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!
Our conference agenda is packed with informative sessions, engaging workshops, and networking opportunities. Stay tuned for more information and updates as we approach the event!
Wednesday, October 29, 2025• Surge in FCRA and TCPA Litigation - Explore the notable uptick in lawsuits under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), and what this trend means for compliance and risk management.
• Scrutiny of Attorney Model Practices in Debt Settlement - Gain insight into the growing regulatory and legal challenges facing attorney-based models in the debt relief industry, including recent investigations and litigation developments.
• Evolving Regulatory Landscape: Shift from Federal to State Enforcement - Understand the increasing role of state regulators as federal agencies step back, and what this decentralization means for organizations navigating complex compliance frameworks.
Addressing the historical divide and creating a shared roadmap for cooperation and consumer-first solutions. Industry leaders will explore the root causes of this disconnect. The discussion will focus on actionable strategies to foster collaboration and create a unified, consumer-first approach to financial recovery.
Susan Richards, CredTech Consulting LLC
Brook Teal, Global Compliance
Discover how API integrations, dashboards, and portals are transforming recovery operations. This session showcases real-time connections between collection systems and resolution CRMs, highlighting tools like bulk settlements, account scrubbing, and automated data matching to eliminate redundancies and scale resolutions efficiently.
Timothy Hernandez, DSI
Sam Razo, Top Line Collectors
Matt Saperstein, Phillips & Cohen Associates LTD
As credit unions strive to uphold member-centric values while managing delinquency and charge-offs, collaboration with debt resolution providers has become increasingly important. This session will explore innovative communication that fosters transparency, trust, and efficiency between credit unions and debt resolution partners.
This dynamic session brings together experienced attorneys representing both the credit & collections and debt settlement sectors for an open, solutions-focused dialogue. Speakers will examine the most pressing legal and regulatory compliance challenges impacting each side. Panelists will offer practical strategies for improving communication, reducing litigation risk, and fostering ethical collaboration between the two sectors.
Owen Compton, The Cook Law Firm
A deep dive into the history, policies, and psychological impact of federal student debt—and how we can work together to break the cycle.
This session will provide attendees with valuable insights and practical solutions to address common challenges between debt settlement companies, creditors, collection agencies, and debt buyers. Speakers will explore how to achieve more settlements, negotiating more favorable terms for consumers, better retention rates for debt settlement programs with fewer bankruptcies.
Additional panel speakers to be announced
This session will examine how disconnected workflows between credit, collections, and debt resolution providers lead to inefficiencies, missed recovery opportunities, and consumer attrition. Speakers will highlight the critical importance of post-resolution engagement for rebuilding consumer trust. Exploring what's possible when these industries stop operating in parallel and start building shared recovery journeys with shared data, connected tools, and coordinated intent.
Clint Gausnell, Array
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.
Sam Razo
Sam Razo is the Director of Vendor Strategy at Top Line Collectors. He brings over two decades of experience in the financial services and receivables management industry. He began his career in frontline collections and, early on, identified a gap between traditional recovery methods and emerging debt settlement strategies. This innovative approach carved out a new niche and laid the foundation for his role as the first employee at Glass
Mountain Capital, where he was instrumental in scaling the company’s operations.
Sam’s approach centers on delivering meaningful recovery outcomes and protecting the brand integrity of the capital partners he represents, while cultivating the trust and resolution pathways that benefit everyone involved. He is committed to shaping forward-looking solutions, rooted in the belief that transformative systems reach further, serve better, and scale globally.
Matt Saperstein
Matt Saperstein is the Chief Revenue Officer of Phillips & Cohen Associates, a global leader in compassionate and specialized collections, and the Chief Operating Officer of Invenio Financial, its debt purchasing subsidiary. With over 20 years of experience in the collections industry, Matt has led revenue strategy and market development initiatives that support consumer-centric recovery, including complex portfolios within the debt settlement space.
He has worked closely with debt settlement providers to develop collaborative, technology-enabled solutions that streamline resolution and maximize recovery.
Brook Teal
Brooke Teal is the Senior Vice President of Global Compliance and General Counsel at Phillips & Cohen Associates, Ltd (PCA). With a career spanning private practice, litigation, compliance, and corporate leadership in the collections industry,
Brooke brings a deep understanding of operational efficiency, regulatory strategy, and consumer-focused compliance. She has held key roles at leading organizations across the receivables management industry, including Encore Capital Group, Jefferson Capital Systems, Lloyd & McDaniel, and EverChain.
Brooke is committed to building resilient, scalable legal frameworks that align with business goals and global regulatory demands. Known for her collaborative leadership, she also serves as co-chair of PCA’s global women’s initiative, EmpowHer, and is a board member of Women of Debt Relief. She is a passionate advocate for mentorship and advancing inclusion within the industry.
Stephanie Heaton
Stephanie Heaton is a dedicated Business Owner at Student Loan Resource Group, an advocate for individuals burdened by federal student loan debt. A borrower herself, she has firsthand experience with the challenges that come with student loans and credit repair. Over the past 11 years, she has made it her mission to help others achieve the same financial relief she was able to secure for herself.
Stephanie’s commitment to empowering borrowers is backed by her proven track record. She has maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and Google Business for more than six years, reflecting her consistent dedication to transparency, trust, and results.
With deep personal insight and professional expertise, Stephanie is fully committed to helping every borrower.
Clint Gausnell
Clint Gausnell serves as Vice President of Sales and Partnerships at Array, where he leads the business development and revenue teams. In this role, he partners with financial services organizations to deliver solutions that empower consumers to improve their financial health. He has spent the last 4 years in this role and has been focused on Array's customers, partners and advisors in the Debt and Credit Services industry.
Clint works closely with clients and partners to align strategic objectives with Array’s platform capabilities, ensuring clear, measurable outcomes. His approach emphasizes long-term value, operational alignment, and scalable growth through trusted partnerships.
With a background in commercial leadership at high-growth technology firms, Clinton brings a disciplined, outcome-focused mindset to every engagement.
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