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We are thrilled to announce the IAPDA 2024 Debt Relief Forum, organized by the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). This premier event will take place on November 14th and 15th, 2024, at the beautiful Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (620 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301).
Over the course of two days, industry leaders, debt relief professionals, and financial experts will come together for a series of insightful discussions, engaging panels, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Attendees will explore the latest trends, tools, and techniques shaping the future of debt relief, from regulatory updates to emerging technologies.
This forum is designed to empower professionals in the debt relief field, whether you're an experienced arbitrator or new to the industry. It provides a platform to share best practices, develop new strategies for business success, and connect with like-minded peers.
In addition to educational sessions, the event offers plenty of time to foster new partnerships and strengthen your professional network in an environment that fosters collaboration and growth. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your expertise, stay informed on industry advancements, and take your career to the next level.
Join us at the IAPDA 2024 Debt Relief Forum for an opportunity to gain new insights and be a part of the community shaping the future of debt relief.
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
Brooke Teal, Phillips & Cohen Associates
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
DSI, Reliant
Array, Colexit Law
Full Circle Financial Services
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 Office
Brooke Teal, Phillips & Cohen Associates
This panel will address the current challenges present in today’s market across various lead sources, including web, social, live transfers, and direct mail. We will offer strategies to help you assess lead quality, enhance conversion rates, and identify optimal methods for monetization to maximize your return on investment. Additionally, the panel will explore future industry trends and key factors to consider as we look ahead.
Adam Robles, Consumer Shield
Timothy Li, LendAPI
Cyrus Pan, Fast Data
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.
Janneen Jackson, Alleviate Financial Solutions
Sarah O'Reilly, Cordoba Legal Group
This session examines how post-graduation tools can help consumers sustain financial health and credit growth after completing a debt settlement program. Topics include credit monitoring, structured credit-building products and personalized coaching designed to prevent relapse into debt. Speakers will highlight budgeting, student loan support and identity protection solutions that reinforce lasting financial stability.
Clint Gausnell, Array
Teresa Dodson, Greenbacks Consulting/Women of Debt Relief
Jeff Lohman, Colexit Law
This recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the debt settlement industry. These individuals have supported change, innovation, growth, education, and have facilitated collaboration within various sectors of the industry.
Forth, Clarity
CFTPay, Alleviate
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, where he advises a wide range of high-profile clients in the financial services industry on legal issues related to financial services, digital assets, blockchain, payments, and emerging digital currencies. His extensive experience includes working with financial institutions, payment processors, money transmitters, and payment systems, representing clients in regulatory and enforcement matters before agencies such as the SEC, CFTC, FINRA, NFA, FTC, DOJ, CFPB, and state regulators across the United States.
In addition to his practice, Felix serves as a Special Professor of Law at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law, his alma mater, where he teaches popular courses on cryptocurrency business and policy as well as corporate finance law. A prolific writer and speaker, he frequently addresses key topics in the financial services sector and has participated in conferences across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. His most recent publication, Digital Coins and Cryptocurrencies Law & Regulation: Cases, Materials & Problems (2023), is a comprehensive textbook on the legal landscape of digital currencies.
Shawn Tarrant
Shawn Tarrant served for 8 years in the Maryland General Assembly passing over 30 bills during his tenure. He is most proud of his legislation that protects student privacy by banning University coaches, faculty and administrators from asking students for their private user names and passwords. This legislation has become the policy for University of Maryland Systems.
In addition to his work in Annapolis, Mr. Tarrant worked for the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company for 17 years in Sales and Government Affairs. He is currently employed by Otsuka America Pharmaceuticals Inc. as a Health Science Specialist.
He graduated from Norfolk State University (NSU) with a B.S. in Finance/Marketing. Mr. Tarrant was initiated into the Epsilon Zeta Chapter (NSU) of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. He is a life member of NSU National Alumni Association and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. He is the current College Advisor for the Eta Omega chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi at Old Dominion 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.
Matthew Ribe
General Counsel at nationwide non-profit organization with a demonstrated history of working on financial education, consumer financial services, and consumer protection law. Co-Chair of the Coalition of HUD Intermediaries, an alliance of non-profit housing counseling organizations.
Subject matter expert in Corporate Governance, Consumer Financial Protection law, including Mortgage Origination, Foreclosure Prevention, Unsecured Credit, Student Loans, and more. Advocate for individualized counseling and education for consumers at the state and federal levels. Extensive interactions with federal regulatory agencies including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Treasury, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Department of Education, and others.
