The VGM Group, Waterloo, Iowa, has named James L. Phillips as its new chief operating officer (COO). Phillips will assume the new position at the end of this month and report directly to CEO Van G. Miller. “Jim Phillips is well known to VGM,” said Miller. “He started our leasing company in 1991, and I have great confidence in his ability to work well with all VGM divisions, and I and the other 400-plus VGM Associates look forward to his assuming his new role.”

The 54-year-old Phillips started work for VGM Leasing Inc, and successfully grew the leasing company until it was acquired by TCF, a large Minnesota-based banking and finance company. The TCF-owned medical equipment finance operations are still based at VGM headquarters and will remain there. “I am very honored to be offered this opportunity to work with the entire company,” said Phillips. “Van’s vision excited me 16 years ago and I want to continue to grow the entire VGM organization.”