Jenny Roach is renowned for her practical and efficient approach to achieving results. Shaped by educators, her upbringing instilled instrumental lessons from her father’s service in the Marines and Air National Guard, imprinting the virtues of structure, discipline and diligence from an early age. Equally influential was her mother, a nurse and college professor, who cultivated a strong work ethic rooted in compassion and devotion.

After earning her MBA, Roach transitioned from banking to the equipment finance industry. She joined Wingspire Equipment Finance (formerly known as Liberty Commercial Finance) in 2017 as a credit analyst and quickly showcased exceptional leadership qualities, becoming an invaluable asset to the company. From the outset, she demonstrated an impressive ability to learn quickly and excel in any role, propelling her to the top of Wingspire’s leadership team within a few years. Her unparalleled work ethic is undoubtedly influenced by her formative years. Roach consistently goes the extra mile, facing challenges with solid determination that inspires those around her.

What truly sets Roach apart is her ability to lead with both her mind and heart. Roach has a brilliant strategic vision, though she never loses sight of the people behind the work. She always encourages and empowers her colleagues to do their best. Roach’s genuine care for the well-being of her team, combined with her steadfast commitment to the company’s success, has not only driven Wingspire’s growth, but has also made her a beloved figure within the organization. Her leadership encompasses more than just achieving goals; her style creates a culture of excellence and support that has become the cornerstone of Wingspire’s company values. Roach treats her co-workers like family because she wants all employees to be successful.

“Jenny’s devotion to fostering a supportive work environment exemplifies true leadership,” Steve Peterson, managing director of Wingspire Equipment Finance, says. “For example, on transactions with tight funding windows, she assists where necessary to ensure customer expectations are met. Her commitment to the company, her colleagues and our customers is unwavering. Working alongside Roach makes me thankful she is on our team.”

As just the fifth employee at Wingspire Equipment Finance, Roach played a crucial role in shaping the company’s trajectory. During the company’s first full year in operation, Wingspire reached $100 million in revenue and followed the next year with $300 million — a significant company milestone in which Roach’s hard work played a huge role. As senior vice president of credit and capital markets, she also played a pivotal role in overseeing the company’s syndication platform and maintains this responsibility today. Roach’s promotion to chief operating officer in early 2024 is a testament to her outstanding contributions and exceptional dedication in every aspect of her role.

As chief operating officer, Roach fosters seamless collaboration between the sales, credit, operations and legal departments to optimize efficiency, mitigate risks and achieve strategic business objectives. She works closely with Wingspire’s CEO to support his long-term vision and growth outlook for the company.

In the near and far future of her equipment finance career, Roach hopes to continue influencing her colleagues both within Wingspire and the equipment finance industry at large. Her mission is to be a role model and a beacon of what is possible with hard work and dedication. She hopes to continue being a trailblazer, breaking barriers and setting new standards of what it means to be a leader. •