Monroe Credit Advisors, a middle market debt advisory firm, has opened a Boston office, and is adding two directors to its Chicago-based staff.

The opening of the Boston office expands the firm beyond its Chicago headquarters, where it has operated since mid-2009 behind the leadership of Managing Directors Mark Gertzof and Christopher Gentry. The Boston office is headed by Linda Crothers and Katherine Brand, who together bring more than 40 years of combined banking experience, according to a statement.

"We are excited to add great talent to our team like Linda and Katherine," said Gertzof. "In addition to expanding our coverage, they enhance the quality of service we provide our clients, which is to help them find optimal credit solutions in a challenging market."

Crothers has been in the banking and the leasing industry for more than 25 years, including senior positions at Bank of America and legacy firms Bank Boston and Fleet Bank. Until August 2009 she was president of a bank subsidiary, Bank of America Public Capital Corp.

Brand has more than 16 years of corporate and banking experience, including 12 years at Bank of America and legacy firms. Most recently, she was a senior vice president in the Specialized Finance Group covering transportation accounts.

In addition to the new Boston staff, the firm also hired Brent Krambeck and Michael Meyer to its Chicago office, according to a statement.