and I wanted to give back to the Industry that has provided so much to us and was the highlight of my professional career. The Foundation’s outreach to emerging and diverse talent is of particular interest to us and we wanted to provide financial support to enhance this focus by the Foundation.
Would you be willing to share why you were motivated to make a legacy gift (a commitment to contribute to the Foundation in your estate plans after your lifetime)?
The Foundation exists through the generosity of businesses and individuals. We wanted to be part of the legacy giving program to the Foundation to ensure its sustainability and outreach well into the future. We believe by giving that others will join in giving which will further enhance the value that the Foundation provides to its stakeholders.