Kathy Havlik, CLFP leads Key Equipment Finance’s Central and East regions with strategic vision, team development and a commitment to inclusion across the industry.
As Senior Vice President and Regional Sales Director for the Bank Channel at Key Equipment Finance, Havlik manages the Central and East regions from New York City. She leads a multi-market team dedicated to delivering customized equipment-finance solutions for middle-market and small corporate Key Bank clients and prospects.
Havlik began her career at Key Equipment Finance through the Sales ACT rotational program, gaining experience in several roles of increasing responsibility. Her early success in delivering financing and leasing solutions earned her recognition through numerous awards, including Sales Achievement, Golden Key, Million Dollar Club, Pinnacle Club and President’s Circle honors.
Her leadership today is distinguished by her ability to merge strategic vision with genuine care for her team. Havlik believes in inspiring her colleagues to see themselves as part of a broader mission, fostering an environment where contributions are valued and leveraged for collective achievement. This approach has positioned her region to adapt to industry shifts while actively shaping new opportunities.
She has been instrumental in creating platforms that amplify employee voices. By consolidating and evaluating employee-sourced ideas targeting new products, markets and industries, Havlik has helped position Key Equipment Finance for future growth. “I want my impact to not only be measured by transactions closed, but in the people, processes and partnerships I’ve strengthened along the way,” she says.
Beyond her daily leadership responsibilities, Havlik is committed to advancing the equipment finance industry. She previously served on the ELFA Emerging Talent Committee, where she mentored young professionals and helped shape development programs, and she now serves on the ELFA Women’s Council. Both roles reflect her passion for advocating inclusion, supporting the advancement of women and ensuring the industry remains innovative and welcoming to diverse perspectives.
Her leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, curiosity and empowerment. She works to align her team’s daily actions with long-term business goals, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. Colleagues describe her as a leader who inspires others to act with confidence and conviction.
Peter Bullen, Group Head at Key Equipment Finance, commends her leadership and influence: “Kathy’s ongoing development and expanding reach have significantly strengthened her effect throughout the company. She inspires new initiatives that move our business into fresh areas of opportunity. She leads with vision and heart, fostering our culture where every voice matters and every accomplishment counts.”
Havlik’s guiding philosophy is rooted in courage and authenticity. As she advises: “Fortune favors the bold. Seize every opportunity to participate, make sure your voice is heard and appreciate what sets you apart. Aim to act with self-assurance and genuine purpose and never let fear hold you back from achieving your success.”
Her legacy is defined by the talent she nurtures, the inclusion she champions and the innovation she inspires.
“Fortune favors the bold. Seize every opportunity to participate, make sure your voice is heard and appreciate what sets you apart. Aim to act with self-assurance and genuine purpose and never let fear hold you back from achieving your success.”
– Kathy Havlik
