Executive Change: ACA International Names Valerie Hayes as General Counsel

Valerie Hayes, CAE, ACA International‘s corporate counsel since 2005, has been promoted to the position of general counsel. She will also continue to serve as the association’s vice president of legal and government affairs and director of the Members’ Attorney Program.

As general counsel, Hayes has the primary responsibility of advising ACA International and its for-profit entities on legal matters and playing a leadership role in federal and state legislative and regulatory affairs.

“Having worked with Val for over seven years, I am confident she will continue to excel in her leadership role at ACA,” ACA CEO Rozanne Andersen, CAE, said. “I cannot think of a more worthy individual to lead ACA from the office of general counsel.”

Hayes said, “I’m excited about the opportunity. I look forward to serving the association in my new capacity.”

Hayes graduated from the Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, Minn., in May 2002. She was hired by ACA in October 2002 as a research and compliance attorney. She became director of the Internet and Check Services Program in December 2002; director of the Members’ Attorney Program and corporate counsel in 2005; and vice president of legal and government affairs in 2007.

Hayes is licensed to practice law in Minnesota and North Dakota. She is a member of the American Bar Association, Minnesota State Bar Association and Hennepin County Bar Association. She was named a 2008 Top Woman in Finance by Finance and Commerce, an honor recognizing women who have made significant contributions in the financial business arena. Earlier this year, she earned the Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives.

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 5,000 members worldwide, including third–party collection agencies, asset buyers, attorneys, 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.