Mike Croxson, Chief Executive Officer
Mike Croxson joined CESI as CEO in 2017 bringing more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. He oversees all the operational, financial and community development functions of the company.
Mike’s skills include a particular focus on adapting new technology to meet the needs of consumers struggling with their financial situation. For more than a decade, Croxson served as president and chief operating officer for CareOne Debt Relief Services, one of the nation’s largest and most innovative debt management companies. Just prior to joining CESI, Mike served as Chief Operating Officer of Bay Bank, FSB and has held senior leadership roles in the areas of commercial banking, specialty financial services and credit card processing.
Mike earned his BA from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville and went on to complete the Program for Executive Manager Development at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He earned the designation of SPHR from the Society for Human Resource Development and is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor.
Mike’s community involvement includes service with national and local non-profit and community-based organizations.
Steven Cole, Treasurer/Director of Finance
Since 2006, Steve has led CESI’s Finance and Accounting departments as the Director of Finance.
With 25+ years of experience in the accounting and finance field, Steve’s expertise ensures that corporate assets are safeguarded through internal controls and accurate financial records.
Steve is a graduate of National College of Business in South Dakota and has held multiple positions in finance and management for Fortune 500 companies. He has worked with internal auditing, finance, long range plans and served as subsidiary controller position. Steve has been licensed as a CPA for more than 20 years and is also a certified BV auditor.
Robb Czyzewski, General Manager
Robb Czyzewski is CESI’s General Manager and focuses on leading the marketing, counseling, and customer care teams. Robb joined CESI in 2020, bringing with him more than two decades of operational and financial expertise in growing teams and businesses from small startups to public companies. His experience includes strategic planning and execution of those plans, often including the use of new technologies and processes to help companies achieve their goals.
Prior to joining CESI, Robb was VP, Delivery and Operations at Globant, a digital transformation and technology consulting and IT services company with over 12,000 employees in 15 countries. At prior companies, Robb played a critical role in overseeing client delivery through leadership of the project management and account services teams as well as overseeing financial and production management system implementations. Robb also led operations, web marketing and program management teams throughout his career.
Robb graduated from Drew University with a BA in Economics and a minor in business management. He has completed numerous leadership courses at the Bell Leadership Institute and has implemented several business “operating systems” such as Rockefeller Habits, EOS, and Rhythm Systems. Additionally, Robb is a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) for Agile software and product development.
Jean Elias, Vice President of Marketing
Jean Elias joined CESI in 2015 as Vice President of Marketing bringing with her over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, including the debt relief and structured settlement verticals. Passionate about customer experience and financial education, Jean has spent over a decade connecting highly leveraged consumers to products and services aimed at improving their financial outlooks and achieving their goals.
Jean began her career in public accounting before moving over database and digital marketing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University in Economics and is a member of Delta Gamma Fraternity.
Christel McDuffie, Director of Creditor Services and Compliance
Christel began her career at CESI Solutions in 2002 as a credit counselor. Since then, she has also served as Assistant Education Director, State Licensing Coordinator and is currently the Director of Creditor Services and Compliance.
In her current role, Christel is responsible for ensuring CESI adheres to all state and federal regulations concerning debt management as well as creditor guidelines. Her other responsibilities include managing all functions of the Creditor Services and Resolutions departments.
Christel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as well as a Credit Counselor Certification from the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education.
As Director of Housing Development, Greg serves in the important role of leading our housing counseling team to better serve and assist the families we speak to every day.
Greg is a 20-year distinguished career veteran of the United States Army and a graduate of Pierce College in Tacoma, Washington.
After leaving the Army Greg worked in communications as an independent sales representative helping build a sales force of over 300 agents. He has extensive experience in training, teaching and motivation.
Greg joined CESI in 2002 and is the Director for our HUD approved Homeownership Center. Greg is a HUD Certified Housing Counselor and a Certified Reverse Mortgage Counselor,