The CMI Executive Team
Thomas A. Stockton
CEO
Tom Stockton was one of the three original founders of CMI when it was established in 1985. He was President from 1987 through January 2012 and became CEO in 1997. Upon honorable discharge from the US Navy in 1967, he attended Connecticut School of Broadcasting in Hartford, Connecticut and later Empire State College in New Paltz, New York. He began his career in the cable television industry in 1971 as a sales executive for Dolphin Communications. Mr. Stockton has been in active management in the collection business for over 27 years. He is a certified collector and holds a Scholar in Collection Business Management degree from American Collectors Association. He is a 1998 recipient of the Beacon Award for outstanding support and leadership in helping advance ACA's federal legislative initiatives. Tom served as President of ACA of Texas (2008–09) receiving the Al Knox, Ken Harris and Chris Croly awards for outstanding service in Texas. Tom was awarded the prestigious IFCCE designation in 2011. He currently serves as President for ACA International for 2012–13. As CEO, Mr. Stockton continues in active day-to-day management of The CMI Group.
Carrie Finney
President and Chief Financial Officer
Carrie Finney is the President and Chief Financial Officer for The CMI Group. Carrie began her career with CMI in 1998 as Accounting Manager and over the years she has held the position of Controller, Vice President of Finance, in 2008 she was promoted to CFO, and in January 2012, Carrie was named President. Carrie came to CMI with 7 years of corporate accounting experience. Carrie is active in the American Collectors Association (ACA) of Texas, serving as a unit director and holding seats on various committees. She received her Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Texas at Dallas and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Linda Wright
Vice President of Human Resources
In her current role she helps manage and assists in human resource issues, employee relations, recruiting, benefits, payroll and the administrative functions. Ms. Wright began her career with The CMI Group over 15 years ago as a collector and Supervisor for the call center while completing her degree at the University of Texas in Arlington. With her customer service attitude, leadership abilities and collections knowledge, she was later promoted to Customer Care Manager overseeing the Data Entry and Customer Service Group for two years. Once the opportunity to move into Human Resources presented itself, she jumped into the role of corporate recruiter and HR generalist for three years, later Director and most recently as Vice President. Her experience of having worked either in or directly with all areas of the company gives Ms. Wright a unique insight into the hiring needs and challenges each manager faces daily.
Ron Elgin
Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Ron has over 20 years of telecommunications and cable experience ranging from customer relationship management, new product development and sales. His background includes managing the credit policy and strategy for Verizon Wireless to managing the business development for a large outsourcing company in the collections industry. Ron graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and currently resides in Atlanta, GA.
Bethan Cross
Vice President of Operations
Bethan is currently managing all the Call Center Activities for the CMI Group and is responsible for the implementation of Operational strategies. She has been with The CMI Group for 1 year and has over 30 years experience in the UK & Far East, mainly in the Banking and Finance Industry. For 8 years prior to joining The CMI Group, Bethan was a senior member of the Executive team, for a leading Debt Purchase Company in the UK. She has vast experience in Resource and Call Center management, the design and implementation of Collection strategies and Change Management.
Matt Ernst
Chief Information Officer
Matt has over 25 years of technology experience with customers in the banking, insurance, telecommunications, and cable industries. His background includes custom solutions while providing outsourced services utilizing various technologies with a strong focus on business intelligence. Matt graduated from Millikin University with a Bachelor of Science degree.
Chris Meier
General Counsel and Vice President of Compliance
Chris Meier serves as General Counsel and Vice President of Compliance to The CMI Group and is responsible for managing all legal aspects of the company’s operations as well as ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. He joined the company in 2008 after working for an insurance defense firm in Dallas, TX, that specialized in defending collection agencies against FDCPA and FCRA lawsuits. Chris is an active member of ACA International and ACA-Texas and has served as a guest presenter at several conferences covering topics such as Legislative Reform and In-House Litigation Strategies. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arkansas and received his Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.
Jim Hess
Executive Director of Business Development
Jim brings to CMI over 25 years of receivables management experience with distinct expertise in the debt purchasing industry. For 20 years prior to joining The CMI Group, Jim was a senior member of a leading receivables management firm specializing in the communications industry. As a senior member Jim directed the development and delivery of receivables solutions ranging from outsourced call center operations to debt purchasing programs. He is a certified collector and holds a Scholar in Collection Business Management degree from American Collectors Association. Jim graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science degree.
