Chris Kesterson serves as President of TASC. He is CEO of American Debt Exchange and Debt Settlement America. He obtained his MBA from University of New Orleans and BA from Tulane University. He is a member and a certified debt arbitrator of the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators. Chris has been involved in Corporate Finance and Financial Consulting for 20 years. Prior to starting American Debt Exchange, he was a financial consultant to numerous Fortune 500 companies. In addition to his consulting, Chris brings a wealth of financial experience to TASC having held the positions of budget and analysis manager and corporate controller for other corporate entities.

David Leuthold serves as Vice President of TASC. He is President and CEO of Century Negotiations, Inc. and also heads up UCAN, the United Consumer Advocacy Network. Prior to his work in the debt settlement industry, he was a Senior Auditor for the U.S. General Accounting Office, a Federal Executive on the President's Staff in Washington, D.C. and was instrumental in developing a national seminar program promoting debt-free living.

John Philbin serves as Treasurer of TASC. He is the President and CEO of Debt Remedy Solutions, headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. Mr. Philbin co-founded Debt Remedy Solutions in August, 2005. Mr. Philbin was also instrumental in the development of Naviant, an internet marketing company, from 5 salespeople in 1999 to over 80 salespeople at the time of its sale to Equifax for $130MM in 2004. Mr. Philbin was a retail stockbroker on Wall Street for several years, and also spent five years in the medical publishing industry as a Senior Account Executive with Jobson and Shugar Publishing companies. Mr. Philbin specializes in developing, implementing, and managing innovative business enterprises from their genesis to operational level. He obtained his Bachelor of Science from Long Island University.

Wesley K. Young is General Counsel of American Debt Exchange, Inc. and sits on the Executive Board of TASC (Trade Association of Settlement Companies) where he serves as Legislative Director and plans, drafts, lobbies, and testifies for legislation favorable to the industry. Previously he was a Senior Associate with Baron & Budd, P.C. in its asbestos litigation group. Wesley received the 2008 Outstanding Minority Attorney Award from the Dallas Bar Association and was named by D Magazine in its list of Best Lawyers Under 40 in 2006. He served as President of the Dallas Asian American Bar Association in 2008 and as a Director on the Board of the Dallas Bar Association from 2007-2008. Wesley was a member of Panel B2 of the District 6A Grievance Committee of the State Bar of Texas from 2001-2007 and became chair during his last two years of service. He is a past-Chair of the Asian Pacific Interest Section of the State Bar of Texas. He was co recipient of the Outstanding Committee Chair Award for his work with the Minority Participation Committee of the Dallas Bar Association and served as Co-Chair of the national finals competition of the Thomas Tang National Moot Court Competition in 2004. He is admitted to practice law by the State Bar of Texas and is a member of the Dallas Bar Association and Christian Trial Lawyers Association and a fellow of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers. Wesley received his B.B.A., cum laude, from Baylor University in 1992 and his J.D. from Baylor Law School in 1995.

Andrew Housser co-founded Freedom Financial Network in 2002. Previously, Andrew worked in the financial services industry, doing private equity investing with Littlejohn & Co., a $550 million private equity fund, and also worked in investment banking for Salomon Smith Barney. In addition, previous experience included work at two start ups in operational roles: as Director of Business Development for Lorantec Systems, and in marketing at Abeona Networks. Andrew received his MBA from Stanford Business School, where he was an Arjay Miller Scholar and he received a B.A. from Dartmouth College Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa.

Teresa Schumann-Dodson is Executive Vice President of Persolvo Data Systems (formerly Maximum Recovery) in Irvine, California. Her background includes over 6 years of experience in the debt settlement industry. During those years she has worked relentlessly trying to bridge the gap between Debt Settlement Companies and Creditors. Persolvo Data Systems does this successfully by automating the settlement process between debt settlement companies and Creditors, Collectors and Debt Buyers. Teresa's background also includes 17 years of corporate leadership experience. Has successfully directed company management in achieving desired levels of growth. Demonstrated the ability to combine visionary, strategic, and tactical operational expertise to produce bottom-line results and financial strength. She has a proven track record of increasing and organizations efficiency, enhance productivity and has lead successfully from small start ups to medium sized organizations and to evolve into large corporate expansion. Teresa is known for her commitment and passionate approach to everything she does to deliver effective results.

