WATERLOO - VGM Group Inc. has appointed James L. Phillips chief operating officer, effective Aug 29. He will report to Chief Executive Officer Van G. Miller.

"Jim Phillips is well known to VGM. 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," said Miller.

Phillips, 54, started work for VGM Leasing Inc. He 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 here.

"I am very honored to be offered this opportunity to work with the entire company. Van's vision excited me 16 years ago, and I want to continue to grow the entire VGM organization."

Prior to VGM, Jim Phillips worked at Chase Manhattan Leasing and Lease America Corp.

He graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing from Loras College, Dubuque.