Chicago Biographies

Frank Abagnale

Brought to you by United TranzActions

Frank Abagnale is one of the world’s most respected authorities on forgery, embezzlement, secure documents, cybercrime, and scams. For over 49 years, he has worked with, advised, and consulted hundreds of financial institutions, corporations, and government agencies worldwide. Mr. Abagnale has been associated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for over four decades. He lectures at the FBI Academy and for the FBI field offices. On January 18, 2023, Mr. Abagnale was the recipient of the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award given by InfraGard, which, along with the FBI, honored Mr. Abagnale for his longtime work with InfraGard, the FBI, and the FBI CyberCamp. On June 12, 2023, he was made an honorary member of the Society of Former Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He is a former faculty member at the National Advocacy Center (NAC), which is operated by the Department of Justice, Executive Office for the United States Attorneys. In 1998, he was selected as a distinguished member of “Pinnacle 400” by CNN Financial News – a select group of 400 people chosen on the basis of great accomplishment and success in their fields. He has also written numerous articles and books, including The Art of the Steal, The Real U Guide to Identity Theft, Stealing Your Life, and his most recent book, Scam Me If You Can – Simple Strategies to Outsmart Today’s Rip-off Artists.

Amy Cook, CCE

McNaughton-McKay Electric Co.

Amy has been a credit/AR professional since 1999. She has a BA from Spring Arbor University in Management and Organizational Development and is currently a regional credit manager for McNaughton McKay Electric Company. Amy is actively serving as a board member for NACM Connect.

Eli Costea, Chief Operating Officer
NetNow

Eli Costea is the Co-Founder and COO of NetNow, where he leads the development of innovative fintech solutions for modern credit departments. His hands-on experience managing Accounts Receivable and Credit functions in his family’s distribution business gave him unique insights into the challenges facing credit professionals today. This practical background drives his passion for transforming traditional AR processes through digital automation and efficient credit management tools.

Terri Eggebeen, Manager, Credit and Collections
Fechheimer Brothers Co.

Terri Eggebeen brings over 35 years of dedicated experience in the credit and collections profession. Her career began in consumer credit, where she spent a decade building a strong foundation. She then transitioned into the corporate credit environment, where she thrived for 24 years, consistently driving results that directly impacted organizational profitability.
For the past nine years, Terri has been a key contributor at Fechheimer Brothers Co., headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Initially serving as Assistant Credit Manager, she led the Credit and Collections team with distinction. On January 2, 2024, Terri was promoted to Manager, Credit and Collections—a well-earned recognition of her leadership and expertise.
Terri credits much of her professional growth to long-time NACM member Jay Zimmerman, her former director and mentor. As she puts it, “Because of Jay’s leadership and mentorship of my career, I found my true passion in credit and risk mitigation. Jay is responsible for shaping my career path.”
Outside of work, Terri enjoys traveling with her husband, Shawn, exploring the open road on her Harley-Davidson, and spending time with her two beloved pit bulls, Zeus and Miss Millie.

Matt Fluegge, Vice President of Sales and Strategic Partnerships
United Tranzactions LLC

Matt Fluegge is the Vice President of Sales and Strategic Partnerships with United TranzActions (UTA), and prior to that, was an executive consultant with Worldpay. UTA is the nation’s largest check and ACH guarantee payments provider, and Worldpay is the world’s 2nd largest credit card processor. Matt is a 23-year industry veteran with considerable payment processing and credit card surcharging expertise. He has a Business Administration degree in Finance. In addition to being a national presenter on payment processing topics, Matt works one-on-one with B2B and B2C merchants to provide payment processing services that reduce risk and costs and improve security and operational efficiency.
At Uline, he leads a team responsible for reviewing the highest-risk customers and presents to executive management on a bi-weekly basis. He works with management to create new efficiencies for the department and helps develop the analytical skills of team members.

DeLinda Goodman, CCE
Leader, Global Credit Operations
Rotex Global, LLC

DeLinda Goodman, CCE, brings over 25 years of credit management experience and has been a Certified Credit Executive since 2007.
As the leader of global credit operations at Rotex Global, LLC in Cincinnati, OH, she oversees credit functions, including credit, accounts receivable, collections, and cash application across North America, Europe, and Japan.
A long-time member and leader within CFDD at both national and local levels, DeLinda is a passionate advocate for the field of credit and is dedicated to mentoring others and sharing her expertise with the next generation of professionals in the industry.

Nauman Hafeez, Chief Executive Officer
NetNow

Nauman Hafeez is the CEO of NetNow, a pioneering fintech company revolutionizing B2B trade credit operations. Under his leadership, NetNow has developed cutting-edge solutions that streamline the supplier-buyer credit relationship, enabling credit departments to make faster, more informed decisions. His entrepreneurial vision focuses on modernizing credit management through digital transformation, helping businesses adapt to evolving AR trends while maintaining strong customer relationships.

