Equipment Finance News is pleased to announce that Jody Ray, vice president and relationship manager at BMO Bank North America, will join Equipment Finance Connect 2026 to discuss dealer-lender collaboration on Tuesday, May 19, at 9:40 a.m. ET.  

Equipment Finance Connect is the only event that brings together lenders, dealers, technology providers and other industry professionals. The event takes place May 18-19 at the C. Baldwin Hotel in Houston.  

View the full event agenda here.  

Ray will join two other industry experts for the panel discussion “Enhancing dealer-lender finance operations for better results,” breaking down topics including: 

• Developing and communicating deal-by-deal finance strategies;
• Helping customers navigate approval and funding processes; and
• Creating value through finance, insurance and aftermarket product offerings. 

Ray joined BMO’s vendor finance division in 2024 and has become a leader in its equipment and vehicle financing business. With BMO being the primary financing partner for Ditch Witch, he plays a pivotal role in supporting the construction OEM’s dealer network. Ray has also worked at GM Financial and Commerce Bank, overseeing financing strategies for auto dealers.  

Ray will join John Boy, finance and sales administration manager at Anderson Equipment Company, and Ritzon Fernandez, SVP of sales at Equify Financial, on the panel. 

The fourth annual Equipment Finance Connect at the C. Baldwin in Houston May 18-19 is the only event that brings together the equipment industry to share insights, attend discussions on crucial industry topics and network with peers. Learn more about the event and register here.