Executive Team
Chris Ivory
President and Owner
Chief Calculation Programmer
After working for several years programming mainframe lease structuring systems for companies in the U.S. and Australia, Chris founded Ivory in 1983 with the idea of building lease analysis software on PCs. His programming skills and knowledge of leasing resulted in the software application known in the equipment finance industry as “SuperTRUMP”.
Chris holds the unique title of “Chief Calculation Programmer” since he is on point to ensure all calculations used within SuperTRUMP are correct and verifiable. As a result his days are spent deep within the software code making sure SuperTRUMP generic and custom versions give the right numbers every time. Chris is a member of the Ivory management team. When he takes a breather from programming, he is always open for a quick ten-minute chess match using the chess set right outside of his office door.
Chris holds a BS in Mathematics from Brigham Young University and an MBA from the University of Rhode Island.
Steve Hays-Lohrey
Vice-President and Owner
Chief Software Architect
Steve joined Ivory in 1985 as a programmer and was largely responsible for writing the first version of SuperTRUMP, the successor to the original application developed by Chris. In 1990 Steve was offered, and accepted, an ownership position within Ivory.
As Chief Software Architect, Steve focuses on developing specifications for enhancements to generic SuperTRUMP, and the design and management of custom programming and integration projects. He enjoys undertaking his share of programming assignments. Steve also spends a lot of his time on conference calls and is a member of the Ivory management team.
Steve earned his BA in Philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley.
Mark Hays
Chief Executive Officer
Mark started at Ivory in April, 2006, after 25 years in the utility and energy business - over 17 years with Pacific Gas and Electric Company and eight with several Duke Energy businesses.
With his experience developing strong operations founded on employee input and fortified by sound business strategies, Mark’s focus is on taking care of client needs and expectations by supporting all team members in their professional lives. His servant-leader approach helps our employees fulfill Ivory’s mission of being the premier provider of pricing intelligence software and services. Mark leads Ivory's five-person management team.
Mark earned his BA in Biological Sciences from San Jose State University and his MS in Systems Management from the University of Southern California.
Scott Thacker
Chief Operating Officer
Scott brings more than 25 years of executive experience in strategy, product development, sales, marketing, finance and accounting to his position as Ivory’s chief operating officer. He plays a pivotal role in Ivory’s strategy, marketing, product roadmap, partner program, training and operations, including the launch of the company into web computing.
Prior to joining Ivory in 2010, Thacker was a partner in Accenture’s asset finance management consulting practice. Before that, he co-led the creation and market adoption of Oracle Lease & Finance Management.
As an active participant in industry affairs, Scott currently sits on the Accounting Committee of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association and on the Research Committee of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Foundation, and previously chaired the Operations and Technology Committee of the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association. Scott has a M.B.A. in Finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a B.S. in Accounting from Wake Forest University. He is a former Certified Public Accountant.
