Mikki Henkelman joined Oakmont Capital Services (OCS) in 2018 and serves as vice president of credit and risk. She has been involved in the equipment finance industry for 16 years, with her roles revolving around the credit and the operational side of business. She began her career as a credit analyst, providing her with a solid foundation to understanding the industry. In her role at OCS, she oversees credit processes and procedures, compliance and risk and is involved with different operational and technology projects.
Over the years, Henkelman has watched her department, as well as employees’ knowledge and abilities, grow. “One of my favorite things is observing a tenured analyst walk a less experienced analyst through a situation or difficult transaction,” Henkelman says. “Often, I can vividly remember when those analysts were asking me the same questions or had the same hesitations but can now articulate instructions themselves. Personal and professional growth in others is so rewarding to witness.”
Henkelman has also been involved in technology initiatives, as OCS is constantly improving processes and efficiencies through technology. “Our team was incredibly honored to earn the 2023 ELFA Ops & Tech Excellence Award. We are always evolving and looking for ways to improve to better serve our customers and partners, and being recognized as a team for the work put in is exciting for us all,” she says.
Henkelman enjoys staying involved in the industry and volunteering her time and talents. She was honored to co-chair the 2023 NEFA Funding Symposium and experience a different area of the industry. “This was another opportunity for me to work with professionals within our industry I may otherwise not cross paths with,” she says. “The experience provided great ideas, involvement and partnership from various businesses to offer unique educational experiences and an open environment for all those who attended the event.”
Henkelman is dedicated to giving back. She serves on NEFA’s philanthropy committee and co-chairs OCS’ philanthropy committee. Additionally, she serves on the Certified Lease and Finance Professional board of directors. “The board has an incredible variety of talent from across the industry, always providing unique ideas and insight,” Henkelman says. “I thoroughly enjoy being able to collaborate with this group of individuals on a regular basis.”
“Mikki is extremely knowledgeable about our industry, is driven for success and adept with technology and efficiencies in underwriting and operations,” Daryn Lecy, vice president and chief operating officer of OCS, says. “What I think makes her unique and even more valuable is her ability to tackle every situation with a sense of humor and a smile. Mikki’s employees and industry colleagues appreciate the genuine interest she shows, the results she provides, along with her ability to keep things light.”
Henkelman feels very fortunate to be surrounded by compassionate, knowledgeable and effective leaders, many of whom are women. “We work together every day towards the same end goal. We strive for the best, and together we make it possible,” she says. “My mission as a leader is to exemplify this every day – be approachable while still being effective, be compassionate while still providing structure. Success takes an entire team.”
“Women have enormous pressure to play many roles, both personally and professionally. Being able to ‘do it all’ without letting any balls drop is intimidating. Don’t accept limits others give you. Set your limits without comparing yourself to others because we are all unique in what we can accomplish.”