The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) has selected Robert J. Rinaldi, CEO of King Commercial Finance, to receive its 2014 David H. Fenig Distinguished Service in Advocacy Award. The award, named for ELFA’s former vice president of Federal Government Relations, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the association’s advocacy efforts to promote sound public policies for the equipment finance industry. Rinaldi will be formally recognized during a ceremony at ELFA’s Capitol Connections event on Tuesday, June 10, in Washington, D.C.

“As a passionate advocate for the equipment leasing and finance industry, Bob has inspired countless ELFA members to participate in the association’s public policy activities,” said William G. Sutton, CAE, president and CEO of ELFA. “We are delighted to present this award to Bob, whose enthusiasm and tireless contributions not only have strengthened our advocacy program, but also have increased awareness of the value of equipment finance as an engine for U.S. prosperity and growth.”

Before joining King Commercial Finance, Rinaldi was senior vice president at CSI Leasing for nearly four years. Previously, he served as executive vice president of the $8 billion bank-owned lessor National City Commercial Capital (now PNC Equipment Finance), and president of National City Commercial Capital Canada. Prior to that, he and his partners founded Information Leasing Corporation in 1984, which they subsequently sold to Provident Bank of Cincinnati, later acquired by National City Bank.