Carrie Ann Poff has built her career on a simple but powerful principle: operational excellence thrives when paired with genuine positivity. As Director of Accounting at Equipment Leasing Group of America (ELGA), she manages all accounting and many operational functions for the mid-market equipment finance company, overseeing portfolio administration and compliance, collections and audit preparation. Her leadership reflects both technical mastery and a contagious enthusiasm that makes even complex challenges opportunities for growth.
Over the past 13 years, Poff has mastered every dimension of equipment leasing operations. She began in accounting, methodically learning and managing the full lifecycle of equipment finance for a $40 million portfolio — handling documentation, titling, insurance, collections and deal booking with bank credit facilities. Her ability to integrate financial rigor with process efficiency quickly earned her a reputation as an indispensable team member and trusted advisor within the organization.
Poff’s recent accomplishments highlight her exceptional blend of analytical skill and innovation. She completely transformed ELGA’s audit preparation process, implementing new procedures that shortened completion time by 60 days compared to the previous year. This improvement not only streamlined internal operations but also strengthened confidence with external partners and auditors.
In addition, she revitalized ELGA’s collections department, cutting account delinquency rates by 50% while maintaining the collection of late fees throughout the contract term rather than deferring them to maturity. Her success stems from a balanced approach that combines structured systems with strong relationship management, ensuring that clients feel supported even as standards remain uncompromising.
Poff also took on the intricate challenge of managing multi-state sales and use tax collection and remittance — functions that had previously been outsourced. By bringing them in-house, she increased accuracy, improved compliance and significantly reduced costs.
What truly distinguishes Poff, however, is her leadership philosophy. She embodies a “lead by example” approach, rolling up her sleeves alongside her team and ensuring they have the training and support needed to succeed. Her management style is rooted in empathy, accountability and joy — values that inspire others to bring their best to every project.
“Carrie Ann brings an exceptional combination of technical expertise and positive leadership to our industry,” says Gary Trebels, Senior Vice President, Syndications & Credit, ELGA. “Her attention to detail is amazing, and I recognized this immediately when we worked together on portfolio acquisitions. She has the rare ability to manage complex operational challenges while building genuine team unity. At ELGA, she’s reduced our audit time by 60 days and cut delinquency by 50% — but more importantly, she does it all while maintaining the kind of positive attitude that makes our high-pressure business environment actually enjoyable. She’s truly a first-class human being who makes everyone around her better.”
Poff’s dedication extends beyond her professional sphere. As a single mother of two — one pursuing a physician’s assistant degree and the other enrolled in an electrician apprentice program — Poff exemplifies balance, perseverance and purpose. She was recently recognized with ELGA’s quarterly award for maintaining the most positive attitude, underscoring how her optimism and work ethic shape both her team and her workplace culture. Poff is leaving a legacy of operational integrity, empowerment and heart.
“Never underestimate the power of combining technical excellence with genuine positivity. In equipment finance, we deal with complex challenges daily, but approaching each situation with authentic joy and systematic thinking creates solutions that benefit everyone. Stay curious, support your teammates and remember that operational excellence is really about serving people well.”
– Carrie Ann Poff