Brian Jackiw, Partner
Tucker Ellis

Brian Jackiw is a partner with the law firm of Tucker Ellis LLP. Brian is experienced in bankruptcy and commercial litigation, practicing in courts throughout the country. He has represented plaintiffs and defendants in avoidance actions, complex bankruptcy claim disputes, breach of fiduciary duty actions, and bankruptcy fraud litigation. Beyond litigation in the bankruptcy courts, Brian has experience in general collection and commercial law litigation. Brian has also spent significant time advocating on behalf of general unsecured creditors through his representation of official committees of unsecured creditors. Before becoming an attorney, Brian served as an Officer in the U.S. Army.

Angela Kinsel, Credit Account Specialist

Echo Electric

Originally from Taylorville, IL, Angela has lived in Springfield, IL, for over 20 years. She has been in her current role at Echo since November 2023. Before that, Angela had worked in the healthcare field managing an office for 17 years, communicating with insurance companies, attorneys, and patients to ensure claims were being processed and payments were collected. Although these weren’t her only tasks for her former position, she found it very beneficial working in credit for Echo. In Angela’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her boys (aka dogs, Tover and Jeff) and family.

Curtis Litchfield, CCE, Senior Credit Manager
Land O’Lakes/Purina

For the majority of his 30-year career with Purina Mills and Land O’Lakes, he has held various roles in Customer Financial Services. Within Customer Financial Services, his roles have involved managing a centralized and decentralized credit department where his team handles all functions of the credit department, from approving new customers, collecting past due balances, and working closely with business partners, sales, and marketing. In addition to managing credit, Curtis also manages the cash application team and the invoicing and document delivery process. Prior to joining Customer Financial Services, he spent 10 years of his career in sales and business development, where he prepared and presented financial and business analyses and assisted customers in developing business strategies. Curtis attended the NACM Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management, where he obtained his CCE designation.
For the last 8 years, he has been an instructor for NACM Connect in St. Louis. Curtis received the Credit Excellence Award in 2017.

Sarah Long, Corporate Account Executive
Bectran

Sarah Long is a Corporate Account Executive at Bectran. Over the last 3 years, Sarah has focused on consulting with companies across a wide range of industries to uncover their pain points in the credit & accounts receivable departments and implement the necessary tools needed to streamline their order-to-cash cycle.

Sean McCaffrey, Business Development Manager
Bectran

Sean McCaffrey is the Business Development Manager at Bectran, specializing in optimizing credit and A/R operations. With six years of experience, he has helped companies identify financial workflow challenges and implement solutions to streamline the order-to-cash cycle. Sean leads Bectran’s Business Development team and drives strategic enterprise projects.

Matt Mezger, CBA, CCRA, Team Lead
Uline Inc.

Matt Mezger, CCRA, is a team lead at Uline Inc. and has worked in credit for 8 years. He obtained his CCRA in April 2021 and his CBA in November 2022. He was a previous member of the Emerging Leaders Group, where he was a member of the Scholarship Committee and received the 2023 NACM Emerging Leadership Award from NACM National. Currently, he is a member of the Education Committee. Matt graduated from Northeastern Illinois with a degree in Economics in 2015.
At Uline, he leads a team responsible for reviewing the highest risk customers and presents to executive management on a bi-weekly basis. He works with management to create new efficiencies for the department and helps develop the analytical skills of team members.

Bruce S. Nathan, Partner, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Department
Lowenstein

With nearly 45 years of experience in the bankruptcy and insolvency space, Bruce Nathan is a recognized leader in trade creditor rights and the representation of trade creditors in bankruptcy and other legal matters. He has represented trade and other unsecured creditors, unsecured creditors’ committees, secured creditors, and other interested parties in many of the larger Chapter 11 cases that have been filed. Bruce also handles letters of credit, guarantees, security, consignment, bailment, tolling, precious metals leases, and other agreements with financially distressed counterparties, as well as other credit-related legal issues for institutional clients. Bruce’s experience spans a broad range of industries, including agriculture, food and beverage, paper, publishing, media, floor covering, furniture, chemicals, manufacturing, and precious metals.

Michael Papandrea, Counsel, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Department
Lowenstein Sandler

Michael Papandrea provides counsel to debtors, creditors’ committees, individual creditors, liquidating trustees, and other interested parties with respect to corporate bankruptcy and creditors’ rights matters, including bankruptcy-related litigation. Reliable and efficient, Mike is appreciated for his innate ability to effectively apply and convey his understanding of the law and general business principles with respect to complex issues, both while providing advice to clients and while aggressively advocating on their behalf. Mike works tirelessly to understand clients’ needs and provide practical solutions that are reasonable, balanced, and favorable to the clients he serves.

