Alerus adds equipment finance team

Grand Forks, N.D.-based Alerus Financial Corp. expanded its specialty lending capabilities by adding a team focused on equipment financing for commercial clients. The Phoenix-based team serves clients directly, as well as supports Alerus commercial bankers throughout the company's footprint..Brian Scott joined Alerus as managing director of the equipment finance team. Scott has more than 25 years of financial industry experience and served most recently as managing director of equipment finance at Western Alliance in Phoenix.Daniel Littlefield brings more than 20 years of financial experience to his role as senior credit officer, specializing in equipment finance. Littlefield is responsible for the underwriting and portfolio management of Alerus' equipment finance division.Michael Ryan joined Alerus as operations manager for the equipment finance team. Ryan has more than 20 years of financial industry experience.."It's a pleasure to welcome this talented team to Alerus as we add new verticals to meet our clients' needs," said Alerus President and CEO Katie Lorenson. "Equipment finance complements our growing business and commercial banking segment. It adds opportunities to expand relationships with existing clients and provides additional offerings to attract and build long-term client relationships.".Alerus has banking and wealth offices in Grand Forks and Fargo, N.D., the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, and Phoenix and Scottsdale, Ariz. Alerus Retirement and Benefits serves advisors, brokers, employers, and plan participants across the United States.