Robby H. Birnbaum is a partner at the law firm of Greenspoon Marder in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is the nation's leading legal expert on debt settlement companies. Mr. Birnbaum's practice focuses on regulatory compliance and lawful operation of debt settlement companies. He has extensive experience representing all types and sizes of settlement businesses in front of states attorneys' general, state banking and credit regulators, and federal agencies. He has earned the trust and respect of these regulators and his clients through tireless, honest and aggressive work efforts. Mr. Birnbaum focuses on proactive consumer protection and assists companies at delivering high quality settlement services while at all times remaining defensible and profitable. Through his experiences and interactions with regulators, Mr. Birnbaum tailors marketing and business practices to comply under the watchful eye of the government. Mr. Birnbaum has arranged and lead amicable and productive meetings of TASC representatives and clients in front of dozens of the country's foremost industry regulators.

David Prince is President and Co-Founder of Square One Debt Settlement, LLC in Sunrise, Florida, a TASC Accredited company that offers back end services to debt settlement companies.  Mr. Prince is a licensed attorney and has been a member of the Florida, Colorado and Washington D.C Bars for over 13 years.  During this time he has used his entrepreneurial skills and founded several technology and servicing companies.  Additionally, Mr. Prince is a Director of the Gimbel Charitable Trust and is active in his community with several charities.  Prior to attending law school he worked with Stephen Brobeck, Executive Director of the Consumer Federation of America. He holds a B.S. from University of Maryland in Consumer Economics and a J.D. from the University of Miami, School of Law with a focus in Corporate Finance and Banking Law.  Mr. Prince currently participates on the TASC Public Relations and Legislative committees.

Joanne Garneau - Learning from a successful 10 year corporate career as Regional Vice President of Sales for the largest pharmacy software company in the U.S., Joanne began her own successful business and has never looked back. Joanne's logical, no nonsense approach, combined with futuristic thinking strategies, continue to deliver results. Her passion stems from her experience as a pioneer in the utilization of computer technology for business applications as early as 1976 and integrating these new concepts to more efficiently manage a growing business. Joanne has always been drawn to challenging industries. In the early days of computerized prescription filling, some state pharmacy boards banned computerized prescription filling, believing that computerization would lead to consumer harm. Joanne traveled from state to state successfully educating state boards of pharmacy about the real benefits of computerization and how consumers would be better off from their use. Challenges with government agencies seem to be the rule rather than the exception for Joanne, which led her to the Debt Settlement industry in 2002. After researching the debt settlement industry, Joanne was intrigued. Not only were consumers in need of this type of service, but they were being actively denied this form of help by regulatory agencies, and actually harmed by some unscrupulous companies looking to prey on their misfortune. She instantly saw the business challenge, as well as the opportunity to truly help people. In late 2002, Joanne opened her own debt settlement company. Joanne founded Nationwide Support Services Inc. in 2005, to become a 'back' service provider to the industry. She enhanced the existing business model and applied the concept of new technology to more efficiently manage the processes. Her commitment to customer service excellence has earned the company an unprecedented retention rate in the industry.

Bill Loughborough is founder and CEO of CreditAnswers, LLC (CreditAnswers) a Texas based debt settlement company. Mr. Loughborough founded CreditAnswers in 2006 and the Company currently has approximately 100 employees. CreditAnswers recently became a TASC “Best Practices Accredited” organization and serves thousands of clients across the country and settles millions of dollars in debt each month.

Prior to CreditAnswers Mr. Loughborough had spent 20 years in the financial services industry as founder and CEO of Homeloan.com Inc., Landmark Mortgage, Factual Data, and National Mortgage Research Company. Mr. Loughborough’s Companies in the past have received the prestigious “Inc. 500” Fastest Growing Private Company in America on three separate occasions. Mr. Loughborough graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a major in finance and is member of the Entrepreneur Organization.