Caroline Perkins, CCE, Credit Manager
Mickey Thompson Tire Company

Caroline has been in the credit industry for 40 years. She has served as Credit Manager for Mickey Thompson Tires, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, for the past 38 years. She earned her CCE certification in 2012 from NACM and has participated in numerous credit interchange groups throughout the years. She is the winner of the “12th Man Award” in 2012 and the “Ironman Award” in 2014 from Mickey Thompson Tires.

Ryan Steiner, Corporate Credit Manager
Olympic Steel Inc.

Ryan Steiner is a seasoned credit and collections professional with 15 years of experience in the field. His career began in 2008 as a collector at Sherwin-Williams in Seattle. In 2011, he earned a Master’s degree in Education. In 2013, he left Sherwin-Williams to become Credit Supervisor for RSVP International. He relocated to Columbus in 2016, working there until his move to Cleveland in 2021 to work at the Sherwin-Williams headquarters in downtown Cleveland. He has been with Olympic Steel, Inc. as Corporate Credit Manager for the past two years.
Throughout his career, Steiner has worked across multiple industries, primarily focusing on B2B within manufacturing, aerospace, and commercial coatings. He finds the constant challenge of staying current with market conditions, sales goals, and current events to be the most rewarding aspect of his work in credit. The continuous need for improvement, coupled with researching customers, best credit practices, and financial theory, satisfies his passion for research and ongoing learning.

Rich Weiss, CBA, Corporate Credit Manager
Jaeckle Distributors 

Rich Weiss, CBA, is the Corporate Credit Manager at Jaeckle Distributors in Madison, WI, where he has served in that capacity since 2011. He has been in the credit industry for over 25 years and earned his CBA in 2013. Rich served on the Wisconsin Advisory Board as the Chairperson. Rich was on the NACM Connect Nominating Committee for fiscal year 2015-2016 and served on the Board of Directors for NACM Chicago Connect. He is a regular attendee at Credit Congress and the NACM Connect Conferences.

Mick Mason, Enterprise Account Executive
Handle

Mick Mason is an Enterprise Account Executive at Handle.com, where he partners with leading building material suppliers and distributors across North America to streamline lien rights management, waiver automation, and construction payments. He draws on a background that combines technology, the construction supply industry, and unique real-world experience as a survival instructor at Fairchild Air Force Base. Mick helps organizations modernize compliance and payment processes, reduce risk, and empower credit and finance teams to focus on strategic growth.

Nitsan Yerushalmi, COO, Co-Founder
Monto

Nitsan Yerushalmi is the Co-Founder and CCO of Monto. She previously worked at Dynamic Yield and holds a degree in Psychology and Business Administration from Reichman University (IDC Herzliya).

Brittany Yvon, CBA, CICP, Credit Manager
Seaboard International Forest

Brittany Yvon joined OMG, Inc. in Agawam, Massachusetts, as an Accounts Receivable Specialist in July 2016. In May 2021, she was promoted to Credit Manager. Brittany joined NACM in 2021 when she entered the NACM Connect Emerging Leaders program. She has been active with both National and Connect and has been instrumental in helping the NACM Connect membership team get programs up and running in Connecticut. Brittany has participated in the area’s quarterly meetings. She is also a member of the NACM Connect Education Committee, where she has helped plan the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Chicago Conferences.
Brittany earned the CICP designation in November 2021 and her CBA in June 2023. She won the 2024 National Emerging Leader Award, which was bestowed on her at the NACM Las Vegas Credit Congress.
Outside of NACM, Brittany won an industry award from HBS Dealer Magazine, naming her a Rising Star in its annual Top Women in Hardware and Building Supply, selected from among a record-breaking number of nominations of up-and-coming and high-performing industry leaders.
In January 2025, Brittany became the Credit Manager at Seaboard International Forest Products in Nashua, New Hampshire.
As of April 2025, Brittany is part of the NACM Connect Board of Directors. In her free time, Brittany enjoys going for walks with her dog Mojito, going to country concerts, traveling, and spending time with her husband Craig and her 2 bonus kids.

