Sinéad Murphy’s career reflects deep expertise, operational leadership and a people-first philosophy that continues to elevate equipment finance. Born in Dublin, Murphy moved to the United States at age nine when her parents sought better opportunities. Though she initially planned to pursue nursing, her career shifted during a pivotal internship at ECS Financial Services. What began as a temporary placement grew into a 20-year career.
At ECS, Murphy discovered her passion for equipment leasing, a field that blended tax law, accounting and back-end software management with the excitement of a constantly evolving industry. Over two decades, she built expertise in portfolio management, lease accounting, personal property tax and sales tax compliance while developing a reputation for troubleshooting complex issues and mentoring others. Leading a team that managed more than 25 portfolios across multiple systems, she became known for her ability to find solutions and guide colleagues through challenges. Industry events hosted by ELFA and NEFA expanded her professional network and reinforced her role as a trusted peer across the sector.
In 2019, Murphy joined Wintrust Equipment Finance, bringing with her a deep knowledge of leasing operations and a proven record of leadership. Since then, she has helped fund approximately $750 million in leases and loans. One of her first major projects was guiding the testing and conversion of an upgraded system of record, applying her prior experience to ensure the transition was seamless. More recently, she has been instrumental in expanding Wintrust’s presence in aviation finance, assisting both private and commercial clients with specialized documentation and regulatory requirements.
Today, as Vice President of Operations, Murphy oversees documentation, funding, booking, lien perfection and servicing for the life cycle of equipment leases and loans. She emphasizes teamwork and training, ensuring that colleagues understand not only how processes work but why they matter. By fostering a collaborative environment where people feel valued, she cultivates an operations team that consistently performs at a high level.
Her leadership is also recognized by her colleagues. Jeff T. Wolinski, President and CEO of Wintrust Equipment Finance, says, “Sinéad’s extensive industry experience and deep knowledge of equipment finance make her an invaluable member of our team. She collaborates closely with colleagues to create solutions that enhance customer satisfaction, approaching every challenge with passion and strategic insight. Her innovations and contributions continue to strengthen both our company and the level of service we provide.”
Reflecting on her career, Murphy stresses the importance of caring deeply about the work one does. “In this industry, you can teach skills, processes and tasks but you can’t teach someone to genuinely care. If you care deeply about your work, your clients and the outcomes, you will succeed. Passion and dedication create results that no training alone can achieve and that’s what sets you apart.”
From ECS Financial to her leadership at Wintrust, Murphy’s career reflects a people-first approach that blends technical expertise with genuine care.
Wintrust Equipment Finance is a division of Wintrust Asset Finance Inc. Banking products provided by Wintrust Financial Corp. banks.
“In this industry, you can teach skills, processes and tasks — but you can’t teach someone to genuinely care. If you care deeply about your work, your clients and the outcomes, you will succeed. Passion and dedication create results that no training alone can achieve, and that’s what sets you apart.”
– Sinéad Murphy
