M. Tracey Brooks is a distinguished advocate and government affairs attorney with more than 20 years of experience at the state and federal levels as a lawyer, executive, advocate, and non-profit leader. Tracey serves as General Counsel for the Firm and is an integral part of the Government Affairs practice and the Firm overall. Tracey has worked with clients and constituents on a range of issues from health care to economic development, marijuana issues – both medical and recreational, from racing & wagering to union matters, business interests, local government to non-profit governance and compliance. Tracey leads the Firm’s healthcare practice and has extensive knowledge of the State’s health care laws and regulations. She is adept at navigating the intricacies of the state government legislative process as well as developing and implementing both proactive and responsive strategy. Tracey has extensive experience in health care reimbursement issues, including Medicaid, especially during financially challenging times. Her work in the regulatory sphere involves creative and innovative solutions to modernize and improve the delivery of healthcare. Tracey is also able to assist clients with obtaining MWBE certification in New York State. For almost a decade, Tracey was the President and CEO of Planned Parenthood and Family Planning Advocates of New York State. Her work with these non-profit statewide organizations was dedicated to protecting and expanding access to a full range of reproductive health services. She led member family planning clinics, dozens of sister organizations, and thousands of individual members across the state. Having served as the Executive of 401(c)(3) and 401(c)(4) organizations, Tracey brings a unique perspective when representing associations of all types. Her insights into the not-for-profit sector, regarding both non-profit needs from government as well as how non-profits can partner with government, has been the foundation of strategic advocacy for our clients. She offers both association management and governance oversight expertise based on career characterized by deep experience with both. Tracey’s government affairs experience is also derived from her work as a regional director for former Senator Hillary Clinton and Counsel to the New York State Assembly Judiciary and Codes Committee. She previously ran for New York State Assembly (2002) and Congress (2008).

Legislative Update-COVID Restrictions on Collections and Judgment Enforcement
9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

M. Tracey Brooks is a distinguished advocate and government affairs attorney with more than 20 years of experience at the state and federal levels as a lawyer, executive, advocate, and non-profit leader. Tracey serves as General Counsel for the Firm and is an integral part of the Government Affairs practice and the Firm overall. Tracey has worked with clients and constituents on a range of issues from health care to economic development, marijuana issues – both medical and recreational, from racing & wagering to union matters, business interests, local government to non-profit governance and compliance. Tracey leads the Firm’s healthcare practice and has extensive knowledge of the State’s health care laws and regulations. She is adept at navigating the intricacies of the state government legislative process as well as developing and implementing both proactive and responsive strategy. Tracey has extensive experience in health care reimbursement issues, including Medicaid, especially during financially challenging times. Her work in the regulatory sphere involves creative and innovative solutions to modernize and improve the delivery of healthcare. Tracey is also able to assist clients with obtaining MWBE certification in New York State. For almost a decade, Tracey was the President and CEO of Planned Parenthood and Family Planning Advocates of New York State. Her work with these non-profit statewide organizations was dedicated to protecting and expanding access to a full range of reproductive health services. She led member family planning clinics, dozens of sister organizations, and thousands of individual members across the state. Having served as the Executive of 401(c)(3) and 401(c)(4) organizations, Tracey brings a unique perspective when representing associations of all types. Her insights into the not-for-profit sector, regarding both non-profit needs from government as well as how non-profits can partner with government, has been the foundation of strategic advocacy for our clients. She offers both association management and governance oversight expertise based on career characterized by deep experience with both. Tracey’s government affairs experience is also derived from her work as a regional director for former Senator Hillary Clinton and Counsel to the New York State Assembly Judiciary and Codes Committee. She previously ran for New York State Assembly (2002) and Congress (2008).

Legislative Update-COVID Restrictions on Collections and Judgment Enforcement
9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

John Chotkowski

Commercial Collection Corp. of NY, Tonawanda, NY

John Chotkowski  My odyssey through the collection industry began in October 1993 when I was hired as a junior collector by the Commercial Collection Corporation of New York. Since then, I have dedicated my professional life to CCCNY’s corporate mission: unsurpassed and uncompromising care for our clients. My dedication to this ideal has enabled me to grow as my company has grown. I am now a part owner, Vice President and General Collection Manager. In this position I am managing and mentoring my staff, as I was managed and mentored, in maintaining my client’s complete satisfaction: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

TRIADIC PANEL: Motivate Your Staff in the Virtual World
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. 

