At the event in Chicago, Williams took the stage at Friday’s closing celebration to begin his term as president, cheered on by friends, family and peers.
07/31/2023 3:00 P.M.
2 minute read
The last day of ACA International’s Convention & Expo in Chicago was packed with interactive education sessions and networking opportunities, but in the evening attendees came together to have fun at the closing reception and induct the new officers to the board of directors.
Tim Haag, president and CEO of State Collection Service Inc., is the new president-elect. Jennifer Whipple, president of Collection Bureau Services Inc., is the new treasurer, and David Williams, president and CEO of Williams & Fudge Inc., is the new president.
Williams is a second-generation agency owner whose father, Gary Williams—ACA’s 2003/04 president—co-founded Williams & Fudge in 1986. David took the reins in 2014.
The closing celebration on Friday was emceed by Gary Williams, and featured speeches from several of David’s friends and peers.
“He’s been a mentor to me and many others,” Haag said, saluting Williams’ dedication to his company, community and ACA. “If you can call David Williams a friend, you’re a lucky person. So yes, that makes me a very lucky person. As for all of you members, we’re very lucky to have this guy as our leader. We have a bright future ahead of us.”
Jack Brown III, president at Gulf Coast Collection Bureau, Inc., introduced video messages to David from members of Congress, legislators and the mayor of Rock Hill, South Carolina, where Williams & Fudge is based.
In his speech, Williams thanked his family for their support and encouraged ACA members to connect with each other face-to-face at association events.
“Relationships matter,” Williams said. “That’s what this business is about. Relationships drive us. You can only do so much on your computer. Even ChatGPT, as great as it is, has limitations. We have to get together and we have to be supporting each other in order to drive the association forward.”
You can read a profile of Williams in the July/August issue of Collector magazine.
Additionally, plans are already underway for the 2024 Annual Convention & Expo in San Diego. We will see you there!
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