Brodie Oldham

As Vice President of U.S. Commercial Data Science, Brodie Oldham leads a multidisciplinary team of statistical consultants, scientists, modelers, and engineers who deliver cutting-edge, analytics-driven solutions. His team specializes in decisioning, AI-powered insights, and consumer and small business analytics and delivery to help clients make smarter, faster decisions. Brodie writes and speaks on behalf of Experian, frequently presenting credit market insights, the evolving role of artificial intelligence in financial services, and how small businesses can leverage strong credit fundamentals to access funding and grow successful ventures.
Global shifts and U.S. policy changes are reshaping credit in 2026. Using Experian’s macroeconomic insights, this session explores emerging risks and opportunities for lenders amid evolving regulations, geopolitical volatility, and growth sectors, offering a strategic lens on consumer and small business credit trends in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

OPENING Keynote Speaker

ROOM A  |  October 15

8:30 – 9:45 A.M. CT

Frank Abagnale

Brought to you by United TranzActions

Frank Abagnale is one of the world’s most respected authorities on forgery, embezzlement, secure documents, cybercrime, and scams. For over 49 years, he has worked with, advised, and consulted hundreds of financial institutions, corporations, and government agencies worldwide. Mr. Abagnale has been associated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for over four decades. He lectures at the FBI Academy and for the FBI field offices. On January 18, 2023, Mr. Abagnale was the recipient of the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award given by InfraGard, which, along with the FBI, honored Mr. Abagnale for his longtime work with InfraGard, the FBI, and the FBI CyberCamp. On June 12, 2023, he was made an honorary member of the Society of Former Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He is a former faculty member at the National Advocacy Center (NAC), which is operated by the Department of Justice, Executive Office for the United States Attorneys. In 1998, he was selected as a distinguished member of “Pinnacle 400” by CNN Financial News – a select group of 400 people chosen on the basis of great accomplishment and success in their fields. He has also written numerous articles and books, including The Art of the Steal, The Real U Guide to Identity Theft, Stealing Your Life, and his most recent book, Scam Me If You Can – Simple Strategies to Outsmart Today’s Rip-off Artists.

A Panel Discussion on Payment Processing Challenges and Remedies 

ROOM B  |  October 15

1:45 — 3:00 P.M. CT

Wanda Borges, Esq., Principal
Borges & Associates, LLC

Wanda Borges, ESQ., is the principal member of Borges & Associates, LLC, a law firm based in Syosset, New York. For more than forty-five years, Ms. Borges has concentrated her practice on commercial litigation and creditors’ rights in bankruptcy matters, representing corporate clients and creditors’ committees throughout the United States in Chapter 11 proceedings, out-of-court settlements, commercial transactions, and preference litigation; and serves as compliance counsel to corporations and associations. She is a member and Past President of the CLLA and Past Chair of its Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights Sections. She is a member of several bar associations, including the ABA, the ABI, and the NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers. Ms. Borges serves on the Board of Directors of the IACC. She is an internationally recognized lecturer and author for attorneys and trade credit grantors on various legal topics, including Bankruptcy Issues, the UCC, ECOA, FCRA, antitrust law, and current legal issues such as Credit Card Surcharge issues, Social Media, Cybersecurity and Ethics, and Artificial Intelligence. Ms. Borges is a published author and has received awards for excellence, dedication to her profession, and leadership from several organizations.

Understanding Bankruptcy Trends: How Unsecured Creditor Data Shapes Effective Credit Solutions 

ROOM B  |  October 16

12:45 — 2:00 P.M. CT

James Brown, Founder and Owner
BKwire

James Brown is the founder and owner of BKwire.com, an innovative web-based platform that provides streamlined bankruptcy data information, equipping businesses with actionable insights to proactively address bankruptcy risks. Drawing from a rich background of accounts receivable insurance and other financial services, James built BKwire.com to operate as an invaluable tool in safeguarding your business’s financial future and navigating today’s financial uncertainty. As a seasoned expert in corporate bankruptcy data analysis, James is a dedicated guide empowering businesses to make informed decisions in the face of financial uncertainty.

Scenario Analysis as an Essential Tool
for Credit Risk Management

ROOM C  |  October 15

11:45 A.M. — 12:45 P.M. CT

Sohini Chowdhury, PhD, FRM, Senior Director
Moody’s Analytics

Dr. Sohini Chowdhury is a Senior Director with Moody’s Analytics. She specializes in applying macroeconomic forecasts, scenarios, and models in different industries such as banking, insurance, government, and asset management. These applications include stress testing such as CCAR/DFAST and ORSA, impairment accounting such as CECL/IFRS9, and asset allocation. An experienced speaker, Sohini often presents at global industry conferences and roundtables on topics such as economic outlook, industry best practices for managing credit and market risks, portfolio modeling, and regulatory mandates. Sohini holds a PhD and a master’s degree in economics from Purdue University and a master’s degree in applied statistics from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. She is a GARP® certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM) and has been working at Moody’s Analytics since 2011.

Building Dashboards: What’s Out
There Off-The-Shelf and How do
You Build Your Own?

ROOM C  |  October 16

12:45  — 2:00 P.M. CT

Amy Cook, CCE

McNaughton-McKay Electric Co.