John Chotkowski

Commercial Collection Corp. of NY
Tonawanda, NY

John Chotkowski  My odyssey through the collection industry began in October 1993 when I was hired as a junior collector by the Commercial Collection Corporation of New York. Since then, I have dedicated my professional life to CCCNY’s corporate mission: unsurpassed and uncompromising care for our clients. My dedication to this ideal has enabled me to grow as my company has grown. I am now a part owner, Vice President and General Collection Manager. In this position I am managing and mentoring my staff, as I was managed and mentored, in maintaining my client’s complete satisfaction: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

TRIADIC PANEL: Motivate Your Staff in the Virtual World
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. 

Ben H. Farrow was born in west Texas and raised in Colorado, Idaho and Louisiana attending Tulane University and the Louisiana State University for Law School. He worked as deckhand on the Mississippi River and in the Gulf of Mexico to pay for college and law school. After graduation and passing the Louisiana State Bar in 1992 he began his legal career as an Admiralty lawyer in New Orleans. He subsequently moved to Alabama and passed the Alabama Bar exam in 2000. He practiced as an insurance defense attorney for a few years and then found work at his current firm in 2002, becoming a partner in 2006. In 2015 he obtained his license to practice in Mississippi and the firm opened its Jackson office that same year. Ben’s involvement with the Commercial Law League of America started with his current firm when he was introduced to the League by some colleagues. He was astonished at how well it fit his practice. He subsequently became interested in leadership in CLLA and was appointed the Education Chair. He has held that role for the last two years.

Creditors’ Rights Best Practices-Virtual/Telephonic Litigation
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 

Ben H. Farrow was born in west Texas and raised in Colorado, Idaho and Louisiana attending Tulane University and the Louisiana State University for Law School. He worked as deckhand on the Mississippi River and in the Gulf of Mexico to pay for college and law school. After graduation and passing the Louisiana State Bar in 1992 he began his legal career as an Admiralty lawyer in New Orleans. He subsequently moved to Alabama and passed the Alabama Bar exam in 2000. He practiced as an insurance defense attorney for a few years and then found work at his current firm in 2002, becoming a partner in 2006. In 2015 he obtained his license to practice in Mississippi and the firm opened its Jackson office that same year. Ben’s involvement with the Commercial Law League of America started with his current firm when he was introduced to the League by some colleagues. He was astonished at how well it fit his practice. He subsequently became interested in leadership in CLLA and was appointed the Education Chair. He has held that role for the last two years.

Creditors’ Rights Best Practices-Virtual/Telephonic Litigation
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 

Patrick Kilburn’s practice centers around the representation of banks, large and small corporations, and general creditors in the collection of past due accounts both in and outside of litigation throughout Lloyd & McDaniel’s growing Southeast U.S. footprint. After working for a local regional bank, Mr. Kilburn brings clients real-world experience to protect their interests. Mr. Kilburn attended the University of Kentucky, B.B.A. Finance, 2004, and University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law, J.D., 2007. He is admitted to practice in the State of Indiana, Commonwealth of Kentucky, State of Florida, United States District Court, Western District of Kentucky, United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Kentucky, United States District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, United States Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana, United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Indiana.

TRIADIC PANEL: Motivate Your Staff in the Virtual World
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Patrick Kilburn’s practice centers around the representation of banks, large and small corporations, and general creditors in the collection of past due accounts both in and outside of litigation throughout Lloyd & McDaniel’s growing Southeast U.S. footprint. After working for a local regional bank, Mr. Kilburn brings clients real-world experience to protect their interests. Mr. Kilburn attended the University of Kentucky, B.B.A. Finance, 2004, and University of Louisville, Brandeis School of Law, J.D., 2007. He is admitted to practice in the State of Indiana, Commonwealth of Kentucky, State of Florida, United States District Court, Western District of Kentucky, United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Kentucky, United States District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, United States Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana, United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Indiana.

