If there is anyplace where Harry Strausser feels more comfortable than inside a collection agency, it’s within the walls of ACA International.
It was announced on Friday that Strausser’s long-rumored return to the association was official. Strausser was named Education and Membership Development Director. The position is a newly created one.
Strausser became available when a deal he reached to sell his collection agency, Remit Corp., to Eastern Revenue in May 2017 fell apart. Strausser has subsequently sued Eastern Revenue and its majority shareholder, Kyle Shanahan, for going back on the deal.
Strausser’s return to ACA International has to be the silver lining in what has been a dark cloud hanging over him since his deal fell apart late last year.
“My industry experience, being an operator in the industry, living the collections business every day, coupled with being an active educator will give me the opportunity to develop educational programs that will meet the members’ needs,” Strausser said, according to a report published by ACA International.
In his role at ACA, Strausser will be responsible for developing new, “cutting edge” education programs “designed to ensure that ACA’s existing curriculum remains relevant and meaningful to members,” according to the report. Strausser, who is a second-generation collector, will also work to grow “all membership categories” and work with state units on the membership and education fronts.
Strausser, who was also president of the Mid-Atlantic Collectors Association, resigned that post to take the job at ACA International. Donna Nicholson Stief, who was vice president of MACA, has been promoted to interim president.