ACDR Appoints Andrew Shaw as Head of Research, Signaling a New Era of Data-Driven Advocacy
The ACDR, widely recognized as the foremost national advocate for the debt relief industry, has announced a major addition to its leadership team with the appointment of Andrew Shaw as its new Head of Research. This strategic hire underscores the association’s commitment to producing rigorous, evidence-based analysis at a time when consumer debt in America is accelerating at unprecedented levels.
With more than two decades of experience across the government, academic, and private sectors, Shaw brings deep expertise in quantitative analysis, public policy, data engineering, and technological evaluation—skills that are increasingly indispensable as the nation grapples with a rapidly evolving debt landscape. His appointment positions ACDR to strengthen its research capabilities, enhance its policy advocacy, and broaden its influence among policymakers, financial institutions, and consumer-facing organizations.
A Leader at a Pivotal Moment for American Consumers
The timing of Shaw’s appointment is significant. According to Federal Reserve data, household balances in the United States have climbed to historic highs, driven by inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, and shifting labor market conditions. Millions of consumers are struggling to meet their financial obligations, and demand for debt relief solutions has surged across demographics.
ACDR has long served as a bridge between consumers and the policymakers who shape financial protections. By bringing Shaw into the organization, ACDR is reinforcing its commitment to grounding all advocacy efforts in robust data and transparent research methodologies.
In announcing his new role, Shaw highlighted the organization’s critical position in today’s financial environment:
“ACDR is uniquely positioned to elevate the national conversation around consumer debt at a time when Americans’ household balances are reaching record highs,” Shaw said. “I am looking forward to helping lead the association’s work to provide data-based advocacy and educate stakeholders on the crucial role the debt relief industry plays in supporting consumers’ financial stability and opportunity.”
Shaw’s statements reflect a broader shift occurring not only within ACDR, but across the financial services landscape. As government agencies, congressional committees, and consumer advocates increasingly rely on complex datasets to craft meaningful policy, institutions like ACDR must provide both clarity and context. Shaw’s role is central to this mission.
A Career Defined by Data, Policy, and Public Service
Shaw’s professional background showcases a rare blend of analytical rigor, public policy expertise, and hands-on experience with emerging technologies.
Government and Legislative Experience
Shaw’s policy work spans some of the most influential institutions in U.S. governance, including:
- U.S. House of Representatives
- U.S. Senate
- Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
- North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management
These roles gave him a front-row seat to the legislative and regulatory processes that shape the financial well-being of millions of Americans. At the CBO and in legislative offices, Shaw worked directly on evaluating the economic impact of federal programs, analyzing budget proposals, and translating complex numerical findings into insights for policymakers.
His experience in both chambers of Congress adds further depth, allowing him to understand the pressures, priorities, and challenges lawmakers face as they confront issues such as debt regulation, consumer protections, and financial market oversight.
Academic and Data Engineering Expertise
Shaw has also worked at the intersection of data science and national security at North Carolina State University’s Laboratory for Analytic Sciences, where he held key data engineering roles. There he contributed to emerging analytic methodologies and supported research that integrates large-scale datasets, advanced modeling techniques, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.
His technical experience equips him with the tools to dissect complex financial trends, build robust data pipelines, and interpret consumer behavior—capabilities that are increasingly essential in an era of digital financial ecosystems and algorithm-driven lending models.
Private-Sector Leadership at Booz Allen Hamilton
Most recently, Shaw served at Booz Allen Hamilton, a global consulting firm known for its work in analytics, cyber engineering, and AI research for government and private-sector clients. At Booz Allen, he led extensive research and evaluation efforts focused on emerging artificial intelligence technologies.
This experience positions Shaw to bring a forward-looking approach to ACDR’s research agenda at a moment when AI-driven credit scoring, fintech solutions, and automated financial tools are reshaping the consumer debt landscape. His understanding of how AI intersects with public policy and consumer behavior will be a core asset as ACDR evaluates both the opportunities and risks created by rapid technological innovation.
ACDR’s Strategic Focus: Strengthening Research to Support National Advocacy
The Association for Consumer Debt Relief plays a critical role in supporting and advocating for the debt relief industry, which serves millions of consumers seeking structured, ethical pathways toward financial stability. The organization brings together industry providers, consumer advocates, and policymakers to ensure debt relief programs are transparent, accessible, and responsibly regulated.
