Maggie Holly has spent more than two decades in the equipment leasing industry, specializing in small and mid-ticket commercial equipment transactions, loans, leases, syndication, product development and corporate expansion. Her journey includes nine years at CitiCapital, which was later acquired by GE Capital, where she served as a vice president, regional credit manager and nearly a decade as a syndication manager with Celtic Commercial Finance, a division of Fifth Third Bank.
Holly joined Hanmi Bank in 2019 as vice president, credit manager and was subsequently promoted to the position of senior vice president, credit and operations manager in 2021. In her current role, she oversees both the credit and operational aspects of the commercial equipment leasing division. A significant component of her role involves formulating policies and developing procedures to ensure the division’s efficient and effective operation.
Holly’s tenure at Hanmi Bank has seen significant challenges, including staffing shortages. However, under her leadership, her team managed a remarkable 30% growth in 2022. Her ability to foster efficient credit and operations, combined with her dedication to customer satisfaction, garnered respect from partners who commend her team’s rapid and efficient service. Holly continuously seeks ways to enhance efficiency, whether through process improvement or the integration of new technologies like artificial intelligence to detect fraud in bank statements and invoices, or by fostering a culture of comprehensive cross-training between departments, encouraging collaboration.
Holly’s commitment to team-building is evident through the FUN/social committee she established. This committee encourages team members to plan enjoyable activities for department meetings or outside of work. She also champions diversity and inclusion by celebrating cultural events on a regular basis.
Holly’s inspirational leadership has cultivated loyal teams that consistently deliver exceptional results. She values adaptability and mentors her team with compassion, encouraging everyone to become a leader.
Beyond her professional commitments, Holly participates in various mentor relationships and is an active member of both the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association and the National Equipment Finance Association. She currently chairs the mentor program, a subcommittee of the ELFA Women’s Council, which she serves on in addition to various NEFA committees, including the finance summit planning, membership benefits and philanthropy committee.
“Maggie has a relentless energy to complete projects and provide first in class service to each of our partners while serving as the group’s chief credit officer as well as senior operations manager,” Kevin Kepp, executive vice president and group head of Hanmi’s equipment leasing group, says. “She does this not by directing others, rather by being shoulder to shoulder with them in successfully completing tasks. She inspires people to be better – she inspires me to be better.”
Holly’s passion for giving back extends beyond the industry, as she founded the Tam Kỳ Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for underprivileged children and families in rural Vietnam and underserved communities in Southern California.
Holly’s professional mission is to inspire, mentor and develop individuals to realize their full potential and thrive in their careers. She measures her success by the personal and professional growth of those she mentors and leads. Her goal is to leave a lasting legacy of empowered, confident and skilled individuals who contribute meaningfully to their organizations and communities.
“Empower yourself with knowledge, embrace challenges as opportunities and remember: your potential is limitless. You are the future of the equipment leasing industry, and your determination, coupled with the guidance of a good mentor, will break barriers.”