PR - William E. Wilcox Will Lead Reformulated ACA Foundation

 
Since its inception in 1995, the ACA International Foundation has worked to create beneficial connections between consumers and the credit and collection industry. Now this mission will receive increased focus as the organization implements changes to its name, leadership structure and philanthropic priorities.

Financial literacy will become more prominent at the non-profit under its new name, the ACA International Education Foundation. At the same time, the foundation has found the perfect person to lead the charge on its education efforts, long-time ACA member and nationally recognized financial literacy advocate William E. Wilcox, Madison, Wis.

Wilcox was appointed the foundation’s permanent chairman to replace a revolving leadership structure of former ACA International presidents. Maintaining a single chairman will provide greater continuity and allow the foundation to utilize Wilcox’s passion and expertise in financial education. Wilcox will preside over a board of directors comprised of ACA’s general counsel, CEO and six other member representatives appointed by the ACA Executive Committee.

Wilcox has been a professional in credit management for over 40 years and since 2000 has devoted his time to improving financial literacy among American consumers. In this effort, Wilcox has been recognized by numerous government and non-profit agencies. In 2000 he was appointed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers to the National Partners for Financial Empowerment. In 2005 Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle appointed him vice chair of the Governors Council on Financial Literacy. Wilcox is also president of CBM Credit Education Foundation in Madison, Wis., and chairman of Call For Action Inc., an international non-profit network of consumer hotlines affiliated with local broadcast partners based in Washington, D.C.

The ACA International Education Foundation will seek new opportunities to fulfil its educational mission, while continuing existing projects:

– ACA International Education Scholarship Program: A scholarship advancing the higher education of people connected to the credit and collection industry. The program honors the memory of ACA member Robert E. Loomer and former ACA staff member Irvin “Dempsey” Mortenson.

– Receivables Management Training Program: A program developed with the STAR Center of Jackson, Tenn., helping people with disabilities achieve careers in the credit and collection industry.

– Foundation Fellow Award: Presented each year recognizing the individual or company that made the most significant contribution in support of the foundation and its goals.

– Personal Financial Management Web Course: A free educational program available to consumers online at http://www.acainternational.org.

– Electronic Community Education Kits: Free materials provided online in three versions to better educate young adults, senior citizens and the economically disadvantaged on financial issues affecting their everyday lives.

– Collectors Challenge Month: During the month of April members of ACA International and their employees participate in activities designed to promote financial literacy education in their communities.

– National Credit Education Week: An annual public service campaign held the third week of April to inform consumers that, when used wisely, credit can be a positive tool for achieving their financial goals.

– Collector’s Pledge: A foundation initiative encouraging collectors to make a voluntary, personal commitment to treat consumers with dignity and respect in every aspect of their work.

Money to fund these important projects comes from donations by ACA International members and friends. For more information on ACA International Education Foundation, contact staff at +1(952) 928-8000, ext. 104, or acaf@acainternational.org.

The ACA International Education Foundation is the philanthropic arm of ACA International, the Association of Credit and Collection Professionals. The foundation’s mission is to increase financial literacy throughout the United States and to support research, job training and educational programs in the area of credit and collections.