With Shaw stepping into the role of Head of Research, ACDR aims to significantly expand its analytical capacity. His responsibilities will span multiple areas that are essential to shaping the future of the industry:
1. Guiding the Association’s Research Strategy
Shaw will oversee the development of a comprehensive research framework that aligns with ACDR’s mission. This includes identifying key areas of study, designing methodological approaches, and ensuring the organization produces research that is both credible and actionable.
2. Leading the Development of New Industry Reports and Analyses
ACDR regularly publishes studies on consumer debt trends, industry performance, and policy developments. Under Shaw’s leadership, these publications are expected to become more data-intensive, timely, and relevant to ongoing national debates about household financial health.
3. Monitoring Economic and Behavioral Trends Driving the Debt Crisis
As inflation, interest rates, consumer confidence, and labor market dynamics shift, ACDR must track how these trends affect real households. Shaw’s quantitative background will be instrumental in identifying correlations, forecasting risks, and highlighting emerging areas of concern.
4. Translating Complex Data Into Clear Insights for Stakeholders
One of Shaw’s strengths—honed through years of working with policymakers—is his ability to break down complicated datasets into clear narratives. This capability will be essential as ACDR communicates research findings to regulators, media outlets, consumer groups, and the broader public.
5. Supporting Advocacy Through Evidence-Based Findings
ACDR frequently engages with federal and state agencies on issues related to debt regulation, consumer protections, and industry standards. Shaw’s analytical leadership will help ensure the association’s recommendations are backed by robust evidence.
Leadership Endorsement: ACDR’s CEO Emphasizes the Value of Data-Driven Insight
Jason Mulvihill, President and CEO of ACDR, expressed strong enthusiasm for the appointment, emphasizing Shaw’s blend of technical and policy experience:
“Andrew’s experience working with complex data and translating it into clear, actionable insights will be a major asset in ACDR’s efforts to spotlight the debt relief industry’s direct impact on millions of consumers nationwide. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
Mulvihill’s statement highlights one of the central themes of ACDR’s strategy: the belief that data-driven insights are fundamental to telling the story of how debt relief programs help consumers regain financial stability.
Why This Appointment Matters: The Growing Importance of Research in Debt Relief
The American debt landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. Credit card balances have climbed sharply; student loan repayments have restarted after a years-long pause; auto loan delinquencies are rising; and many households remain financially fragile amid economic uncertainty.
In this environment, consumers increasingly turn to debt relief programs for structured assistance in managing overwhelming financial obligations. Yet the industry often faces scrutiny and misconceptions, making data transparency essential.
Shaw’s arrival at ACDR signals a clear commitment to:
- Documenting the real-world impact of debt relief programs
- Helping policymakers separate fact from misconception
- Providing rigorous, independent analysis on consumer outcomes
- Ensuring ethical providers are recognized and supported
- Strengthening industry standards through data-backed insights
By grounding advocacy in empirical research, ACDR aims not only to inform national conversations but also to shape the future regulatory environment that governs how consumers access financial relief services.
ACDR’s Evolving Role in a Digitized Financial World
As financial technologies continue to evolve at breakneck speed, the nature of consumer debt—and the means by which consumers seek help—is changing. Digital lending platforms, mobile banking, automated credit tools, and AI-driven financial products are influencing how debt is incurred, monitored, and managed.
Shaw’s expertise in emerging technologies places ACDR at the forefront of addressing questions such as:
- How will AI-driven lending models affect consumer debt risk?
- What safeguards are needed to ensure digital debt relief platforms remain transparent and ethical?
- How can data analytics be used to predict household financial crises before they escalate?
- What policy frameworks best support innovation while protecting consumers?
By merging traditional policy research with cutting-edge technological analysis, ACDR is preparing to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing financial ecosystem.
About the Association for Consumer Debt Relief
The Association for Consumer Debt Relief (ACDR) is the leading national association of debt relief companies. ACDR educates consumers and policymakers about debt relief and its benefits, holds debt relief companies to the highest standards, and protects and expands access to accredited debt relief services nationwide.
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