Have appeared in multiple media outlets, including NBC News Tonight with Lester Holt, the New York Times, US News & World Report, Bankrate.com, and more.
Additional expertise in Environmental Law, Energy Law, Legislative Relations, Legal Writing, and Intellectual Property. Strong community and social services professional with a Juris Doctor from American University, Washington College of Law. Bachelor’s Degree from Amherst College. Amateur photography enthusiast.
Beth Kaspar
Beth Kaspar has served as a Financial Credit Examiner with the Consumer Credit Unit at the Colorado Department of Law since 2016. In this role, she focuses on examining credit counseling, debt settlement, and credit repair agencies, as well as overseeing all licensing duties and complaints management for these programs. Prior to joining the Office of Attorney General, Beth spent 15 years working in Denver’s non-profit community. Beth grew up in the Midwest, moved to Denver to attend graduate school, and decided to stay after falling in love with the mountain climate. Practicing yoga and hiking with her family and rescue dogs are her favorite activities outside of working hours.
Nick Brechun
Nick Brechun in the compliance supervisor for the Consumer Credit Unit at the Colorado Dept. of Law, Office of Attorney General. Nick has served in this role since 2017 overseeing the unit’s licensing and regulatory functions of debt collectors and debt management companies. Prior to that he served 14 years with the Colorado Dept. of Agriculture serving various roles, such as leading the pesticide enforcement program, and administering the states weights and measures statutes as well as serving as the laboratory manager for the states large and small mass metrology laboratories. Prior to his state service, Nick spent four years as a research scientist at the University of Colorado Webb-Waring Institute for Antioxidant Research. Nick is originally from Maryland, but spent most of his life in Colorado.
Mohit Sofat
At Priority Technology Holdings, Inc., leadership in operations and customer relations is the cornerstone of my role as VP Operations & GM. With a focus on optimizing performance and fostering a cohesive work environment, our team has successfully navigated complex projects, such as enhancing the supply chain and service delivery. The commitment to financial planning and budget management has been instrumental in driving the product roadmap, ensuring alignment with market needs and customer feedback.
My tenure at Priority Technology has been marked by cultivating productive relationships with channel partners and vendors, resulting in the enhancement of the business unit's portfolio and revenue. The implementation of new standards and audit processes for the AADR as an executive board member further exemplifies my dedication to excellence and innovation in the financial technology sector, striving to create seamless, customer-centric banking experiences.
Bryce McNitt
CFPB’s Office of Markets leads the market monitoring function within the Bureau, constantly engaging with industry, and evaluating data to inform Bureau policymakers on market realities, developments, and insights. As Chief of Staff, Bryce leads market monitoring priority setting, and is lead for market monitoring in debt relief and credit repair.
Adam Parks
Adam Parks has become a voice for the receivables management industry. With almost 20 years working in debt portfolio purchasing, debt sales, consulting, and the development of technology systems, Adam now produces industry news hosting hundreds of Receivables Roundtable podcasts and manages branding, websites, and marketing for over 100 companies within the industry.
Adam has held various positions within the industry, including President of Receivables Management Association International (RMAI), Co-Founder of Stirling Capital Management, Co-Founder of ComplyARM, CEO & Founder of Receivables Info, and CEO & Founder of Branding Arc, which have given him a broad set of experiences and deep relationships across the industry.
Outside of his professional life, Adam is an avid scuba diver, active with military special forces charities, and enjoys traveling the world.
Juan Cahue
Juan Cahue is the Chief Operating Officer of Set Forth, Inc. (Forth) and has been with the company since its inception 15 years ago. He is responsible for driving the company’s client-centric model and with actualizing Forth’s vision of better service for its business partners and consumers by combining the principal strengths of Forth's CRM and Payment services.
Prior to joining Forth, for 8 years he was the Chief Operating Officer for a boutique real estate firm in Chicago with his primary focus in commercial finance. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start a small business at a young age and that experience instilled in him a passion for creating efficiency and driving results in business.
Sara Paquette
Sara Paquette is one of the driving forces behind Reliant. Her exceptional organizational flair and conflict management skills have established her as one of the leading professionals in the industry. Growing the company throughout the years, she has made Reliant, aka RAM Payment LLC, one of the largest third-party payment processors in the country. Today, as Executive Vice President of Client Relations, she oversees the development and expansion of Reliant and brings in new businesses thanks to her keen eye for opportunities.
