Michael James Sutherland

Michael James Sutherland, of Arlington, VA, died on Friday, September 6, 2013 at his home surrounded by family and friends. He was 51. He was born on January 8, 1962 in Washington, DC. He graduated from Potomac High School and attended the University of Maryland for three (3) years.

In 1993 he founded American Collections Enterprise, Inc., where he also served as President & CEO. A native of the Washington Metropolitan area, Michael had 26 years of comprehensive credit and collections experience in the banking, medical, retail, commercial, property management and auto industries. Michael is a past president of Credit Professionals International of Fairfax, Virginia, certified by the American Collectors Association and through ACA, earned Scholar and Fellow Degrees each in Collection Management.

In 1996, 1998 and 1999, Michael received the "Beacon Award" from the American Collectors Association for his outstanding support and leadership in advancing the ACA's federal legislative initiatives. During his two-year term as Education Chair for the Virginia Collectors Association (2000 – 2002), collector education in the state of Virginia reached record levels. Michael is a past president of the Virginia Collectors Association and at the time of his death sat on its Board of Directors.

In addition to his work with VCA, Michael is a former member of the Board of Directors of ACA International and past Chairman of the ACA International Interstate Licensing Committee. In 2007, Michael was inducted into the ACA International’s International Fellowship of Certified Collectors (IFCCE) and was awarded a Master Credit Executive Certification (MCE). The IFCCE and MCE designations are presented to only a few individuals annually and are the highest distinction within the ACA International Association.

A unique charismatic soul, avid sports fan, and gifted entrepreneur, Michael prized his family and friendships above all else. He will be so greatly missed. Michael James is survived by his partner of 21 years, W. Patrick McNemar, his mother, Emma Jean Sutherland of Pomfret, Maryland, and predeceased by his father Howard Sutherland. Michael James is also survived by his siblings, Pamela S. Tackish, of Pomfret, Maryland, Phyllis A. Hall of Nickelsville, Virginia, Tammy M. Benjers of Owings, Maryland, Howard L. Sutherland of Waldorf, Maryland and Eddie J. Sutherland of Waldorf, Maryland. He also was a beloved uncle and great-uncle with 16 nieces and nephews and 4 great-nieces and nephews. A memorial service is scheduled at National Memorial Cemetery in Falls Church, VA at 1 p.m. on September 14, 2013. Memorial gifts may be made in Michael’s name to Washington Cancer Institute – Sarcoma Fund or American Humane Society.