American Fair Credit Council Announces New Board Member

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) announced today that it has appointed Dr. Diane Chen, Founder of Consumer Education Services, Inc. (CESI), to its Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Chen as she brings not only a wealth of knowledge, but decades of experience that will be vital to our continued success,” said AFCC President Robby H. Birnbaum. “Her council and expertise will undoubtedly strengthen AFCC’s ability to support consumers struggling with the overwhelming burden of debt.”

“I am excited and honored to take on this role with the AFCC, which has done incredible work to affect change in the debt settlement industry,” said Dr. Chen. “With my long service in this sector, I look forward to helping the AFCC achieve its goals.”

Dr. Chen founded CESI in 1998 and served as CEO until stepping down in 2017, remaining as CESI’s Board Director. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Chen spearheaded CESI’s effort to become one of the top credit counseling agencies in the United States. Following her departure from CESI, Dr. Chen created a nonprofit research-focused agency, The Institute of Consumer Money Management, and currently serves as a Board Member and its Executive Director.

Dr. Chen earned both her master’s and doctorate in adult education from North Carolina State University and is a recipient of the prestigious Triangle Business Journal’s Women in Business award, as well as the 2010 Business Leaders Women Extraordinaire award. Additionally, she currently holds positions as an Advisory Board Member of First Citizens Bank and Enterprising Women Magazine.

About the American Fair Credit Council

The American Fair Credit Council (AFCC) is the national association of professional Consumer Credit Advocates. The AFCC, and its member companies, work to represent the rights of consumers struggling with the overwhelming burden of debt. The AFCC has developed a strict Code of Conduct centered on best practices designed to protect the rights of consumers and require member companies to follow strict regulatory guidelines for operation. All AFCC members operate on a “No Advance Fee Model” and never charge a fee for services until a consumer’s debt has been successfully negotiated.