GALR Wraps Up Annual Convention with a Change of Leadership

John Newberry Places GALR’s Leadership into Emily Hemmings Hands

On January 9th and 10^th, the Georgia Association of Licensed Repossessors (GALR) held their annual convention at Lanier Islands, Georgia. The crowd of GALR members, vendors and speakers was even greater than the year before. But aside from the outstanding presentations and attendance, the door of leadership change opened and the keys to the association were passed from one great leader to another.

Change

On January 12^th, the GALR posted the following:

During the GALR Annual Convention, members elected new leadership for the Presidential term. We extend our sincere thanks to John Newberry for his dedicated service as President from 2020–2026.

We are pleased to welcome Emily Hemmings, formerly Vice President, as the new President of GALR, and Clayton Merritt as Vice President. Congratulations to our new leadership team!

A Warm Farewell

As a founding member of GALR and a recovery industry record of excellence, John’s leadership will surely be missed. In parting, John posted to Facebook the following:

As I transition from my role as President of GALR, I want to take a moment to say thank you.

As a founding member, I’ve had the privilege of seeing this association grow from an idea into a strong, unified voice for our industry. Like any startup, the early days weren’t easy. There were long conversations, hard decisions, growing pains, and moments where belief mattered more than certainty. But what carried us forward was a shared commitment to doing things the right way and standing together when it mattered most.

Today, GALR is an established, respected organization built on integrity, professionalism, and collaboration. Seeing where we started compared to where we are now is something I will always be proud of.

As I step away from the presidency to focus more deeply on growing my business and begin my new role as Director with ARA, I do so with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. This is a transition into a new way of serving and advocating for our industry on a broader stage.

I have confidence in the leadership moving forward and encouragement for what GALR will continue to accomplish. The foundation is solid, the mission is clear, and the future is so bright.

Thank you for the trust, the support, and the belief. Onward and upward.

Leading the Association Forward

GALR Wraps Up Annual Convention with a Change of Leadership Incoming President and former Vice President Emily Hemmings is no stranger to GALR or industry leadership herself. She is a co-founder!

Over the past 30 years, as co-founder of Quick Recover Services, Inc (QRS), she’s proudly helped build a company that excels in asset recovery while fostering a culture of integrity and excellence. Their team’s achievements reflect her dedication to ethical practices and transformative leadership in the repossession industry.

Emily Hemmings serves the role as President at QRS and has received numerous honorable mentions including:

Rookie of the Year Award – Allied Finance Adjusters in her 1st year of membership with the association in 2014.
Agency Owner of the Year Award – NARS 2021 – This award goes to an owner who has at least a three-year commitment of excellence within their company and the collateral recovery industry.
Honoree of Ladies in Collections & Recoveries highlighting exceptional leadership in the automotive industry.
Speaker at Used Car Week 2024
2024 Used Car Week – Women in Collection & Recoveries Award

Emily is not only more than qualified, but perfectly suited to carry on where John left off and will doubtlessly take GALR yet further. Congratulations to all!

GALR’s Commitment

GALR remains dedicated to working collaboratively across the industry to ensure that Georgia consumers and Georgia’s small business repossession companies receive the fair and lawful treatment that the General Assembly has clearly established in statute.

Media Contact

Georgia Association of Licensed Repossessors (GALR)

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