2025 Monitor Top Women in Equipment Finance: Amy Romain Barron



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Amy Romain Barron, CEO, United Leasing & Finance

Amy Romain Barron leads with a blend of legacy, innovation and service. As the third-generation CEO of United Leasing & Finance, she carries forward a 60-year family tradition while steering the company into a new era of growth and modernization. Her career embodies the power of learning from the ground up, fostering people-first leadership and driving community impact that extends far beyond business.

Romain Barron’s journey to the executive seat was one of steady progression and hands-on experience. She began in the operations department, handling titles and processing before taking on roles in sales and credit, learning every facet of the organization. This immersive foundation gave her a 360-degree understanding of the company’s processes, culture and customers. In 2022, after two decades of dedication, Romain Barron became CEO — a milestone that not only marked her personal achievement but also symbolized the continuity of a family legacy built on trust, integrity and teamwork.

Her leadership philosophy centers on engagement and empowerment. Inspired by her father’s belief in cultivating a culture of collaboration, Romain Barron emphasizes that United’s greatest strength lies in its people. Under her leadership, United Leasing & Finance has focused on developing its internal talent pipeline, ensuring advancement opportunities, and retaining top performers through professional development initiatives. The company plans to launch a formal mentorship program that reflects Romain Barron’s personal commitment to fostering career development and guiding future leaders.

As CEO of United Companies, the parent organization that includes United Leasing & Finance, Professional Transportation, a network of Indiana car dealerships and the United Companies Air Center, Romain Barron oversees a diverse portfolio with precision and strategic insight. Her financial acumen and operational expertise have earned her the respect of peers and partners alike.

“Amy served on our Board of Directors Loan Committee, and we worked closely on large credits for the Bank,” says Michael H. Head, President and CEO of First Federal Savings Bank. “Amy has an excellent grasp on credit quality for potential financing opportunities. While our fields of financing were different (e.g., lease financing versus traditional lending), they were the same and we both looked for quality credits, quality individuals, excellent collateral opportunities and a steady continuous profitability performance record.” Romain Barron’s influence extends well beyond her organization. Deeply rooted in Evansville, IN, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Deaconess Health System and the Welborn Baptist Foundation, among others. Her past board service includes the Evansville Day School and Leadership Everyone, reflecting her passion for community well-being, education and philanthropy. Sarah Jacobson, Head of School at Evansville Day School, described Romain Barron as “a thoughtful, collaborative leader who unites diverse perspectives around shared goals and consistently seeks the greatest good for the group.”

At every level, Romain Barron leads with humility and purpose. Her approach as a servant leader is rooted in listening, learning and lifting others. She views leadership as both a privilege and a responsibility to prepare the next generation to lead with confidence and compassion.

“Embrace every opportunity to learn, even when it feels uncomfortable. Growth comes from saying yes and stretching beyond what you already know. And once you’ve gained experience, pass it on to others. Your knowledge can have even greater impact when it’s shared and used to mentor the next generation.”

– Amy Romain Barron

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