The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) is set to honor an outstanding industry leader at its annual convention this October. Donna Yanuzzi, executive vice president and head of equipment finance at 1st Equipment Finance, has been named the recipient of the 2024 Michael J. Fleming Distinguished Service Award. Yanuzzi’s two decades of leadership, advocacy and mentorship have advanced both the association and the equipment finance industry. Her remarkable contributions will be celebrated at the convention’s general session on Monday, Oct. 28, in Austin, Texas.

“We are thrilled to honor Donna, who has gone above and beyond to give back to ELFA, our foundation and our industry,” Leigh Lytle, president and CEO of the ELFA, said. “Donna’s dedication and leadership in so many areas have made a big impact, and we’re excited to recognize her as a driving force committed to moving the equipment finance industry forward. On a personal note, when I joined ELFA last year, Donna’s warm welcome and generous sharing of her expertise, as she has done with so many others, was instrumental in helping me quickly feel part of the industry.”

“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this award,” Yanuzzi said. “This recognition I share with many, as it reflects the collaborative spirit of the ELFA/ELFF team and the dedication of our members — each a committed professional devoted to advancing our industry. The support of this team makes it possible for us to give back to an industry that has enriched us both personally and professionally. I am passionate about fostering growth and innovation, inspiring emerging leaders, and promoting education within our field. There is still much to achieve, and I look forward to continuing this important work with the ELFA/ELFF team as we strive to make a meaningful impact together.”

A dedicated member of ELFA for over 20 years, Yanuzzi has been instrumental in advancing the association’s mission. She has served on several key committees, including the bank business council steering committee, and has been an active member of the ELFA’s women’s council, helping to plan the Women’s Leadership Forum and serving as a mentor in the council’s mentoring program.

Yanuzzi is also a strong advocate for the industry’s policy initiatives, regularly participating in Capitol Connections, ELFA’s annual advocacy event in Washington, D.C., that educates and engages members of Congress. She also has served on the LeasePAC committee.

Beyond her work with ELFA, Yanuzzi has made significant contributions to the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. She has held leadership roles on the board of trustees, executive committee, research committee and national development committee. As chair of the foundation’s academic outreach committee, she has played a pivotal role in developing the academic scholarship program and raising awareness of equipment finance among students through the Campus to Career program.

Yanuzzi earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Bloomsburg University. She joined 1st Equipment Finance in 2021 after 25 years serving in various roles up to managing director of sales & marketing at F.N.B. Equipment Finance. At F.N.B., she collaboratively built and supported a sales team with a portfolio size just under $1 billion and earned national recognition, including F.N.B.’s ranking among the Top 50 finance/leasing companies by the Monitor.