People

Executive Change: Collections Heavy Weight Joins Impact Data's Board of Directors

2009-11-20T08:50:57-07:00

Scottsdale, Arizona, Impact Data, a geo-economic modeling company, has appointed a distinguished leader to its board of directors, effective immediately. The new board appointee, John D. Rousseau, has a lengthy background in all areas of risk management. He has accumulated many professional achievements and industry recognitions throughout his esteemed career. ''John Rousseau is truly a pioneer in the field of collections and will bring a wealth of experience and value to the board,'' said Dave McLurg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Impact Data.

Mr. Rousseau received an industry lifetime achievment award in 2005 and was recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Influential People in the collections industry by Collection Advisor Magazine in 2009. Mr. Rousseau is known as a visionary leader in the debt collections and risk management arenas. With his innovative approach, he started the debt buying / debt selling market in 1987 during his tenure at Bank of America. Since then, he has bought, sold or managed over $12 billion in debt purchases. ''I have yet to meet, dispite my numerous industry contacts, John's equal in his areas of expertise,'' said Brian J. O'Hare, former Executive Vice President at Bank of America.

From 2004 to 2007 Mr. Rousseau was Executive Vice President at West Asset Management, one of the nation's top ranked accounts receivable companies. He worked for American Express as a Director from 1996 to 2001 where he was responsible for internal and external collections in 34 foreign markets. He consulted for Goldman Sachs managing a successful $22 billion dollar portfolio purchase. ''John Rousseau is known as one of the most catalytic and innovative thinkers in the credit card risk management and collection agency industries,'' said Tom Oliver, Senior Manager Operations, Hyundai Motor Finance Company. He is constantly sought after by industry leaders for his advice and insights.

Mr. Rousseau currently provides risk management consulting services for CEOs and executives. He resides in Phoenix, Arizona.

About Impact Data
Impact Data is a leading provider of geo-economic analytic solutions that increase the profitability of customer interactions. It assists industry leaders in identifying the most profitable customers, thus enhancing targeting efforts to optimize strategies and touch points throughout the customer life cycle, from early customer management through to the extending, managing and recovery of debt.

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Executive Bio: Mr. Joseph J. Vassar

2009-11-20T08:50:30-07:00

Joe has been with Sunrise Credit Services since 1989. He was promoted to Vice President in 1996. He has an extensive background in all aspects of the credit and collection process. His involvement at Sunrise does not end with the sales process but extends to the internal operation as well. He oversees all client services and new client integration. In addition, he is instrumental in the day-to-day decision-making and management of Sunrise.

Executive Bio: Mr. David P. Duryea

2009-11-20T08:50:30-07:00

David started with Sunrise Credit in 1987 as a part-time collector. He has grown with the company and is now responsible for the entire Collection Department. David has held the position of VP since 1996. Prior to that he was a Senior Collection Manager for 6 years. David is responsible for the hiring, training, and production of all collection staff and the recovery percentages attained by them.

Executive Change: ACA International Names Rozanne M. Andersen CEO

2009-11-19T07:32:28-07:00

MINNEAPOLIS – ACA International, the credit, debt collection and asset purchasing industry’s largest trade association, announced today that effective immediately, Rozanne M. Andersen will take over as its Chief Executive Officer.

“Our industry is currently facing the most important and potentially dramatic legislative and regulatory changes since the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was enacted in 1977,” said Jay E. Gonsalves, ACA International’s Immediate Past President and longest-standing member of the association’s Executive Committee. “Rozanne Andersen’s experience, connections, expertise and leadership in the legislative and government affairs arena is second to none. And we need her, right now, leading the charge on these critical issues like never before.”

Andersen replaces Gary Rippentrop, who has served as the association’s CEO since 1996.

“Gary had been planning for some time to retire in the summer of 2010,” Gonsalves said. “And the ACA International Executive Committee had already selected Rozanne Andersen as his replacement. We felt that because of the critical timing behind some key legislative and regulatory issues currently facing our industry, we needed to move forward with this transition immediately.”

For almost 15 years, Andersen has vigorously represented the best interests of ACA International and the industry, Gonsalves said.

“As ACA International’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Rozanne has developed invaluable relationships with key legislators, regulators, and policy makers,” Gonsalves said. “In addition to her 25 years of experience as an attorney and her designation as a Certified Association Executive (CAE), she has earned numerous awards and accolades for her legal work and leadership on the topics that are of critical importance to our industry. Rozanne has also earned the respect and confidence of countless individual ACA members, industry leaders, members of the media and others. We couldn’t have a better, more well respected advocate on our side.”

Andersen said she is honored to be chosen CEO and stands ready to continue her work on behalf of the membership of ACA International.

“I am truly grateful for this opportunity, ready for the challenges that lay ahead and committed to representing the best interests of our membership in all that I do and say,” she said. “I have had the joy of spending the past 15 years of my professional career at this association, and I look forward to many more serving alongside some of the best and brightest members of our industry.”

Gonsalves said Rippentrop has agreed to remain on as a Special Executive Consultant through the end of July 2010, providing the same valuable insight and vision he has supplied for nearly 15 years while ensuring a smooth transition in leadership.

