Debbie Battaglia blends creativity, compassion and drive to transform teams and inspire progress as SVP of Marketing at Ascentium Capital. When Ascentium Capital became part of Regions Bank in 2021, Battaglia stepped into her role as Senior Vice President of Marketing at a pivotal moment. She brought firsthand knowledge of guiding teams through regulatory change, ensuring Ascentium’s culture of speed and innovation adapted seamlessly to a more structured environment. By explaining the “why” behind compliance shifts, providing safe spaces for questions and leveraging automation to simplify processes, she kept morale high while boosting performance. As a result, employee engagement scores steadily climbed year over year.
Battaglia’s leadership style is defined by creativity, drive and compassion. She began her career at AT&T Capital Corporation/CIT, steering the Global Vendor Finance division through multiple acquisitions. Her reputation for delivering strong results while fostering collaboration led to her recruitment by US Express Leasing, where she spearheaded marketing efforts for the well-capitalized start-up. In that role, she embraced risk and experimentation, introducing innovative tools for vendor partners and differentiated products that fueled portfolio growth into the billions. “Don’t be afraid to take chances and step out of your comfort zone,” Battaglia advises. “Every major step forward in your career will likely start with a new challenge that you probably don’t feel ready for at the time.”
Her high expectations are matched by a commitment to her team’s well-being. Whether introducing fresh solutions to help small businesses, streamlining operations or mentoring emerging leaders, she consistently ensures her colleagues feel supported, challenged and valued. This balance of accountability and empowerment has cultivated a team that thrives both professionally and personally.
Battaglia’s influence extends well beyond her company. She currently serves as chairperson of the Equipment Leasing & Finance Association’s Communications Committee and is an active participant in the Regions Leads Champions Group, collaborating weekly on best practices. A graduate of Regions’ Inclusion, Belonging & Impact Program, she champions diversity and community engagement through the company’s Impact Network and carries those values into her industry leadership.
Her colleagues affirm her impact. Richard D. Gumbrecht, CEO of the Secured Finance Network, recalls her work at US Express Leasing: “Debbie is a powerhouse. She was part of our original management team that started US Express Leasing in 2004 and is a key reason we were able to build strong and lasting relationships with our vendor partners. From unique products and programs to innovative apps and portals, to compelling brand identity work both at USXL and when she rejoined me later at SFNet, Debbie’s creativity and resourcefulness have been her trademarks and have raised the bar for others in our space. I’m glad to see her recognized for her extraordinary achievements.”
Outside the office, Battaglia brings her creativity home to her two daughters’ activities and community initiatives. Whether at work or in life, she continues to build a legacy of innovation, mentorship and meaningful impact on those around her.
“Don’t be afraid to take chances and step out of your comfort zone. My greatest experiences and growth opportunities have come from walking away from stable, comfortable and safe positions. Every major step forward in your career will likely start with a new challenge that you probably don’t feel ready for at the time.”
– Debbie Battaglia