Alan Barnes serves as head of the TASC Web Committee. He is the President and CEO of Debt Regret. Additionally, he holds the title of IAPDA Certified Debt Arbitrator and has served as a spokesmen and advocate for the industry both on radio talk shows and through articles he has written involving the debt settlement industry. Prior to starting Debt Regret, he worked as a consultant to many Fortune 500 companies and brings a wealth of business related experience to TASC. | (972) 386-6118

Howard Pollak is the general counsel for DTS Financial. Howard has been a practicing attorney in California for 16 years. Prior to serving as general counsel for DTS Financial, Howard assisted clients with business and real estate litigation matters.

Lacey Stephen is the Manager of Affiliate Relations and Operations for Dallas-based American Debt Exchange (ADE). She joined The Association of Settlement Companies (TASC) Board at Large in 2007 and serves on the Conference Committee. Lacey is a Certified Debt Specialist (CDS) and member of the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). She is a critical part of the leadership team at ADE, wearing numerous hats and taking part in multiple projects that are crucial to the success of the company. Lacey graduated Cum Laude from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Matt Ledwith serves on TASC’s Creditor and Conference Committee and is the Vice President of Business Development for Freedom Financial Network. Prior to joining FFN, Matt worked 7 years at eBay where he held various management positions including Managing their Movie products business, overseeing the growth of eBay’s Top Seller Account Management program and managing the PowerSeller program. Matt has over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry working in operational, marketing and business development roles at Bank One/First USA and MBNA.

Michele Davis serves on TASC’s Legislative Committee and is Director of Operations for American Debt Exchange. She has been involved in the Debt Settlement industry since 2006. Prior to joining DSA, Michele worked in many roles including Legislative Intern at both the State and Federal levels, Legislative Associate for a Government Relations Management firm, Financial Advisor for the two largest financial institutions in the world, Citigroup and JP Morgan, and Director of Settlement at Debt Relief of America. Michele has over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry working in consulting and operational management.

Max Bruck serves on TASC's Public Relations Committee and is a public advocate for the Debt Settlement industry. Max is a Principal Owner of Find Your Customers, which is a marketing company which seeks to match consumers in financial distress with reputable companies and programs to assist consumers with their hardships. Having served the Debt Settlement industry since late in 2004, Find Your Customers has evolved with the industry and pays close attention to legislation and accompanying compliance requirements in its marketing efforts. Find Your Customers' matching service, Debt Help Experts, which is marketed through Radio & TV ads and over the Internet. Debt Help Experts was selected as one of 2009 Top 10 Credit & Debt Professionals by Goldline Research.

Mr. Bruck received his B.S., cum laude, in Aerospace Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1994.

The founder of Predictivedollars.com, Nick Passalacqua is a cutting edge entrepreneur with over 8 years of expertise in the lead generation field. Mr. Passalacqua previously owned another lead generation company which he grew to well over 1000 clients and was later sold to one of his competitors. He was recently quoted, saying “I am excited to be in the lead generation industry where I can excel due to my innovative nature and have mutually benefiting relationships to all parties involved not to mention our ninety percent client retention rate to back it up.”
Phone: (888) 888-8202 or info@predictivedollars.com

Patrick Hobart serves on the Web Committee of TASC and is a co-founder and Managing Partner of Professional Debt Consultants. He has been involved in the Debt Settlement industry since 2005. Prior to starting Professional Debt Consultants, Patrick worked as a Web Developer and Production Specialist for NBC. He has designed and developed numerous websites and specializes in Search Engine Optimization. Patrick is best known for his passionate approach to everything he does. | (561) 847-7161

Philip DiVirgilio serves on the standards committee of TASC. Philip is a co-founder and managing partner of Professional Debt Consultants headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Philip is a Certified Debt Arbitrator (CDA) and member of the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). Philip’s background is in the hospitality industry. He spent 8 years with Restaurant Associates based in New York, NY. Philip was Director of Food Service at a leading Japanese Investment bank. | (561) 847-7162

Scott Silver is an attorney at the law firm of Greenspoon Marder headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Mr. Silver’s practice focuses primarily on businesses regulated by consumer trade practice laws including the proactive regulatory compliance of debt settlement companies. Mr. Silver regularly assists clients with obtaining required licensure, advocacy in front of state and federal regulators, lawful operation of debt settlement companies and defense of federal and state enforcement actions as well as private litigation. Mr. Silver is continuously working to develop relationships with state and federal regulators to insure client understanding of compliance concerns. Mr. Silver currently serves on the TASC Legislative committee.

