Finance & Commerce’s Top Women in Finance 2025 Profiles
As published in Finance & Commerce
November 14, 2025
I always feel honored to work on our Top Women in Finance awards. The women, past and present, who have received this recognition have done so by being exceptional leaders both in their workplaces and communities. Learning about their commitment to bettering the industry and the next generation of women is inspiring, especially as we head into the holiday giving season.
The women you will read about in these pages have broken barriers, challenged conventions, and proven that diverse perspectives strengthen the industry. From accomplished attorneys to visionary C-suite executives and rising stars, what unites these honorees is not simply their impressive career achievements, but their dedication to lifting others as they climb.
These women are mentors who share their wisdom with the next generation, opening doors that were once closed and creating pathways for young professionals to follow. And their commitment extends beyond corporate walls through meaningful community service, demonstrating that true leadership means giving back.
We celebrate these remarkable women not only for what they have achieved, but for the lasting impact they continue to make on the industry and within their communities.
This year we welcome Lynnette Slater Crandall of P3 Legal & Strategy Advisors LLC. This is both Lynnette’s third time being named a Top Women in Finance honoree. She joins the 10 existing Hall of Fame honorees: Denise Doll-Kiefer (2014); Jill Johnson and Sharon Olson (2016); Laurie Nordquist and Kim Brown (2018); Kelly Elkin and Lauri Salverda (2022); Kristin Brandli Printon (2023); and Heidi Hukriede and Carol Schleif (2024).
We also get to celebrate four new women being inducted into the Circle of Excellence: Lesley Farmer, Laura Helmueller, Martha Pomerantz and Katie Walquist. These women have been honored twice now and for good reason.
The purpose of this publication is to celebrate women in finance who have become exceptional leaders in their field. Rising to the top and paving an easier way for the next generation of women is what keeps these honorees motivated.
The women profiled in this magazine were honored at a networking and awards event on Thursday, Nov. 13, at Quincy Hall, in Minneapolis.
Congratulations to all of the honorees!
– Kendra Beneke, Special Sections Editor
Rochelle Hilson’s profile is featured below.
To view all of the profiles, please visit: https://finance-commerce.com/2025/11/finance-commerces-top-women-in-finance-2025-profiles/
Top Women in Finance 2025: Rochelle Hilson
SLR Business Credit
Rochelle Hilson is senior vice president and chief operating officer of the IBF division for SLR Business Credit, a role she has held since joining PrinSource in 1996 and continuing after its acquisition by North Mill Capital. She has been active in the development of the company’s credit and underwriting policies and its financial infrastructure.
Hilson earned a bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting from the Carlson School of Management and began her career with a regional finance company in an accounting role. When the company’s board elected to wind down the business due to challenging loans in the portfolio, she assisted in the recovery and repayment of the senior line of credit and contributed to significant recoveries resulting in repayment to investors. Following that experience, she completed a stint at a regional CPA firm working in audit and tax, where she passed the CPA exam.
She joined her current organization in an entry-level position and quickly took on various roles in finance, credit and operations, managing multiple processes, teams and clients. One significant achievement involved identifying fraud in the portfolio when a client had been keeping a second set of books. She worked to maximize recovery on the assets by collecting open receivables, liquidating inventory in an auction and pursuing guarantors. She worked closely with the legal team on reviewing files, evidence and depositions, including her own, and participated in court proceedings to significantly reduce the unrecovered balance.
When the owners elected to sell the company, Hilson played a key role in the transition to new ownership, navigating the process and ensuring her team and the portfolio of clients would stay in place. She continues to work with the senior team on evaluating potential acquisitions and new business and has assisted with several successful acquisitions.
She has participated in Secured Finance Network’s factoring committee for several years and served on the board of directors for the Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota, including two terms as treasurer.
Click on link to print or download artice 2025 Finance & Commerce Top Women in Finance Awards
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