Amy has been a credit/AR professional since 1999. She has a BA from Spring Arbor University in Management and Organizational Development and is currently a regional credit manager for McNaughton McKay Electric Company. Amy is actively serving as a board member for NACM Connect.

Emerging Trends in the Credit Department-
Top AR Department Trends in 2025 & Beyond

ROOM B  |  October 15

11:45 — 12:45 P.M. CT

Eli Costea, Chief Operating Officer
NetNow

Eli Costea is the Co-Founder and COO of NetNow, where he leads the development of innovative fintech solutions for modern credit departments. His hands-on experience managing Accounts Receivable and Credit functions in his family’s distribution business gave him unique insights into the challenges facing credit professionals today. This practical background drives his passion for transforming traditional AR processes through digital automation and efficient credit management tools.

The Art of Negotiation

ROOM C  |  October 15

3:30 — 4:30 P.M. CT

Marc Davenport, AVP of Customer Experience
Caine and Weiner

Marc Davenport is a serial entrepreneur, wealth strategist, and business leader with over five decades of experience helping organizations improve sales, performance, and profitability.
He has successfully raised capital for entrepreneurs, bringing innovative products, services, and production methods to market, driving growth through strategic commercialization.
As AVP of Customer Experience at Caine & Weiner, Marc partners with finance, credit, and collections leaders to uncover the root causes of receivables challenges—whether it’s aging A/R, post-acquisition disruption, or limited internal resources. His approach goes beyond traditional vendor relationships, delivering strategic solutions that protect cash flow while preserving valuable customer relationships.

A Panel Discussion on Payment Processing
Challenges and Remedies

ROOM B  |  October 15

1:45 — 3:00 P.M. CT

Terri Eggebeen, Manager, Credit and Collections
Fechheimer Brothers Co.

Terri Eggebeen brings over 35 years of dedicated experience in the credit and collections profession. Her career began in consumer credit, where she spent a decade building a strong foundation. She then transitioned into the corporate credit environment, where she thrived for 24 years, consistently driving results that directly impacted organizational profitability.
For the past nine years, Terri has been a key contributor at Fechheimer Brothers Co., headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Initially serving as Assistant Credit Manager, she led the Credit and Collections team with distinction. On January 2, 2024, Terri was promoted to Manager, Credit and Collections—a well-earned recognition of her leadership and expertise.
Terri credits much of her professional growth to long-time NACM member Jay Zimmerman, her former director and mentor. As she puts it, “Because of Jay’s leadership and mentorship of my career, I found my true passion in credit and risk mitigation. Jay is responsible for shaping my career path.”
Outside of work, Terri enjoys traveling with her husband, Shawn, exploring the open road on her Harley-Davidson, and spending time with her two beloved pit bulls, Zeus and Miss Millie.

Standby Letters of Credit Bootcamp

ROOM B  |  October 16

8:30 A.M. — 9:45 A.M. CT

Thomas Fawkes, Partner
Tucker Ellis

Thomas Fawkes is a partner with the law firm of Tucker Ellis LLP in its Chicago office. Tom focuses his practice on bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, and financial restructuring matters, representing official committees, unsecured and secured creditors, debtors, financial institutions, post-confirmation trustees, and asset purchasers in chapter 11 and 7 bankruptcy cases, out-of-court restructurings, and liquidation proceedings throughout the United States. Tom also assists his clients in structuring commercial transactions with a view towards mitigating risk of future bankruptcy and insolvency losses. Among other honors, Tom has been recognized as an Illinois Leading Lawyer in Bankruptcy & Workout Law: Commercial, and by Chambers and Partners as one of the leading bankruptcy and restructuring attorneys in Illinois.

A Panel Discussion on Payment Processing
Challenges and Remedies

ROOM B  |  October 15

1:45 — 3:00 P.M. CT

Matt Fluegge, Vice President of Sales and Strategic Partnerships
United Tranzactions LLC

Matt Fluegge is the Vice President of Sales and Strategic Partnerships with United TranzActions (UTA), and prior to that, was an executive consultant with Worldpay. UTA is the nation’s largest check and ACH guarantee payments provider, and Worldpay is the world’s 2nd largest credit card processor. Matt is a 23-year industry veteran with considerable payment processing and credit card surcharging expertise. He has a Business Administration degree in Finance. In addition to being a national presenter on payment processing topics, Matt works one-on-one with B2B and B2C merchants to provide payment processing services that reduce risk and costs and improve security and operational efficiency.
At Uline, he leads a team responsible for reviewing the highest-risk customers and presents to executive management on a bi-weekly basis. He works with management to create new efficiencies for the department and helps develop the analytical skills of team members.

