Commercial Collection Agencies of America has announced that its President, Mr. Humberto Matz, has been appointed to the California Debt Collection Advisory Committee of the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.

In May, Commissioner KC Mohseni appointed Matz and six others to the committee, whose purpose is to provide industry feedback to the department. As outlined by the DFPI, Matz and fellow appointees represent the debt collection, debt buying, third party collection and collection law industries and will serve two-year terms.

Matz, The Executive Vice President and Director of Operations of Creditors Adjustment Bureau in Sherman Oaks, California, oversees the operations of the collection, sales, administrative, and legal departments and has been with the firm over thirty-nine (39) years.

“I am honored to be appointed to the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation's debt panel advisory board. I look forward to contributing a unique dual perspective to the board's deliberations, drawing from my extensive experience managing operations within both a commercial collection agency and a commercial collection law firm. This dual vantage point will be particularly valuable as we navigate the evolving regulatory landscape, especially in light of SB1286's expansion of the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to include commercial debt collection,” remarked Matz.

He continued, “I am committed to helping ensure that California's debt collection regulatory framework effectively protects consumers and small business debtors while maintaining fair and practical standards that allow legitimate collection activities to continue serving the state's credit economy. I look forward to working collaboratively with fellow panel members and DFPI staff to advance policies that promote ethical and responsible debt collection practices across California.”

Commercial Collection Agencies of America is an organization dedicated to elevating the standards of the commercial collection industry by offering the industry’s premier certification program for third-party commercial collection agencies in the United States. Amongst the program’s requirements is proper licensure and compliance with all federal, state and local regulations by each collection agency member. The Association exercises financial oversight of members, as each is audited on a regular basis to ensure compliance with the rigorous requirements of the program.

CCA of A often collaborates with state regulatory authorities, including those states that belong with NACARA-North American Collection Agency Regulatory Association, of which California is a member. CCA of A finds synergy with the DFPI’s mission that “through licensing, regulation, and oversight of businesses, the DFPI supports a healthy and trusted financial marketplace,” as outlined on the DFPI’s website.

Commercial Collection Agencies of America is proud to announce the appointment of Conrad Ragan to the Independent Standards Board effective immediately.

Ragan was recently approved by his Standards Board peers. “We are grateful that Conrad has joined the Board, which consists of accomplished business professionals who represent all facets of the accounts receivable management arena. Board members include collection agency principals, creditors’ rights attorneys, bankruptcy attorneys, business consultants, controllers, certified public accountants, credit managers, industry trade association officers and chief financial officers,” commented Christine Hickey, Chair of the Independent Standards Board.

The esteemed Board is charged with the creation, review and amendment of certification requirements which are met by each member agency to earn and maintain Commercial Collection Agencies of America’s Certificate of Accreditation and Compliance. The Board has created an unparalleled certification program, by promulgating rigorous requirements, making the program the platinum standard in the industry and recognized by credit grantors worldwide.

Ragan, a director with Alvarez & Marsal’s North American Commercial Restructuring practice, brings twenty (20) years of corporate credit and lending experience in both large corporate and large financial institutions. Prior to joining A&M, Mr. Ragan spent more than ten (10) years as a Director with PepsiCo, where he led PepsiCo’s corporate credit risk management team.

When asked about serving on the Board, Ragan commented, “I’m thrilled to join the Independent Standards Board and support its crucial work within the commercial collections industry. I look forward to contributing my experience to help uphold the high standards that guide the industry, and to collaborating with fellow leaders to drive excellence in commercial collections.”

Ragan also sits on the Board of Trustees of Credit Research Foundation, an organization which supports professionals in the Credit, Accounts Receivable and Revenue Cycle Management industry, and focuses on education. Both associations often collaborate through a Platinum Partnership. When learning about Ragan’s appointment, Matt Skudera, CRF’s President and Chief Operating Officer and Independent Standards Board Vice Chair commented, “Conrad brings to the Standards Board a unique background that weaves together both governance and operability as his business success has led large scale operations in the public domain. Conrad will quickly become a valued asset to the Standards Board with his insight and tenured experience driving a control environment that balances business needs and assurity of brand and client protection. “

To achieve its critical role, the Independent Standards Board meets virtually throughout the year and in person once per year.

Celebrating 10 years of giving back!

Support Myla's Beleaf at mylasbeleaf.com/

CCA of A recently attended the Fall Forum of Credit Research Foundation in Washington DC, October 21-23, 2024.

During the Forum, CCA of A’s certified agencies attended continuing education and participated in networking events.   

A special session featured former Congressman Phillip English and former Senator Byron Dorgan who offered a pre-election update for attendees, during which CCA of A’s Executive Director, Annette M. Waggoner asked the former lawmakers to share their thoughts on the impact of the tumultuous international landscape and the impact on the U.S. elections. 

At the Open Forum, CRF asked CCA of A to brief practitioners on California’s SB1286 which significantly expands the scope of the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (RFDCPA).   Annette was pleased to have the opportunity to, once again, share some critical information for the credit industry. 

Commercial Collection Agencies of America is proud to be a Platinum Partner of the Credit Research Foundation and looks forward to working with CRF again in 2025.

Commercial Collection Agencies of America welcomed credit practitioners at this year’s Credit Research Foundation’s Expo and Forum in Nashville and provided them with the resourceful Credit Practitioners’ Guide to Commercial Collections.

As a Platinum Partner of CRF, CCA of A is happy to share its data analysis, trend reports and instructional information with CRF members.

Everyone was a winner at NACM Credit Congress this past week!  Our Credit Practitioners’ Guide to Commercial Collections, which includes new articles and reports, was well-received.

The definition of a true partnership is when people are willing to listen, exchange ideas and support one another in reaching their goals. Thank you to Credit Research Foundation and Matt Skudera for the opportunity to address the credit practitioner membership on the criticality of keeping current on pending legislation affecting the credit and collection industry.

Winning combination: The Platinum Partnership of Commercial Collection Agencies of America, the nation’s premier certifying body of commercial collection agencies; and Credit Research Foundation, the industry’s elite resource for credit and accounts receivable practitioners. Executive Director Annette Waggoner was proud to represent CCA of A in Palm Springs at the CRF November Forum.

Day Two brought a tremendously insightful presentation by former Congressman Phil English, moderated by Justin Kesselman of ArentFox Schiff. Well appreciated, well attended and well done.

Best education and networking in the industry - not to mention the view in Delray Beach!

Stellar education all day Friday, topped off with an oceanside Networking Reception and Welcome Dinner.

Nothing better than kicking off Day 2 with the Board of Directors reporting to the membership.

The tenured, professional thought leaders of the Board of Directors. Well done!

CCA of A members recently presented at the Credit Research Foundation’s summer forum. Member panelists, Pete Roth, Riley Pentecost and Don DiLoreto, joined by Executive Director, Annette M. Waggoner addressed the criticality of using certified commercial collection agencies.