TRIADIC PANEL: Motivate Your Staff in the Virtual World
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Don Mausar practices in commercial and consumer collections, Don brings more than 25 years of experience to the firm. He aims to bring a “concierge level service” to his clients, who are typically the decision makers from large financial institutions to small family businesses. Focusing primarily on complex claims, his matters typically include high balance contested matters that involve a blend of legal action and collection work. Don is an active member of the legal community and the creditors’ rights industry. He is also a frequent presenter on a variety of topics, including the collections of transportation claims, B2B receivables, and collection best practices. Don is the managing attorney for the firm’s downtown Cleveland, Ohio office, where he is responsible for spearheading office-specific initiatives that help shape the culture of the firm. In his free time, Don enjoys live theater, sporting events, hiking, golfing, playing cards, and long car rides. He is an auto enthusiast, and loves anything with an engine.

The New CFPB Rule – The Carnival Ride Continues
3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. 

Don Mausar practices in commercial and consumer collections, Don brings more than 25 years of experience to the firm. He aims to bring a “concierge level service” to his clients, who are typically the decision makers from large financial institutions to small family businesses. Focusing primarily on complex claims, his matters typically include high balance contested matters that involve a blend of legal action and collection work. Don is an active member of the legal community and the creditors’ rights industry. He is also a frequent presenter on a variety of topics, including the collections of transportation claims, B2B receivables, and collection best practices. Don is the managing attorney for the firm’s downtown Cleveland, Ohio office, where he is responsible for spearheading office-specific initiatives that help shape the culture of the firm. In his free time, Don enjoys live theater, sporting events, hiking, golfing, playing cards, and long car rides. He is an auto enthusiast, and loves anything with an engine.

The New CFPB Rule – The Carnival Ride Continues
3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. 

William Thrush  Bill Thrush is a shareholder and the Managing Principal of Friedman, Framme & Thrush, P.A., formerly known as Weinstock, Friedman & Friedman, headquartered in Owings Mills, Maryland, also with an office in Richmond, Virginia. Bill is an experienced trial attorney and has tried cases at all levels of court throughout the state of Maryland, as well as the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Bill’s practice is currently focused on Creditor’s Rights, Banking and Commercial Finance, Commercial Loan Workout, Civil Litigation, and Corporate General Counsel Portfolio Management. In addition to his current practice focus, Bill has substantial experience in Contract Law, Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, Family Law, and General Litigation. Bill is currently a member of the Board of Governors for the CLLA, as well as the current Chair of the League’s Membership Committee. In his spare time, Bill enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, scuba diving, learning guitar, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Creditors’ Rights Best Practices-Virtual/Telephonic Litigation
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 

William Thrush  Bill Thrush is a shareholder and the Managing Principal of Friedman, Framme & Thrush, P.A., formerly known as Weinstock, Friedman & Friedman, headquartered in Owings Mills, Maryland, also with an office in Richmond, Virginia. Bill is an experienced trial attorney and has tried cases at all levels of court throughout the state of Maryland, as well as the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Bill’s practice is currently focused on Creditor’s Rights, Banking and Commercial Finance, Commercial Loan Workout, Civil Litigation, and Corporate General Counsel Portfolio Management. In addition to his current practice focus, Bill has substantial experience in Contract Law, Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, Family Law, and General Litigation. Bill is currently a member of the Board of Governors for the CLLA, as well as the current Chair of the League’s Membership Committee. In his spare time, Bill enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, scuba diving, learning guitar, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Creditors’ Rights Best Practices-Virtual/Telephonic Litigation
11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. 

Gary Tier is president and publisher of The Forwarders List of Attorneys, a reliable, trusted listing and portfolio of qualified, reputable attorneys who specialize in all aspects of collections, including commercial and retail receivables. Tier leads The Forwarders List, founded in 1922, with a commitment to blend FLA’s long, rich history of 99 successful years with 21st century customer service and technological initiatives. Gary is the youngest law list publisher in the industry. Gary has served two terms on the Board of Governors of the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA). He serves on key committees for the Receivables Management Association, Inc. (RMAI), the Commercial Collection Agencies of America (CCA of A) and the International Association of Commercial Collectors (IACC). He has been a presenter at conferences for the National Creditors Bar Association (NCBA) and the American Collectors Association (ACA International.) He is a past president of the Association of Law List Publishers and past Chair of the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Committee. Gary served on the Boards of the George School Children’s Center and One Simple Wish, a non-profit that helps to improve the lives of foster children. Gary graduated from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. His interests and hobbies include sports, fitness, cooking, reading, and traveling. He lives in Washington Crossing, PA, with his fiancé and their three children.

TRIADIC PANEL: Motivate Your Staff in the Virtual World
1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.