Empire Asset Finance added Tricia Murray as vice president of operations and Aaron Gehlken, Sr. as vice president, direct originations, further strengthening the firm’s operational and origination leadership as it continues to scale its equipment finance platform serving middle-market, private equity-sponsored and non-sponsored companies.
Murray has over two decades of experience building and leading high-performing teams, developing regulatory-compliant policies and procedures and implementing structured operational processes designed to support accuracy, consistency and certainty of execution. Her background spans independent finance companies, bank-owned platforms and advisory environments, where she has supported multi-platform servicing and scalable growth initiatives.
Prior to her finance career, Murray served in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard as both an aircraft engine mechanic and aircraft operations scheduler, responsible for the operations and maintenance scheduling of an assigned C-130 fleet. Additionally, she served as an operational volunteer and PR Director for Chesapeake K-9 Search and Rescue.
“Strong servicing and operational efficiency are critical to portfolio performance and scale,” Mike Miroshnikov, chief operating officer and chief credit officer of Empire, said. “Tricia brings exceptional experience across technology, contract administration and servicing, along with a clear focus on communication, process and execution. She will play a key role as we continue to grow the platform.”
Gehlken brings extensive direct equipment finance loan and lease origination experience, with a deep background supporting diverse capital-intensive middle-market companies, across the technology, industrial, manufacturing, and other specialty asset sectors with specific expertise in working with private equity–sponsored companies. Gehlken is recognized for reliably delivering financing solutions in complex credit environments.
In addition to his finance background, Gehlken offers proven leadership shaped by prior roles in national security and military service, including service as a U.S. Air Force intelligence officer. His experience leading mission-critical operations brings a disciplined approach centered on clear communication, structured process and defined execution.
“Aaron brings the combination of private equity equipment finance expertise, leadership and discipline critical to serving middle-market sponsors,” Rick Rockhold, CEO of Empire, said. “He understands the urgency sponsors operate under, brings an approach centered on structured process, and consistently delivers clarity and strong deal execution outcomes. We are excited to have him join Empire as we continue to expand our direct origination platform.”
In his role, Gehlken will focus on expanding Empire’s direct origination efforts and deepening relationships with private equity sponsors and operating companies.
“These hires meaningfully contribute to Empire’s growth,” Rockhold said. “Aaron expands our ability to serve middle-market private equity sponsors, while Tricia ensures our servicing and operational infrastructure scales with the same discipline and consistency. Together, they reinforce our commitment to building a high-performing, execution-oriented firm for our clients and partners.”
