Karolyn Rubin Becomes Third Female President in ACA International's 70-Year History

MINNEAPOLIS — Karolyn Rubin has never been afraid of a challenge. A single mom, accomplished marathoner and recipient of many industry awards, including ACA International Instructor of the Year, the longtime credit and debt collection industry professional was recently elected president of ACA International, The Association of Credit and Collection Professionals.

“It’s an honor to be selected by my peers to this position,” said Rubin, who is senior vice president of Bonded Collection Corporation in Chicago, Ill. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited to lead my fellow members of ACA International. Regardless of the contributions each of us can make on our own, no one individual can move this industry forward alone. Working together with my peers will make the difference. Our industry continues to grow and is a key pillar of the global economy. As a longtime teacher and professional within this industry, I’m excited to take my passion for education – for consumers, policy makers, regulators and industry professionals – to a new level.”

Founded in 1939, ACA International brings together more than 5,500 members in 65 different countries, including third-party collection agencies, attorneys, asset buyers creditors and vendor affiliates. The association establishes ethical standards, produces a wide variety of products, services and publications, and articulates the value of the credit and collection industry to businesses, policymakers and consumers.

“Our members couldn’t be more thrilled that Karolyn has agreed to step into this leadership position at such a critical time,” said Gary Rippentrop, ACA International’s CEO. “With the state of the economy, ever-changing communications methods and the expansion of this industry, Karolyn is the perfect person to be leading our association.”

Rubin, who has been at Bonded Collection Corporation for more than 23 years and is widely recognized as one of the industry’s leading educational instructors, said it is an honor to follow in the footsteps of ACA International’s past two female presidents – Linda Russell (1991/92) and Nancy Borgen (2001/02).

“Women like Linda and Nancy have long been involved as leaders and visionaries in our industry,” Rubin said. “And they have inspired others like me to follow in their footsteps.”

In addition to recently electing Rubin president of ACA International at the association’s annual convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, ACA members also elected the rest of the association’s executive committee for 2009/10:

• President: Karolyn Rubin, Chicago, Ill.  
• President-Elect: Martin Sher, IFCCE, Birmingham, Ala. 
• Vice President: Mark Neeb, Rochester, Minn. 
• Treasurer: Tom Stockton, Carrollton, Texas
• Past President: Jay Gonsalves, Middleboro, Mass.  

ACA members annually elect volunteer leaders to guide and direct the association. If reelected throughout their term, officers serve a year in each of five executive positions.

As leaders of the industry’s largest trade group, ACA officers make a significant personal commitment to serve their peers and play a highly influential role in shaping public policy and opinion of the collection industry.

About ACA International
ACA International, the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals, is the comprehensive, knowledge-based resource for success in the credit and collection industry. Founded in 1939, ACA brings together more than 5,500 members worldwide, including third-party collection agencies, attorneys, asset buyers, creditors and vendor affiliates. The association establishes ethical standards, produces a wide variety of products, services and publications, and articulates the value of the credit and collection industry to businesses, policymakers and consumers.