“Jen is an exceptional leader who is able to drive results by inspiring a shared vision while nurturing each person’s unique talents and contributions to foster teamwork and achievement of a common goal.” — Jeff Van Slyke, President & CEO, LTi Technology Solutions

From a young age, Jennifer Martin embraced leadership and responsibility. As the eldest child of two hearing-impaired parents, Martin often stepped in as their interpreter, taking on significant responsibilities to assist them even at a young age. During a time when technology simply didn’t exist as it does today, Martin’s role as a CODA (child of deaf adults) influenced her commitment to the importance of equity and inclusion, a passion she actively champions in both her personal and professional life. It also influenced her view of the critical role of technology in improving everyday life.

COMMITMENT TO DE&I
Shaped by her experience at home, Martin’s dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion became visible early in her career. After attending her first Equipment Leasing and Finance Association conference, she noted the lack of female representation. “I mentioned to my supervisor, Lori Frasier, that I was disappointed in the lack of female representation,” Martin says. This observation sparked a vision that led to the creation of ELFA’s Women’s Council, co-founded by Martin, Frasier and Deborah Reuben.

One of the council’s earliest initiatives was founding the Women’s Leadership Forum, now an annual, industry-wide event dedicated to advancing women in the equipment finance industry.

“It is one of the most fulfilling initiatives I have ever been a part of,” Martin says. “Seeing its impact and growth has been incredibly rewarding.”

MASTER OF MULTIPLE ROLES
Martin’s adaptability and drive have been instrumental in her nearly 30-year career. Starting at Key Equipment Finance (KEF), she took on a range of roles, always ready to seize new opportunities as the company expanded and grew. Whether it was launching securitization lines, completing an acquisition project or improving internal processes, Martin never turned down a challenge. “I raised my hand
for everything,” she says.

Her willingness to embrace diverse opportunities enabled her to quickly move into new positions that broadened her skills — and she learned from her leaders along the way. “I have had the freedom to ask questions, make mistakes and challenge decisions, all of which allowed me to grow in ways I never expected,” Martin says.

From acquisitions to large technology initiatives and even navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin played a crucial role in KEF’s major initiatives over her 28-year career. By 2023, she was part of KEF’s senior leadership team, responsible for managing enterprise technology, strategy and the sales enablement team.

BRIDGING EQUIPMENT FINANCE & TECH
In 2023, as KEF shifted its strategic direction, Martin transitioned into her current role as chief product officer at LTi Technology Solutions. This shift required her to adapt quickly once again, but, thanks to her broad skill set, she was well prepared.

“Going from a big bank to a technology company is a huge shift in so many ways. I have had to dig in, listen and learn. It has been exciting,” Martin says. “My previous experience, combined with great relationships with LTi employees and a strong collaborative executive team, has all set me up for success in this new role.”

One of the most exciting aspects of her move to technology has been working with LTi’s diverse customer base, which includes startups and global enterprises. Over the past six months, Martin has immersed herself in understanding their unique needs, even traveling to meet clients abroad.

“It’s been an incredible experience,” Martin says. “It is fascinating to learn how different companies operate and what they need as they scale. It is exciting to know that, in my new role, I can help them in ways I never thought possible.”

FROM LEARNING TO LEADING
Martin credits her career growth to the mentors and leaders who supported her over the years. “I have been fortunate to work with fantastic leaders who allowed me to see mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow,” she says. “I am also blessed with an extremely supportive husband and family that has sacrificed for many years as I’ve taken on new responsibilities. Their support has allowed me to go well outside my comfort zone. I could not have done any of this without their support.”

Now, as a leader herself, Martin is committed to fostering the same environment for her team. She prioritizes being an approachable and supportive leader, ensuring her team feels comfortable coming to her for guidance. “My job as a leader is to be human, collaborative and to help the LTi team at every turn in any way I can,” she says. •