Carrie Brown
Carrie Brown is the SVP of Operations, at Forth Inc., and a dedicated compliance board member. She has worked with Forth since 2016. Additionally, she has a vast array of knowledge and understanding of technology and sales in financial services as well as real estate due to her extensive 20+year experience in these sectors. Carrie is a staunch advocate for client growth and is regarded as a valued and respected resource for corporate leaders. Carrie’s leadership is recognized across the industry as represented by her contribution to many industry organizations, committees, and events. Carrie is driven by continuous growth and improvement with an innate ability to motivate everyone around her.
Alex Gold
Scaling Service Based Businesses with AI & Offshore Teams | 20+ Years in Call Center Operations
As the CEO of Scaling Squad, I leverage two decades of experience in call center operations to help service businesses skyrocket their sales and optimize their operations.
Key achievements:
• Scaled my own call center to $1M+ monthly revenue
• Built successful offshore centers in 7 countries
• Pioneered AI integration for lead conversion
My mission: Empower entrepreneurs to scale efficiently by combining:
Cutting-edge conversational AI bots
Highly trained offshore agents
Proven SOPs and management strategies
Specializing in:
• Maximizing web form conversions
• Increasing contact rates
• Optimizing lead utilization
• Boosting overall revenue
If you're looking to transform your service business, I'll show you how to leverage AI and global talent to capture every lead and dramatically increase your bottom line.
Teresa Dodson
With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Teresa is a trailblazing leader who has left an indelible mark. As the Founder and President of Greenbacks Consulting, she has provided invaluable consulting services to debt settlement companies, collection agencies, software development firms, investors, and private equity firms since 2008. Her deep expertise spans marketing, sales, operations management, industry compliance, and software development - all harnessed to help businesses achieve remarkable growth and financial strength.
Teresa's impressive track record includes serving on the Board of Directors for the American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) for over 17 years and holding COO roles at three large debt settlement companies. She has also built two additional debt settlement companies from the ground up. Most recently, Teresa founded the non-profit organization Women of Debt Relief, which brings together women in the financial services industry to foster leadership, education, networking, and professional development.
With her visionary mindset, strategic acumen, and exceptional operational skills, Teresa has consistently delivered bottom-line results for her clients. Her unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence has solidified her reputation as a true trailblazer in the financial services space.
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.
Yolanda Walker Schufford
As Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer, I lead a team of professionals that focuses on external and internal communications. I also lead government relations, managing lobbyists in key states and developing strategies to protect and encourage good policy for the debt resolution industry.
I have held similar positions at large publicly held corporations, mostly recently, as the Vice President of
Content Marketing at GM Financial where I led a team responsible for all customer (B2C) and dealer
communications (B2B). My extensive experience in consumer finance includes roles as Vice President of
Executive Communications at Comerica Bank and Vice President of Communications and Public Relations at Cash America International, Inc.
Prior to corporate America, I spent 12 years as a broadcast news reporter at WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas,
WTHR-TV in my hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana and WWKI-FM in Kokomo, Indiana.
Cliff Andrews
In May of 2021, Cliff Andrews joined CDRI to serve as its Executive Director, and he became CEO in December 2022 due to the growth and evolution of the association. He is responsible for oversight and management of CDRI’s corporate governance, membership ROI, and legislative activities, as well as executing the Board’s strategic vision. Cliff’s passion for collaboration and member engagement are positioning CDRI as a driver of positive change for the debt relief industry and its customers.
With more than 20 years of experience serving as a chief advocate and advisor to non-profit trade associations on public policy issues management, coalition building, and mission-focused association management, Cliff has earned a stellar reputation for engaging constructively with diverse people and building productive relationships. He consistently works in a bipartisan manner with Congress, regulators, and private sector stakeholder groups. He leverages his extensive background on financial services issues including providing access to financial solutions for under-served consumers, small-dollar lending regulation, fintech lending, privacy, data security, consumer credit reporting, annuity distribution, advisor fiduciary standards, and retirement savings policy to champion innovative strategies for protecting and promoting the debt relief industry.
Cliff holds a Master of Arts degree in Political Management from George Washington University, a Bachelor of Science degree from James Madison University, and a Certified Association Executive credential from the American Society of Association Executives. He is a true “Washingtonian,” born and raised in the nation’s capital. Cliff lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, daughter, son, and Huskies.
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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