Position: President & Chief Executive Officer
Organization: Association for Consumer Debt Relief (ACDR)
Location: Washington, DC or remote
Reporting Relationship: ACDR Board of Directors
Website: Until ACDR’s dedicated website launches, candidates are encouraged to visit the AADR (www.aa4dr.org) and CDRI (www.debtreliefadvocate.com) websites to learn more about the mission, values, and history of the associations
THE OPPORTUNITY
In early 2025 the two leading associations representing the debt resolution industry: the American Association for Debt Resolution (AADR) and the Consumer Debt Relief Initiative (CDRI) are formally merging to create the Association for Consumer Debt Relief (ACDR). This merger represents a unified effort to advocate for the debt relief industry and consumers alike. With this merger, the new organization is seeking an innovative and dynamic executive to promote the debt settlement industry through strong advocacy aimed at positively impacting and influencing public policy.
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
The Association for Consumer Debt Relief (ACDR) is dedicated to:
Among ACDR’s Organizational Goals and Objectives are the following:
1) Promote and Support Federal Rules
2) Advocate for 50-State Regulations
3) Establish and Uphold Compliance Standards
4) Foster Relationships with Creditors
5) Collaborate with State and Federal Regulators
6) Engage with Industry Associations
7) Support Research and Data Collection
8) Develop Relationships with Credit Bureaus
9) Educate and Empower Consumers
By pursuing these goals, ACDR seeks to solidify its position as the leading voice for compliant and consumer-focused debt relief companies, ensuring the long-term viability and reputation of the industry.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The CEO will be responsible for the effective leadership of the ACDR, execution of its strategic mission, goals, and objectives, and development of a strong working relationship with both the Board of Directors and the general member base. They will be the organization’s chief advocate, ambassador, and spokesperson before all external audiences including state and federal government, media, organizational partners, business partners, and the public.
In addition, the CEO will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the ACDR, including public relations, strategic planning, programming, and resource management. The successful candidate will report to and work collaboratively with the ACDR Board of Directors. The candidate will work to align resources with strategic priorities and focus the organization on achieving desired outcomes and impact.
Primary duties and responsibilities include:
Advocacy and Public Policy
Strategic Planning
Public Relations and Communications
Board Relations
Membership, Programming, and Resource Management
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS
ACDR seeks a strategic, accomplished leader who will guide the organization’s future direction and achieve significant progress towards the organization’s priority goals and objectives in support of the debt resolution industry’s growth and impact for consumers. The individual selected will passionately advocate for ACDR nationally before myriad diverse audiences including government officials, consumer organizations, members, and the media. They must be a respected, credible, and experienced leader committed to the ACDR, its members, and all the issues that impact them.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO must be a proactive, results-oriented leader with at least 10 years of proven relevant experience in state and federal government legislative, regulatory, and legal affairs, ideally with experience related to the consumer finance sector. The CEO will bring the energy and gravitas to personally lead ACDR’s advocacy on priority issues, particularly at the state level, while engaging the staff and external resources to achieve desired goals nationwide. The CEO will possess business acumen and an understanding of economic and political trends as they impact the industry and consumers we serve. Prior association leadership experience is a plus.
The ideal candidate also will possess the following background, experience, and skills:
The position can be based anywhere within the United States; however, the CEO will be expected to travel 25% to 30% of their time domestically, depending upon state legislative calendars.
EDUCATION
A Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master’s degree is highly desirable.
COMPENSATION
A competitive compensation and benefits package will be offered to attract an outstanding candidate.
KORN FERRY CONTACTS:
Lorraine Lavet
Sector Leader, National Association Practice
Phone: 703-919-6540
Lorraine.Lavet@kornferry.com
Trenholm Boggs
Principal, Global Government Affairs Practice
Phone: 202-649-2382
Trenholm.Boggs@kornferry.com
Kristi Hamilton, J.D.
Senior Associate
Phone: 703-498-7227
Kristi.Hamilton@kornferry.com
Emily Lynch
Senior Project Coordinator
Phone: 703-498-7227
Emily.Lynch@kornferry.com
C1EO