Building a Championship Credit Team and Staying
at the Top of Your Game

ROOM C  |  October 15

1:45 P.M. — 3:00 P.M.  CT

DeLinda Goodman, CCE
Leader, Global Credit Operations
Rotex Global, LLC

DeLinda Goodman, CCE, brings over 25 years of credit management experience, and has been a Certified Credit Executive since 2007.
As the leader of global credit operations at Rotex Global, LLC in Cincinnati, OH, she oversees credit functions, including credit, accounts receivable, collections, and cash application across North America, Europe, and Japan.
A long-time member and leader within CFDD at both national and local levels, DeLinda is a passionate advocate for the field of credit and is dedicated to mentoring others and sharing her expertise with the next generation of professionals in the industry.

Emerging Trends in the Credit Department-
Top AR Department Trends in 2025 & Beyond

ROOM B  |  October 15

11:45 — 12:45 P.M. CT

Nauman Hafeez, Chief Executive Officer
NetNow

Nauman Hafeez is the CEO of NetNow, a pioneering fintech company revolutionizing B2B trade credit operations. Under his leadership, NetNow has developed cutting-edge solutions that streamline the supplier-buyer credit relationship, enabling credit departments to make faster, more informed decisions. His entrepreneurial vision focuses on modernizing credit management through digital transformation, helping businesses adapt to evolving AR trends while maintaining strong customer relationships.

Standby Letters of Credit Bootcamp

ROOM B  |  October 16

8:30 – 9:45 A.M. CT

Brian Jackiw, Partner
Tucker Ellis

Brian Jackiw is a partner with the law firm of Tucker Ellis LLP. Brian is experienced in bankruptcy and commercial litigation, practicing in courts throughout the country. He has represented plaintiffs and defendants in avoidance actions, complex bankruptcy claim disputes, breach of fiduciary duty actions, and bankruptcy fraud litigation. Beyond litigation in the bankruptcy courts, Brian has experience in general collection and commercial law litigation. Brian has also spent significant time advocating on behalf of general unsecured creditors through his representation of official committees of unsecured creditors. Before becoming an attorney, Brian served as an Officer in the U.S. Army.

Cash Flow Analysis

ROOM D  |  October 15

1:45 — 3 P.M. CT

Case Study

ROOM D  |  October 15

3:30 — 4:30 P.M. CT

John Jaeger, CCE

John Jaeger, CCE, retired as the Manager of Credit and Collections from Follett Higher Education Group of River Grove, IL., in 2014, having completed almost 40 years in credit management. Jaeger worked in four different industries, servicing both domestic and international customers. He received his CCE designation in November 1999. He received his MBA from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL., and his BA degree in Management from Loras College, Dubuque, IA. Jaeger served on the Board of NACM Connect, including the position of Chairman of the Board. He has also served on various committees, including the Education and Conference Committees, on which he remains an active participant. During his career, Jaeger received the NACM National Instructor of the Year and the NACM National CCE Designation of Excellence Awards. He has also received the NACM Connect Credit Executive of the Year Award.

Challenges and Successes for Emerging Leaders

ROOM B  |  October 16

10:15 — 11:30 A.M. CT

Angela Kinsel, Credit Account Specialist

Echo Electric

Originally from Taylorville, IL, Angela has lived in Springfield, IL, for over 20 years. She has been in her current role at Echo since November 2023. Before that, Angela had worked in the healthcare field managing an office for 17 years, communicating with insurance companies, attorneys, and patients to ensure claims were being processed and payments were collected. Although these weren’t her only tasks for her former position, she found it very beneficial working in credit for Echo. In Angela’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her boys (aka dogs, Tover and Jeff) and family.

Financial Statement Analysis – Part 1

ROOM D  |  October 15

10:15 — 11:15 A.M. CT

Financial Statement Analysis – Part 2

ROOM D  |  October 15

11:45 A.M. — 12:45 P.M. CT

Curtis Litchfield, CCE, Senior Credit Manager
Land O’Lakes/Purina

For the majority of his 30-year career with Purina Mills and Land O’Lakes, he has held various roles in Customer Financial Services. Within Customer Financial Services, his roles have involved managing a centralized and decentralized credit department where his team handles all functions of the credit department, from approving new customers, collecting past due balances, and working closely with business partners, sales, and marketing. In addition to managing credit, Curtis also manages the cash application team and the invoicing and document delivery process. Prior to joining Customer Financial Services, he spent 10 years of his career in sales and business development, where he prepared and presented financial and business analyses and assisted customers in developing business strategies. Curtis attended the NACM Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management, where he obtained his CCE designation.
For the last 8 years, he has been an instructor for NACM Connect in St. Louis. Curtis received the Credit Excellence Award in 2017.

