Receivables Management Association International holds elections each year to approve a slate of officers, elect new Directors to open seats, and, if necessary, approve proposed amendments to RMAI Bylaws. In 2024, there are two (2) open Director seats on the 10-member Board: one (1) certified debt-buyer seat and one (1) certified law firm seat. RMAI-certified members will vote to fill the seats during the association’s annual election, with the option to vote by email starting in January 2024.
Certified Law Firm
Kyle Cohen
Cohen & Cohen Law, LLC
I am running for the law firm board seat so I can help RMAI do everything possible to protect our members from unfair regulations, and make sure RMAI provides all of our members with the best resources and practices. As a practicing attorney who litigates collection cases, I know firsthand how regulations affect business and actual collectability.
In my years as a member of RMAI, I have volunteered on the Membership Committee, Editorial Committee, and attended the Legal Affairs Working Group. As a member and volunteer, I often have conversations with members about their concerns. From what I have seen, members have a few main concerns, and I want to help the association provide more value to its membership.
Reasonable Regulation: With the increasing government oversight, businesses want fair and reasonable regulation. With my firm being headquartered in New York, I have a lot of experience with frequent new regulations, analyzing them, making recommendations to our clients, and implementing best practices. While regulations affect everyone, the impact is often most directly felt by the law firms litigating the cases. My intimate involvement with thousands of these cases will help me represent the membership in navigating the nuances of these regulations and how they affect costs and liquidation.
Best Practices: Whether on a national or regional scale, our members are dealing with constant new regulations, locally impacted consumers, and new court rulings. RMAI has been a great resource on navigating these issues. As an attorney, I frequently deal directly with consumers and FDCPA attorneys. As a result, I can provide insights regarding the actual effects of the changing landscape, and how our members can best respond.
Accessible Resources: Both newer and older members are busy running businesses in a difficult industry. As a result, they often struggle keeping up with all the new changing technologies, innovative vendors, and resources RMAI has to offer. I would like to make these resources more accessible to all of our members. As a committee member, I have helped create FAQs to assist our members to navigate the annual conference. Additional resources will help our members utilize all our industry has to offer.
As a board member, I will strive to be accessible to all members, and constantly push to give the best representation. If you have anything you would like to discuss, please call my personal number at (914) 329-8784.
Certified Law Firm
Todd L. Gurstel
Gurstel Law Firm, P.C.
Having been in the receivables industry for the past 36 years, I am seeking the opportunity serve as the representative for the new created seat for Certified Law Firms on the board of the Receivables Management Association. I feel that given my background as the Founder and CEO of Gurstel Law Firm PC (a certified law firm) as well as Managing Member of T & I Enterprises, LLC (a certified debt buying company), allows me to provide a unique prospective to the board. I have been an active participant through both entities with the association dating back to its very beginning. As a result, it provides me with an appreciation of where the Association has been along with where it is headed. Through the years I have been a regular attendee for the National Conference along with the Executive Summit. Most recently, I have been fortunate to serve as a member of the Certification Council along with one of its committees. This has afforded me an opportunity to be part of the entire certification process including the ability to participate in its future development to enhance its standing in the industry.
In addition to my experience within RMAI, I am a past board member of the Commercial Law League of America as well as the National Creditors Bar Association having served on the Board for six years. I am thrilled to bring this experience to the RMAI board with respect to all issues within the Association. Finally, given my 26 years of experience running Gurstel Law Firm from its very beginnings to one of the leading creditors rights law firms in our industry, I will be able to provide all certified law firms the representation needed on the board. I look forward to the engaging with other board members as well as the general members on the critical issues we all face as an industry while providing my input through my experience as well as passion. I thank your for considering my candidacy.
Certified Law Firm
Richard Weissman
O & L LAW Group
I am honored to announce my candidacy for the Board of Directors within our esteemed organization. With a passion for the collection industry and a commitment to RMAI’s growth and prosperity, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to our collective success.
