GALR – A Letter from Our President

First and foremost, thank you.

Thank you to all our members for the trust you’ve placed in me, and for the opportunity to serve as President of this association.

I want to be honest with you today.

Standing here today does push me beyond my comfort zone, and I say that with sincerity. I’ve always been drawn to the kind of work that happens through quiet dedication and behind the scenes, so it means a great deal to be trusted with this role.

But what I’ve learned is this:

Growth rarely happens where we are comfortable.

And sometimes, leadership asks us to step forward, not because we want the spotlight, but because the responsibility matters more than the fear.

I accept this role because I believe deeply in this association, in our members, and in the work, we do every single day. I believe that when we work together, we are stronger, more credible, and better equipped to protect the integrity of our industry.

My vision for GALR isn’t about one voice leading from the front. It’s about every member’s voice working together. It’s about every single one of us, our shared values, our collective responsibility, and our willingness to move forward together.

I want this to be an association where members are engaged, where ideas are shared, and where people are encouraged to step into roles that align with what they’re passionate about. When people are given space to contribute in meaningful ways, they don’t just show up, they invest.

I am grateful for your confidence. I am humbled by your support.

And I am committed to serving this association with honesty, fairness, and respect. Sincerely, thank you for believing in me …

I also want to take a moment to bring everyone up to speed at work that’s already underway.

On Monday January 12^th, I hit the ground running and began my first day by appointing our new Legislative Committee Chair and Co-Chair. I received a phone call, just before 9am from Richard Grosvenor of Speedy Recovery Services, Inc. Richard called to offer his support, encouragement, and help. Before I could allow him to get off the call, I asked if he would be willing to serve as GALR’s Legislative Committee Chair, working alongside Co-Chair Bryan Dean of Undertow, LLC.

Richard didn’t hesitate. He proudly accepted the position and immediately jumped in with Bryan. Within forty-eight hours, the two of them presented a legislative proposal to the board. That proposal was approved and is already in the hands of our state representative.

By Wednesday the 14^th the board set up a Personal Property Standards Committee. I am pleased to appoint John Newberry of Eagle Eye Recovery and Jessica Merritt of Artis Recovery as Co-Chairs of the committee. John and Jessica will serve in equal roles, working collaboratively to lead this committee’s efforts. Both have consistently demonstrated dedication to this association, a strong work ethic, and a genuine commitment to raising standards and supporting best practices within our industry.

This level of commitment and collaboration reflects what this association can achieve when we focus on member participation and prioritize collective effort.

As we move forward, I would also like to ask each member who is not currently serving on a committee to take a moment to consider where you feel most passionate about contributing. Every one of you brings experience, insight, and perspective that strengthens this association. My goal is for all members to play an active role in shaping our future, because GALR is strongest when we move forward together.

I can’t wait to see what GALR can achieve in 2026, and I look forward to working side by side with each of you~

GALR has our standing monthly membership call this Wednesday, January 21^st at 3pm via Zoom. Our Zoom link has changed. All members, please check your email for the new link. All monthly calls will remain as they have since 2020, which is every 3^rd Wednesday of the month at 3pm EST.

Emily Hemmings

President

Georgia Association of Licensed Repossessors (GALR)

Email: [email protected]

Office: 678-257-7167

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.

GALR Wraps Up Annual Convention with a Change of Leadership