In a move that underscores its accelerating growth and commitment to client-first innovation, Ansley Park Capital has announced the appointment of Kathleen “Kathy” Berryman as Managing Director, Sponsor Coverage. The seasoned equipment finance executive brings a rare combination of deep industry expertise, long-standing sponsor relationships, and a reputation for delivering results in high-pressure environments.

Berryman’s mandate will center on expanding sponsor coverage across Ansley Park’s platform, deepening partnerships with private equity clients and their portfolio companies. She will report to Michael Gay, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, and work alongside several former GE Capital colleagues now at Ansley Park.

For Berryman, this new chapter is as much a homecoming as it is a leap forward.

“I’m incredibly excited to join Ansley Park Capital and reconnect with so many people I’ve respected and worked with over the years,” Berryman says. “It’s rare to find a platform that blends experience, creativity and agility the way Ansley Park does. I see this as an opportunity to build something special with a team that shares a vision for what the industry can be.”

A Foundation Built at GE Capital

Berryman’s approach to leadership and client engagement was forged during her time at GE Capital, where she entered the finance world after starting in customer service. “GE was a sink-or-swim environment. I was often the only woman in the room, the most junior, and the least experienced — but people like Eric [Miller] mentored me, and that changed everything,” she says.

That early experience shaped her direct, decisive style. “There’s a certain pedigree that comes from GE. We learned to work fast, be efficient and always do what’s right. It was never about the title or the politics — it was about delivering for the client, period.”

Those principles have guided her through a decades-long career that has included Wells Fargo Equipment Finance, where she held leadership roles in large-ticket originations, and several entrepreneurial turns within the leasing space. Her track record includes building high-performing teams and scaling business lines from scratch.

Culture and Chemistry

At Ansley Park, Berryman sees an organization that aligns with her values: lean, collaborative and customer-obsessed. “One of the things I love about this firm is that it’s still got that startup energy. I joke that I’m employee number 34. There’s no calling an 800 number for IT help — you figure it out yourself. And I actually find that refreshing,” she says.

She also believes her candid, no-nonsense approach to leadership will mesh well with the team. “Things are black and white for me. I tell my kids: Did you take out the trash or didn’t you? There’s no gray area. That directness works well in this culture,” she says with a laugh. “And if you ask anyone I’ve worked with, they’ll tell you — I lead with loyalty, I promote the people around me and I make sure everyone gets the credit they deserve.”

Client Relationships That Last

Berryman is a strong believer that trust is built through consistency, not contracts. “I’ve had client relationships that have lasted over 20 years. One client even had pictures of my kids on his refrigerator. That kind of loyalty only comes when you say what you’re going to do — and then you do it,” she says.

She describes her work as part financial structuring, part relationship management, and part problem-solving. “Clients don’t just want low rates. They want speed. They want clarity. And they want someone who can navigate complexity without making their life harder,” she says. “That’s where we come in.”

Her experience spans asset classes and client profiles — from mid-market companies with nuanced stories to large, investment-grade organizations seeking efficient capital deployment. In both cases, she believes the value proposition is the same: tailored, nimble solutions that drive growth.

Energized for What’s Next

Berryman admits she feels a renewed sense of purpose in this role — one that had been missing. “I’m excited to be excited again,” she says. “You need to feel fired up about what you do. Otherwise, what’s the point?”

In her first week, Berryman began reviewing seven varied deals, spanning industries and financing needs. “It was wildly energizing,” she says. “Going from rinse-and-repeat programs to this kind of dynamic, entrepreneurial deal flow — it’s a rush.”

She’s also eager to pay forward the mentoring that shaped her own career. “I’ve had incredible mentors. Now it’s my turn. Whether it’s younger professionals in the industry or women still finding their voice in leadership, I want to help build the next generation of talent,” she says.

Looking Ahead

With Berryman on board, Ansley Park Capital continues to sharpen its focus on delivering value beyond capital. The firm’s combination of institutional expertise and flexible execution is already resonating with private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies. Berryman intends to double down on that momentum.

“Success for me isn’t just hitting volume goals — though that matters. It’s also about building a reputation, inside and outside the firm, for doing things the right way,” she says. “I want clients to say, ‘That’s someone who shows up, solves problems and makes our business better.’ If I can do that consistently, I’ll consider this a win.”