“We can say without hesitation that ACA International would not be in its current position as the leading trade association for the credit and collection industry without the tireless efforts and leadership of Gary,” Gonsalves said. “Since being named ACA’s CEO in July 1996, Gary played a critical role in improving and enhancing the financial position and reputation of ACA International. Without his leadership and talents, especially in the fiscal arena, this association would not have become the thriving entity that it is today, with more than 5,000 members in more than 65 countries throughout the world. We are indebted to Gary for his efforts, and thankful he is willing to stay on as a valued resource as we accelerate this transition process. He has been a tireless advocate for our industry and a great personal friend to many of us.”

About ACA International
ACA International, the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals, is the comprehensive, knowledge–based resource for success in the credit and collection industry. Founded in 1939, ACA brings together more than 5,500 members worldwide, including third–party collection agencies, asset buyers, attorneys, creditors and vendor affiliates. The association establishes ethical standards, produces a wide variety of products, services and publications, and articulates the value of the credit and collection industry to businesses, policymakers and consumers.

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Executive Bio: Deborah Proper

2009-11-19T07:24:39-07:00

Deborah has 21 years of experience in the collection business and at Windham Professionals. She is responsible for managing the operations of the Educational and Commercial Collections Divisions.She works closely with account managers to monitor collection performance and to conduct client audits.

Deborah has a long-term interest in continuing education and in remaining on the leading edge in the collection industry. Each year she attends the DAKCS A/R Collections and System training and is an ongoing participant in the Microsoft Professional Development Training. In addition, she has attended FDCPA Collection Training and FDCPA Collector Certification and Compliance Training Programs.

Executive Bio: John (Jack) Mcguirk

2009-11-19T07:24:39-07:00

Jack has over thirty (30) years of industry experience and leads Windham's medical collections team. He began his career as a patient account manager in 1973 with the Worcester Hahnemann Hospital. In 1980 he moved to the Medical Bureau of Economics and became part owner of that organization in 1983. In 1998, Mr. McGuirk formed Highland, Cross and Associates. In 2000 Jack sold the Medical Bureau of Economics and in February of 2005, he sold Highland, Cross and Associates to Windham Professionals, Inc.

Jack is an active member in the Massachusetts Association of Patient Account Managers (MAPAM), the American Collectors Association International (ACA), and is a current member and past President of the New England Collectors Association

Executive Bio: Richard A. Doane

2009-11-19T07:24:39-07:00

Mr. Doane has over 45 years of experience in the credit and collection industry. As a credit grantor, his responsibilities included the supervision of over 1,200 offices and 6,000 personnel throughout the USA and Canada. For the last 25 years, he has been the hands-on owner/operator of Sunrise Credit Services, Inc.

Executive Bio: Diane Doane Plowman

2009-11-19T07:24:39-07:00

Diane has over 20 years of collection agency experience. Her responsibilities primarily are in the area of Sales and Marketing. She has been instrumental in the growth and quality of Sunrise Credit Services, Inc.

Executive Bio: Richard G. Doane

2009-11-19T07:24:39-07:00

Mr. Doane has over 20 years experience with Sunrise Credit Services. He has been on the Board of Directors for ACA International since 1996 and is a past president of the New York State Collectors Association. Mr. Doane is a nationally recognized trainer for the collection industry and speaks often at trade association meetings. He is responsible for all aspects of the company.

Executive Bio: Edward M. Sheehan, Jr.

2009-11-18T07:45:54-07:00

Ed Sheehan founded Windham Professionals in 1982. He lead Windham as President from 1982 to 2006. With more than 25 years in the collection industry, Ed has a wealth of experience and a commitment to remaining on the cutting edge of collection policy. While a director of the New England Collector's Association, Ed was instrumental in effecting legislation and policies designed to regulate and govern collection procedures in New England. Ed has also been actively involved in:

• Coalition of Higher Education Assistance Organizations (COHEAO)
• National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO)
• National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)
• National Council of Higher Education Loan programs (NCHELP)

Executive Bio: Erin W. S. Zaldastani

2009-11-18T07:45:54-07:00

In early 2006, Erin Zaldastani was appointed successor to Windham's Founder and former President, Edward M. Sheehan, Jr. Now, as President and CEO, Erin oversees the development and growth of our company. She sets Windham's corporate strategy and vision, creates an inviting corporate culture, and continues to build a strong leadership team.

Erin has been with Windham for more than 14 years. She held the position of Business Manager from 1992 to 1996, General Counsel from 1997 to 2002, and Executive Vice President from 2002 to 2006. Erin continues to play an active role in supporting guarantor relations.

Ms. Zaldastani is a Friend of NCHELP's Debt Management Committee and has been regularly attending the Debt Management Committee meetings since 1997.

Erin graduated from Union College in Schenectady, New York with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. She obtained her Juris Doctorate from Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord, New Hampshire. Erin has been admitted to both the New Hampshire and Massachusetts Bar and to the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts and of New Hampshire.