Jim Possehl founded Republic Financial Corporation in 1971. He has recently shifted his management role from full-time CEO to a part-time strategic advisory position for the company. He continues to be actively involved in the day-to-day management of the company and is chairman of the board

Republic is a privately held company with investment interests in a diverse pool of operating companies and assets, specializing in aviation, equipment leasing portfolios, private equity, structured finance transactions and distressed commercial debt. Since its founding, the company has grown from a small ticket leasing company with annual sales of less than $100,000 to a company that has invested in assets valued at over $1 billion.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Possehl has been recognized for his strong business foresight and expertise. In 2000, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the United Association of Equipment Leasing, and in 2005 he was recognized as Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year for the Rocky Mountain Region. In addition to acting as chairman of Republic’s board, he is very involved in the community and has served as past chairman of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association as well as past president of the United Association of Equipment Leasing.

Under Mr. Possehl’s leadership, Republic recently was recognized for its growth and success. For the past two years, The Denver Business Journal and ColoradoBiz listed the company as one of the Largest Privately Held Companies in Denver and as one of the Fastest Growing Denver Area Large Privately Held Companies. In 2007, Republic was awarded the Ethics in Business Award by the Colorado Ethics in Business Association for conducting its business with honesty and integrity.

Mr. Possehl is extensively involved with several charities including Caring Ambassadors, Sewall Child Development Center and the Karen Possehl Scholarship Fund. He has served as president of several non-profit organizations including Rotary Club, Arapahoe Youth League, Titans Team and is a managing trustee of the Green and White Rugby Trust which supports the Denver Barbarians Rugby Club.

Originally from Seattle, Washington, Mr. Possehl and his wife, Karen, moved to Denver in 1970. They now divide their time between homes in Denver, Colorado and Scottsdale, Arizona.