Equitable Bank announced Michelle Cole, former SVP of commercial finance at GE Capital, was appointed to VP of Commercial Lending; and Ron Tratch, VP of commercial credit and former SVP at GE Capital Canada, will succeed Bill Edmunds as chief risk officer. Edmunds will remain active in his role as chief risk officer as well as assisting in the transition of duties until his planned retirement at year end.

Tratch has been in his current role since 2011, managing all the aspects of commercial credit within the bank. He spearheaded the overall plan to focus on the retention of quality commercial assets by aligning the portfolio management and underwriting groups. Prior to joining the bank, Tratch served as SVP at GE Capital Canada and was a partner in a private equity firm. Throughout his 20 year career, Tratch has focused on operations and business development in various areas including real estate, corporate and project finance, as well as leveraged acquisitions, proactive risk management and financial restructuring. He is a CPA and certified management accountant.

As VP of commercial lending, Cole will be responsible for overseeing credit, portfolio management and origination for the bank’s commercial lending operation. Cole has a strong background in commercial credit having previously served as SVP, Commercial Finance at GE Capital. While at GE Capital, Michelle spent 14 years in several progressive management roles with oversight of, or responsibility for sales management, operations, underwriting and collections.