Credit Risk Mitigation and Fraud Prevention: Best Practices Starting with the Credit App

ROOM C  |  October 16

10:15 — 11:30 A.M. CT

Sarah Long, Corporate Account Executive
Bectran

Sarah Long is a Corporate Account Executive at Bectran. Over the last 3 years, Sarah has focused on consulting with companies across a wide range of industries to uncover their pain points in the credit & accounts receivable departments and implement the necessary tools needed to streamline their order-to-cash cycle.

Credit Risk Mitigation and Fraud Prevention: Best Practices Starting with the Credit App

ROOM C  |  October 16

10:15 — 11:30 A.M. CT

Sean McCaffrey, Business Development Manager
Bectran

Sean McCaffrey is the Business Development Manager at Bectran, specializing in optimizing credit and A/R operations. With six years of experience, he has helped companies identify financial workflow challenges and implement solutions to streamline the order-to-cash cycle. Sean leads Bectran’s Business Development team and drives strategic enterprise projects.

Challenges and Successes for Emerging Leaders

ROOM B  |  October 16

10:15 — 11:30 A.M. CT

Matt Mezger, CBA, CCRA, Team Lead
Uline Inc.

Matt Mezger, CCRA, is a team lead at Uline Inc. and has worked in credit for 8 years. He obtained his CCRA in April 2021 and his CBA in November 2022. He was a previous member of the Emerging Leaders Group, where he was a member of the Scholarship Committee and received the 2023 NACM Emerging Leadership Award from NACM National. Currently, he is a member of the Education Committee. Matt graduated from Northeastern Illinois with a degree in Economics in 2015.
At Uline, he leads a team responsible for reviewing the highest risk customers and presents to executive management on a bi-weekly basis. He works with management to create new efficiencies for the department and helps develop the analytical skills of team members.

Where is Chapter 11 Headed in
2026 and Beyond? 

ROOM B  |  October 15

10:15 — 11:15 A.M. CT

Bruce S. Nathan, Partner, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Department
Lowenstein

With nearly 45 years of experience in the bankruptcy and insolvency space, Bruce Nathan is a recognized leader in trade creditor rights and the representation of trade creditors in bankruptcy and other legal matters. He has represented trade and other unsecured creditors, unsecured creditors’ committees, secured creditors, and other interested parties in many of the larger Chapter 11 cases that have been filed. Bruce also handles letters of credit, guarantees, security, consignment, bailment, tolling, precious metals leases, and other agreements with financially distressed counterparties, as well as other credit-related legal issues for institutional clients. Bruce’s experience spans a broad range of industries, including agriculture, food and beverage, paper, publishing, media, floor covering, furniture, chemicals, manufacturing, and precious metals.

Where is Chapter 11 Headed in
2026 and Beyond? 

ROOM B  |  October 15

10:15 — 11:15 A.M. CT

Michael Papandrea, Counsel, Bankruptcy & Restructuring Department
Lowenstein Sandler

Michael Papandrea provides counsel to debtors, creditors’ committees, individual creditors, liquidating trustees, and other interested parties with respect to corporate bankruptcy and creditors’ rights matters, including bankruptcy-related litigation. Reliable and efficient, Mike is appreciated for his innate ability to effectively apply and convey his understanding of the law and general business principles with respect to complex issues, both while providing advice to clients and while aggressively advocating on their behalf. Mike works tirelessly to understand clients’ needs and provide practical solutions that are reasonable, balanced, and favorable to the clients he serves.

A Panel Discussion on Payment Processing
Challenges and Remedies

ROOM B  |  October 15

1:45 — 3:00 P.M. CT

Building Dashboards: What’s Out There Off-The-Shelf
and How do You Build Your Own?

ROOM C  |  October 16

12:45 — 2:00 P.M. CT

Caroline Perkins, CCE, Credit Manager
Mickey Thompson Tire Company

Caroline has been in the credit industry for 40 years. She has served as Credit Manager for Mickey Thompson Tires, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, for the past 38 years. She earned her CCE certification in 2012 from NACM and has participated in numerous credit interchange groups throughout the years. She is the winner of the “12th Man Award” in 2012 and the “Ironman Award” in 2014 from Mickey Thompson Tires.

Private Equity Risk and Reward

ROOM B  |  October 15

3:30 — 4:30 P.M. CT

Ryan Steiner, Corporate Credit Manager
Olympic Steel Inc.

