2008-10-02 21:50:01 -

www.tascsite.org - The Association of Settlement Companies (TASC), a non-profit organization that promotes fair business practices, consumer protection and high industry standards for the debt-settlement industry, announced today new officers for its executive board. Executive board member Chris Kesterson was elected President of the organization; David Leuthold will continue to serve as Vice President; John Philbin will now serve as Treasurer; and new executive board member David Prince will serve as Secretary.

"Our newly appointed officers will be essential to the success of our growing organization, and we look forward to their insight and contributions on the board," said Robby Birnbaum, executive board member of TASC and Partner at Greenspoon Marder in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. "TASC's goal is to

continue to strengthen the reputation of our organization through outstanding leadership and top-tier member companies that represent superior customer service for the debt settlement industry."

TASC President Chris Kesterson is President and Chief Executive Officer of Debt Settlement America, headquartered in Dallas. Prior to founding Debt Settlement America, Kesterson was a financial consultant for numerous Fortune 500 companies. He has held positions as budget and analysis manager, and corporate controller for other corporate entities. Kesterson, who has been involved in corporate finance and financial consulting for 20 years, is a member and certified debt arbitrator of the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators. He received his master's of business administration degree from the University of New Orleans and his bachelor's degree from Tulane University.

TASC Vice President David Leuthold is Chief Executive Officer of Century Negotiations Inc. in North Huntingdon, Pa. He also heads up UCAN, the United Consumer Advocacy Network. Prior to his work in the debt-settlement industry, Leuthold was a senior auditor for the U.S. General Accounting Office, and served as a federal executive on the President's staff in Washington, D.C. Prior to establishing Century Negotiations, he was involved in developing a national seminar program promoting debt-free living. Leuthold is a graduate of Penn State.

TASC Treasurer John Philbin is President and Chief Executive Officer of Debt Remedy Solutions LLC in Boca Raton, Fla., which he founded in 2005. Philbin is also Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Square One Debt Settlement LLC in Sunrise, Fla., a back-end service provider to companies in the debt-settlement industry. He holds a bachelor's degree from Long Island University.

TASC Secretary David Prince is President and Co-Founder of Square One Debt Settlement. A licensed attorney, Prince has been a member of the Florida, Colorado and Washington, D.C., Bar Associations for more than 13 years. During this time, Prince founded several technology and service companies. Prior to attending law school, he worked with Stephen Brobeck, Executive Director of the Consumer Federation of America. Prince earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Miami, School of Law, with a focus in corporate finance and banking law. He also received a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland in consumer economics.

About The Association of Settlement Companies (TASC)

The Association of Settlement Companies (TASC) promotes fair business practices, consumer protection and industry standards for the debt settlement industry. TASC, founded in 2005, serves to protect consumers through establishing and enforcing best practices and standards for debt settlement companies. The organization also protects its member companies through lobbying efforts at the state and national levels, as well as awareness initiatives to educate consumers on debt settlement as a financial solution. For more information, visit www.tascsite.org.

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Elizabeth Cornelius, 972-716-0500 ext. 26
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Ashley Smith, 972-716-0500 ext. 20
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