The CMI Executive Team
Over one hundred years of combined industry experience
Below you will find the CMI Executive Team bios:
- Tom Stockton - Founder, CEO
- Carrie Finney - President, Chief Financial Officer
- Jim Lynch - Chief Operating Officer
- Matt Ernst - Chief Information Officer
- Eric Gapinski - Vice President – Call Center
- Matt Isaacson - Chief Business Development Officer
- Chris Meier, Esq. - General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer
- Linda Wright - Chief Human Resources Officer
Tom Stockton - Founder, CEO
Industry advocate, family man, sports fan
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 since 1982. 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. Tom is a Past 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, Chief Financial Officer
Client advocate, dog lover, movie enthusiast
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), serving on various committees and having served as a director for the Texas unit. She received her Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Texas at Dallas and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Jim Lynch - Chief Operating Officer
Strategist, Automotive Enthusiast
Jim Lynch serves as Chief Operating Officer to The CMI Group and is responsible for the execution of the overall corporate vision. Jim brings more than 18 years of business strategy and operations experience that expands throughout the entire customer lifecycle from customer care to asset management. He is devoted to helping companies improve business performance through innovation and execution in many verticals all while keeping the customer experience at the forefront. Jim possesses a strong entrepreneurial spirit and has a unique blend of technology and business skills allowing him to plan for the future and consult with both our internal teams and external partners to solve for any current or future challenges. Prior to beginning his career in the ARM industry Jim was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army in 2000 and then studied Business Management at Central Texas College / Tarleton University. His previous military experience gave Jim the foundation to adapt and overcome any situation which he has applied to his daily life and towards achieving the goals for the business and our clients.
Matt Ernst - Chief Information Officer
Technology wizard, Illinois native, work-aholic
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.
Eric Gapinski - Vice President – Call Center
Dad, Coach, Sports Fanatic
Eric is responsible for the day to day operations of the call center. Eric joined CMI in June, 2012 and brought 15 years of experience in the collection industry which includes creating collection strategies and work flows for industries such as healthcare, utility, government, telecom, DDA, credit cards and others. Eric also plays an integral role in servicing our client’s needs by having consistent dialogue regarding their expectations.
Matt Isaacson - Chief Business Development Officer
Networker, Traveler, Runner
Matt Isaacson is responsible for leading the planning, development, and execution of new business acquisition, product/service innovation, marketing, and public relations strategies at The CMI Group. Passionate about growth and engagement, Matt joined CMI with more than 20 years’ experience building sales, marketing, and product roadmaps to drive enterprise value. His experience spans a variety of markets, including first and third party accounts receivable management, banking/financial services, government, higher education, healthcare, insurance, and telecommunciations. He is a graduate of St. Cloud State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in business administration and mass communications.
Chris Meier, Esq. - General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer
Attorney, Hogs Fan, Outdoor enthusiast
Chris Meier serves as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer 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.
Linda Wright - Chief Human Resources Officer
Employee sponsor, mom, knitter
In her current role she helps manage and assists in human resource issues, employee relations, recruiting, benefits, payroll and the administrative functions. Ms. Wright has been with The CMI Group since 1995 starting 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.