Ryan Steiner is a seasoned credit and collections professional with 15 years of experience in the field. His career began in 2008 as a collector at Sherwin-Williams in Seattle. In 2011, he earned a Master’s degree in Education. In 2013, he left Sherwin-Williams to become Credit Supervisor for RSVP International. He relocated to Columbus in 2016, working there until his move to Cleveland in 2021 to work at the Sherwin-Williams headquarters in downtown Cleveland. He has been with Olympic Steel, Inc. as Corporate Credit Manager for the past two years.
Throughout his career, Steiner has worked across multiple industries, primarily focusing on B2B within manufacturing, aerospace, and commercial coatings. He finds the constant challenge of staying current with market conditions, sales goals, and current events to be the most rewarding aspect of his work in credit. The continuous need for improvement, coupled with researching customers, best credit practices, and financial theory, satisfies his passion for research and ongoing learning.

A Panel Discussion on Payment Processing
Challenges and Remedies

ROOM B  |  October 15

1:45 — 3:00 P.M. CT

Rich Weiss, CBA, Corporate Credit Manager
Jaeckle Distributors 

Rich Weiss, CBA, is the Corporate Credit Manager at Jaeckle Distributors in Madison, WI, where he has served in that capacity since 2011. He has been in the credit industry for over 25 years and earned his CBA in 2013. Rich served on the Wisconsin Advisory Board as the Chairperson. Rich was on the NACM Connect Nominating Committee for fiscal year 2015-2016 and served on the Board of Directors for NACM Chicago Connect. He is a regular attendee at Credit Congress and the NACM Connect Conferences.

Pioneering the Future: How Emerging Technology Will Transform Credit Teams

ROOM C  |  October 15

10:15 – 11:15 A.M. CT

Mick Mason, Enterprise Account Executive
Handle

Mick Mason is an Enterprise Account Executive at Handle.com, where he partners with leading building material suppliers and distributors across North America to streamline lien rights management, waiver automation, and construction payments. He draws on a background that combines technology, the construction supply industry, and unique real-world experience as a survival instructor at Fairchild Air Force Base. Mick helps organizations modernize compliance and payment processes, reduce risk, and empower credit and finance teams to focus on strategic growth.

The Future of Getting Paid: AI Agents for Supplier Portals

ROOM C  |  October 16

8:30 — 9:45 A.M. CT

Nitsan Yerushalmi, COO, Co-Founder
Monto

Nitsan Yerushalmi is the Co-Founder and CCO of Monto. She previously worked at Dynamic Yield and holds a degree in Psychology and Business Administration from Reichman University (IDC Herzliya).

Challenges and Successes for Emerging Leaders

ROOM B  |  October 16

10:15 — 11:30 A.M. CT

Brittany Yvon, CBA, CICP, Credit Manager
Seaboard International Forest

Brittany Yvon joined OMG, Inc. in Agawam, Massachusetts, as an Accounts Receivable Specialist in July 2016. In May 2021, she was promoted to Credit Manager. Brittany joined NACM in 2021 when she entered the NACM Connect Emerging Leaders program. She has been active with both National and Connect and has been instrumental in helping the NACM Connect membership team get programs up and running in Connecticut. Brittany has participated in the area’s quarterly meetings. She is also a member of the NACM Connect Education Committee, where she has helped plan the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Chicago Conferences.
Brittany earned the CICP designation in November 2021 and her CBA in June 2023. She won the 2024 National Emerging Leader Award, which was bestowed on her at the NACM Las Vegas Credit Congress.
Outside of NACM, Brittany won an industry award from HBS Dealer Magazine, naming her a Rising Star in its annual Top Women in Hardware and Building Supply, selected from among a record-breaking number of nominations of up-and-coming and high-performing industry leaders.
In January 2025, Brittany became the Credit Manager at Seaboard International Forest Products in Nashua, New Hampshire.
As of April 2025, Brittany is part of the NACM Connect Board of Directors. In her free time, Brittany enjoys going for walks with her dog Mojito, going to country concerts, traveling, and spending time with her husband Craig and her 2 bonus kids.

CLOSING Keynote Speaker

ROOM B  |  October 16

2:15 – 3:30 P.M. CT

Brodie Oldham

As Vice President of U.S. Commercial Data Science, Brodie Oldham leads a multidisciplinary team of statistical consultants, scientists, modelers, and engineers who deliver cutting-edge, analytics-driven solutions. His team specializes in decisioning, AI-powered insights, and consumer and small business analytics and delivery to help clients make smarter, faster decisions. Brodie writes and speaks on behalf of Experian, frequently presenting credit market insights, the evolving role of artificial intelligence in financial services, and how small businesses can leverage strong credit fundamentals to access funding and grow successful ventures.
Global shifts and U.S. policy changes are reshaping credit in 2026. Using Experian’s macroeconomic insights, this session explores emerging risks and opportunities for lenders amid evolving regulations, geopolitical volatility, and growth sectors, offering a strategic lens on consumer and small business credit trends in a rapidly changing economic landscape.