The American Financial Services Association (AFSA), a longstanding trade association dedicated to the consumer credit industry, has announced Celia Winslow as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Winslow steps into the role following Bill Himpler's retirement announcement in late 2024.
With nearly two decades of leadership within AFSA, Winslow previously held the positions of Executive Vice President and head of federal government affairs. Her tenure has been marked by significant advocacy for the consumer credit industry both on Capitol Hill and with federal regulators.
"I am honored to lead AFSA in a time of both challenges and opportunities for our members in the consumer-lending and vehicle-finance marketplace, as well as the tens of millions of American consumers they serve," Winslow stated. "I look forward to working with our talented team and continuing to advocate clear rules of the road for our industry and sound, appropriate protections for consumers. I am greatly appreciative of Bill Himpler’s leadership of our association, and his guidance and support over the past several years, and especially during this transition."
AFSA was established over a century ago. Its membership includes traditional installment loan companies, vehicle-finance firms, national banks, regional banks, credit card companies, and mortgage lenders. Collectively, these members originated more than $200 billion in consumer loans last year.
Dan Walters, CEO of Credit Central and Chairman of AFSA's Board, remarked on Himpler's contributions: “Bill Himpler worked tirelessly to grow our association in both size and influence during his tenure, and we are a much stronger organization as a result of his efforts.” He also expressed confidence in Winslow's capabilities: “Celia’s proven leadership and ability in the public policy, legal and regulatory arenas, along with the respect she has earned across all segments of our industry will be major assets for AFSA’s next chapter.”
Himpler will continue with AFSA through 2025 as a senior adviser after more than two decades with the organization. Reflecting on his time at AFSA since joining in 2004 as head of federal government affairs before becoming its senior leader in 2018, he said: “When I joined AFSA, I never thought it would be a twenty-year run, but this is a special organization with an amazing membership and a great team working on its behalf. It’s been an honor to lead AFSA, and I’m thrilled for Celia and the opportunities ahead for the organization under her leadership.”