My education began at Northwestern University for my pre-law undergraduate studies. Building upon this foundation, I continued my legal education at Fordham Law School.
Upon graduating from Fordham Law School, I began my legal career with the Miami Dade State Attorney’s Office. My commitment to public service later brought me back to my hometown of Tampa, where I joined the Office of the Public Defender for Hillsborough County.
In April of 2013, I embarked on a new chapter in my journey at O&L Law Group. Drawing upon my litigation experience, I established myself as an instrumental figure at the firm and within the collection industry. That dedication propelled me to become a partner and shareholder in February 2017.
In December 2022, I stepped into the position of Managing Partner of O&L Law Group, taking on a range of responsibilities vital for the success of O&L. I remain committed to formulating and implementing the firm’s long-term strategy, business plans, and growth initiatives while also dedicating myself to fostering client relationships.
My commitment extends beyond my daily endeavors at O&L. O&L Law Group has been a RMAI member since 2014 and a RMAI Certified Law Firm since 2018. I have been a Certified Receivables Compliance Professional with RMAI since 2018 and am an esteemed member of both the National Creditors Bar Association and the Florida Creditors Bar Association.
My dedication to influencing industry norms and upholding ethical standards has driven my active involvement in RMAI. I have been a member of the RMAI Standards Committee since 2020 and have been serving as its Chairperson since March of 2023. Additionally, I have been Councilmember on the RMAI Certification Council since 2022.
Throughout my career and involvement within our community, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of dedicated leadership. If elected, I aim to leverage my experience and contribute insights for achieving our shared objectives.
Your support means a great deal to me and I am excited about the opportunity to serve. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss any concerns, please feel free to contact me at 813-465-1995 or [email protected].
Certified Debt Buyer
Mellisa Massey
National Credit Adjusters
If we haven’t crossed paths, please allow me to introduce myself properly. My name is Mellisa (Missy) Massey, and I am Director of Business Development for National Credit Adjusters, LLC. NCA is a midsize debt buyer based in Hutchinson, KS. As a 20+ year member of the receivables management industry, I’m asking for your support in my candidacy for RMAI Board of Directors.
It’s been my privilege to engage in RMAI’s membership and grow a career in a variety of positions and companies, including roles at a credit issuer, a large debt buyer, and a law firm / third-party servicer. I moved to NCA nine years ago and have overseen portfolio acquisitions for the past six.
RMAI’s contributions and commitment to our collective successes in receivables management isn’t something to be taken for granted. I’m lucky to be supported by a CEO and a seasoned executive team that understands my passion for supporting the association and affords me the flexibility to do so. Over the past few years, I obtained certification for myself, our company, and have learned from my peers in Fintech Working Group and Legislative Fund Committees. With a clear understanding of the association’s objectives and the need for strong leadership, it’s not just my responsibility to step in and contribute to ensure continuity and unity for future generations – it would be my honor to encourage tomorrow’s leaders.
Certified Debt Buyer
Tim Sullivan
HS Financial Group, LLC
I wish to help safeguard the future of the receivables purchasing industry. I see three areas of primary importance for the RMAI board.
First, we are under great scrutiny from regulators and consumer rights groups. We need to defend what we do, demonstrate that compliance is as high a priority for us as profitability, and explain the benefits our industry brings to our credit system.
Second, there has been a vast increase in the number of issuers, especially online lenders. Their lending practices and the documents they use vary greatly. Our industry should take a leading role in connecting these lenders with our industry, and the services we offer that will help them resolve their delinquent accounts.
Finally, the RMAI board should allocate resources to monitor the impact of Artificial Intelligence on our industry. AI’s potential is too powerful to ignore. The Board should regularly assess AI’s impact.
As the owner of a debt buying company since 2001 and as a practicing collections attorney, I possess the experience required to be a productive board member. I have a very strong desire to give back to an industry that has been so good for me. Below is further background information in support of my candidacy.