IAPDA Connect: Advancing Unity In Debt Relief & Collections
Oct 29 - 30, 2025 • Pasea Hotel & Spa
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Join Us for Our 2nd Annual Conference!!!
*IAPDA CONNECT 2025 - Advancing Unity in Debt Relief
& Collections*
Mark your calendar for October 29–30, 2025, and meet us at the stunning Pasea Hotel & Spa, 21080 Pacific Coast Hwy,
Huntington Beach, CA 92648 for IAPDA
CONNECT 2025.
This isn’t just another industry event—it’s a
movement toward true collaboration between debt relief and collections
professionals. Set against the backdrop of beautiful Huntington Beach, IAPDA CONNECT 2025 is where transparent
dialogue, smarter strategies, and fresh perspectives come together—with a
refreshing ocean breeze.
Through engaging educational sessions and ample
networking opportunities, as an attendee you will have the chance to gain
cutting-edge insights into industry advancements. Join us and strengthen your professional network,
elevating your expertise in an environment designed for growth.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or new
to the space, IAPDA CONNECT 2025 offers an ideal setting to collaborate,
innovate, and build lasting partnerships.
Don’t
miss this opportunity to be part of a more unified future for debt relief and
collections. We’ll see you in Huntington Beach!
IAPDA is proud to present a powerful lineup of esteemed speakers and industry leaders. This year, we're advancing unity across the debt relief and collections landscape by welcoming voices from both sectors—including respected professionals from the collections industry. These influential figures will address a broad range of critical topics, from compliance and regulatory requirements to the evolving future of debt resolution. Stay tuned for more details and updates as the event approaches!
Felix Shipkevich
Felix Shipkevich is the founder and principal of Shipkevich PLLC, a New York City-based law firm specializing in regulatory and transactional services within the global financial services sector. His practice focuses on providing counsel to debt relief and debt settlement companies and law firms, FinTech and financial services firms, including areas such as financial technology, payments, and emerging digital currencies.
In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Shipkevich serves as a Special Professor of Law at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, where he teaches courses related to cryptocurrency and financial regulation.
Prior to founding Shipkevich PLLC in 2011, he was the General Counsel of a foreign exchange and commodities Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) registered with the CFTC. In this capacity, Felix oversaw the firm’s offices located in New York, Bermuda, Saint Petersburg, Tokyo, and Shanghai.
He recently published a textbook, Digital Coins & Cryptocurrencies, Law & Regulation: Cases & Problems (2024).
He holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from SUNY Binghamton and a J.D. from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University.
Sam Matthews
Sam is responsible for contact, strategy, vendor management and analytics for Loan Resolutions at TDECU, Sam joined TDECU in 2017. Prior to TDECU Sam worked for both Debt buyers, servicers and originators in functions ranging from Agent, Operations Manager, AVP, and Site Director.
He is a member of the RMAI Certification Council. Sam served Honorably in the US Army, and to give back he participates with veteran groups in the Greater Houston Area.
He enjoys anything that is puzzle related, spending quality time with family, and he believes a bad day fishing is still a good day.
David Hanrahan
Dave Hanrahan leads Kredit (www.trykredit.com), which develops software tools that help everyday people navigate financial hardship and communicate effectively with financial services firms when in distress, independently or while being coached by financial advisors. Before founding Kredit in 2020, Dave advised global founder-owned and VC/PE-backed technology companies on equity and debt capital raises, M&A pipeline identification and engagement, and business sales to financial sponsors and strategic acquirers.
Susan Richards
Susan Richards is a pioneering force in the Collection and
Debt Buying Industry with over 36 years of experience.
Starting as a collector at Allied Bond and Collection Agency
in 1989, she quickly ascended to leadership roles through
her exceptional performance and innovative approach. At
NCB Management Services, she drove a 75% increase in
client base and generated $64 million in additional sales
before advancing to Chief Operating Officer.
As COO, Susan led a team of 500+ professionals and set
industry records, including surpassing $150 million in
collections for contingency and purchase accounts—a
benchmark that stands unbroken today. Known for her
integrity and results-driven leadership, she has expertise in
strategic planning, investment procedures, compliance, and
operational excellence.
In 2020, Susan ventured into entrepreneurship, lending her
expertise to various startups in the financial sector. Building
on this success, she launched her own consultancy in 2022,
where she partners with collection agencies, debt buyers,
regional banks, and credit unions. As an operations and
business development expert, she specializes in rebuilding
companies, optimizing accounts receivable processes, and
implementing strategic operational goals.
Throughout her career, Susan has balanced professional
achievement with family dedication, raising three children
including a son with special needs. Her comprehensive
industry knowledge, proven track record, and hands-on
approach continue to drive transformative results for
organizations seeking operational excellence and
sustainable growth.
Wade Torkelson
Wade Torkelson is the Co-Founder of Reliant Payments. He is a visionary entrepreneur who, over the past twenty-five years, has founded numerous companies in the financial services industry.
Prior to founding Reliant, Wade was a founding member of JH Portfolio from 2009 to 2013, which quickly became one of the largest purchasers of charged-off credit card debt portfolios in the U.S. He also founded Persolvo Data Systems from 2006 to 2013, a SaaS-based automated settlement and radar platform that aggregated and settled over $6 billion in consumer debt.
