Accord Financial expanded its U.S. asset-based finance group by hiring Maryanne Lenardo and Gail Heldke as managing directors of originations. They will be responsible for developing partnerships across a range of industries and providing senior secured debt solutions ranging from $1 million to $20 million. Lenardo will be based in Los Angeles and cover the western United States, while Heldke will be based in Chicago and cover the Midwest.

“We are excited to be adding such proven, successful asset-based finance professionals to the Accord team,” Jim Hogan, president of U.S. asset-based finance at Accord, said. “Both Maryanne and Gail have not only originated successfully in the lower middle market, but also bring strong credit and structuring experience to ABL and factoring opportunities. Their arrival enhances Accord’s long-established reputation for supporting our lower middle-market clients, their sponsors and our advisor community.”

Lenardo began her career as a commercial lender for Citicorp’s national banking group and subsequently held positions with several national and international financial organizations in both underwriting and origination capacities. She also has experience managing sales territories and developing new market introduction strategies and a client base for proprietary technologies.

Heldke has experience in business development, underwriting, portfolio management and team leadership. Most recently with Concert Capital, she has also worked for both public and private bank and non-bank financial organizations.