Bob Linderman has almost 30 years of sophisticated legal, transactional and regulatory experience with a cross-section of businesses ranging from venture-backed startups to public companies, as well as extensive work with consumer, commercial and investment banks, funds and brokers. Bob was one of the earliest senior executives at NextCard, a pioneering Internet consumer credit card company/special-purpose bank, and has served as General Counsel to a wide range of financial services businesses. For the past 10 years, Bob has specialized in the legal and business issues that occur at the intersection of media, regulatory and consumer finance activity. Bob earned both his Bachelor's and Law degrees from Boston University, cum laude with distinction. He is a member of both the California and Massachusetts Bar Associations and is an active participant in several professional organizations.

Matthew Guthrie is co-founder and CFO of Massachusetts based debt settlement company DMB Financial, LLC. Founded in 2003, DMB Financial currently services thousands of clients nationwide. Through the efforts of Mr. Guthrie, DMB Financial recently became an Accredited “Best Practices” member of TASC. Mr. Guthrie, currently a licensed attorney in good standing with the Massachusetts Bar Association, has a BS from Bentley College in Accounting and a JD from Suffolk University Law School.

David Magun is the operating officer for Debt Remedy Solutions based in Boca Raton, Fl. He serves on the Standards, Statistics, and Website Committees of TASC. Prior to joining Debt Remedy Solutions, Mr. Magun spent 18 years as a financial advisor. Mr. Magun received his BS in Finance from Boston University and holds Series 7 & 63 Securities licenses as well as Life, Health and Variable Annuity licenses in the State of Florida.

In July of 2008 TASC named Ann Marie French as its Executive Director. Ann Marie of Essie Kammer Group (EKG) was originally retained by TASC to serve as the Association Manger to manage the day to day operations of the association in July of 2007.

During her first twelve months with TASC, membership has grown and overhead reduced. As the Association Manager, she has established a work ethic and professional approach which is the hall-mark of every project she undertakes. Within her first year Ann Marie gained the trust of those she worked with. Her strong communication skills, an understanding of promotion and motivational management techniques, along with an innate ability to comprehend membership needs, has allowed Ann Marie to meet and surpass board goals.

Ann Marie began her career in association management eight years ago with one of the most powerful healthcare providers in Wisconsin. As the Association Manager for the Wisconsin Chiropractic Association, Ann Marie won rave reviews from providers and patients alike.

In 2004, Ann Marie joined the Essie Kammer Group as an Association Manager. The move to EKG gave Ann Marie the opportunity to demonstrate her many skills on a much larger stage. As the largest trade association management firm in the mid-west, at EKG her skill set would be noticed and her abilities tested. Within a very short period of time, Ann Marie quickly became adept at all aspects of coalition building and advocacy management. Ann Marie is also a licensed lobbyist.

Essie Kammer Group (EKG) is an eleven person trade association management and lobbying firm located in Madison, WI. Perhaps best know for its ability to tailor a service package to fit any group’s needs, EKG has developed dozens of different management models, each designed for the specific needs of the individual trade association. A model of services may include, but are not limited to the following: Government Relations, Financial Management, Communication Needs, Website Design, Education, Member, Public, Meeting and Convention Planning, Strategic Planning, Trade Group 101: Jump starting your Trade Association without stepping on your toes EKG President, Patrick Essie, has served as a consultant for both state and national trade groups. Mr. Essie has been recognized by elected officials, regulators, and trade group executives from coast to coast as one of the nations leading experts in association growth, management, and sustainability. Along with TASC, the Essie Kammer Group manages nine other trade groups; and is the largest trade association management firm in the Mid-West. EKG is also a dominant force in state and federal lobbying. Their clients and their issues are as varied as their eleven person staff. Over the years EKG has been retained by banks, septic tank manufacturers, John Deere Company, The Recording Industry Association of America, pharmaceutical manufacturers, hospitals, The Epilepsy Foundation, AT&T, Wisconsin Funeral Service Alliance, American International Group, and The Green Bay Packers are just a few of the entities who have hired EKG for legislative and regulatory expertise. For eighteen years EKG has been setting the standard for association management. Developing an individualized trade association plan for each and every trade group is what separates EKG from the rest.