His latest venture, Colexit Law, has developed innovative “Legal Fintech” products and services tailored for the consumer financial services sector. With Colexit, Wade continues to lead at the intersection of law and technology—delivering smarter, more accessible solutions for consumers navigating financial challenges.
Timothy C. Hernandez
Timothy C. Hernandez is the founder and visionary CEO of Debt Settlement Info-Bank (DSI), a leading data intelligence and compliance hub headquartered in Houston, Texas. Under his leadership, DSI has become the industry’s go-to aggregator for debt settlement information, renowned for upholding the highest standards in data security, privacy, and regulatory compliance.
With over 36 years of experience in financial services, Timothy's deep-rooted expertise spans the entire debt lifecycle—from issuer operations to recovery, collections, and legal enforcement. Launching his career at just 17 years old, he quickly rose through the ranks, contributing to large-scale collection efforts across the U.S. and partnering with international call centers, attorney networks, and financial institutions to drive operational excellence.
A native of New York City’s Lower East Side, Timothy now resides in Houston, where he enjoys quality time with his family and friends. Outside of the boardroom, he is a passionate advocate for philanthropy, with a focus on empowering underserved youth and supporting charitable causes that create lasting community impact.
Timothy’s success is grounded in a simple yet powerful mantra:
"Relationships before business". This core belief has guided his journey, built trust across industries, and laid the foundation for sustainable growth and meaningful partnerships.
Teresa Dodson
Teresa Dodson possesses over three decades of executive management experience, with the past 20 years dedicated to the financial services sector. Her expertise encompasses various areas, including marketing, sales, operations management, industry compliance, software development, and the creation of new business opportunities aimed at fostering growth and scalability for existing enterprises.
Currently, she is the Founder of Greenbacks Consulting, which has been offering consulting services to debt settlement companies, collection agencies, debt buyers, technology developers, investors, and private equity firms since 2008. Additionally, she has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Association for Consumer Debt Relief (ACDR/AADR/AFCC) for more than 17 years, focusing on education and collaboration between both sides of the industry since 2003. Throughout her career, she has held the position of COO at two prominent debt settlement firms and has successfully established two additional companies from inception.
Most recently, she launched a non-profit organization named Women of Debt Relief. This association aims to unite women in the financial services industry, providing them with opportunities for personal and professional growth through leadership, education, networking, support, and recognition.
Teresa's achievements are rooted in her commitment to assisting
businesses in reaching their growth objectives, showcasing her ability to integrate visionary thinking, strategic innovation, and tactical operational skills to deliver substantial financial results and strengthen overall performance.
Owen Compton
Residing in middle TN, Owen graduated from Lipscomb University with a degree in Business Administration. Mr. Compton later graduated with honors from Nashville School of Law in 2014.
Owen was the recipient of the Clarence Suiter Scholarship in 2012, The Faculty Scholarship in 2013, and the Paul Holbrook Memorial Scholarship in 2014.
Currently he is a member of the National Creditors Bar, American Creditors Association, Receivables Management Association International, the Tennessee Bar Association, and serves as a volunteer peer monitor for the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program.
After a decade working as an Associate and Partner at the Cook Law Office, he became sole owner and President in 2025. From their headquarters outside of Nashville TN, The Cook Law Office and its network of attorneys handle collection matters across 11 states in the southern and midwest portion of the country. They handle both first and third party debt with a concentration on consumer debt.
In his free time, Owen loves to spend time with his family, play golf, and he is passionate about working with alcoholics and addicts through various recovery organizations.
Roger Knauf
Roger Knauf’s remarkable career in the consumer receivables industry spans over four decades, marked by his outstanding achievements and the establishment of multiple successful asset recovery companies.
In 1979, Roger embarked on his journey in the industry, laying the foundation for a career defined by excellence and innovation. A testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, Roger co-founded Fourscore Resource Capital, LLC in 1996, which quickly emerged as one of the nation’s leading debt purchasers.
Under his visionary leadership, Fourscore Resource Capital achieved remarkable success, becoming a prominent player in the industry.
From 1996 to 2005, Roger spearheaded the acquisition and management of over $12 Billion in consumer receivables, solidifying his reputation as a trusted expert in the field.
From 1980 to 1998, Roger actively participated in the American Collectors Association, demonstrating his commitment to the industry’s growth and development. His dedication extended to serving on the Board of Directors for both the Wisconsin and Minnesota Collectors Association, where he played a vital role in shaping the industry’s best practices.
As one of the charter members of the Debt Buyers’ Association (now known as Receivables Management Association International), Roger’s visionary leadership helped establish a unified platform for debt buyers. He subsequently served as the DBA’s Executive Director, driving impactful initiatives, and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders.
Currently, Roger holds the majority ownership of Full Circle Financial, a testament to his deep understanding of the financial landscape and his ability to navigate complex market dynamics. As a managing partner at Axiom Acquisition Ventures, he leverages his extensive industry knowledge and strategic insights to drive the company’s success.
Roger’s proven track record as an industry leader, combined with his commitment to excellence and innovation, has positioned him as a trusted partner and advisor.
Are you seeking to enhance your brand's visibility and establish your company as a frontrunner in the debt settlement industry? We offer a range of packages tailored to fit your budget and marketing objectives. Click here for a detailed overview of our packages. For assistance in selecting the most suitable option, please reach out to Renauld Smith at admin@iapda.org.
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