She strongly believed that the successful operation of the association was dependent not only on the effectiveness of its individual members, but also on the cooperation and teamwork of all.

She was the driving force behind the reaffiliation of the Credit Research Foundation and NACM and helped to establish the framework for NACM’s National Data Base (later to become United Affiliates). The same year that Alice chaired the national board, she was diagnosed with leukemia. Those who knew Alice knew a woman who, through her entire life, excelled in every way—an outstanding individual whose commitment to excellence was constantly evident.

Only a handful of her associates realized she was ill because she remained active and continued to lead the Association.

Alice died on October 30, 1993 after a long battle with cancer. In 1990, NACM Western Washington-Alaska established the Alice M. H. McGregor Scholarship Fund to recognize the many contributions Alice made to the affiliate and to the National NACM. The fund provides educational opportunities to credit professionals.

Because Alice was an avid golfer, the affiliates annual golf tournament also bears her name and some of the funds raised go to the Scholarship Fund.

It seemed natural that because of her outstanding contributions to NACM and the credit profession, in 1994, the NACM Honors and Awards Committee named its most prestigious award after Alice. This distinguished award, the Alice M. H. McGregor Award for Special Achievement is bestowed on those individuals who have demonstrated significant accomplishments in the credit profession and have made major contributions to NACM and its members through volunteer leadership and outstanding service.

When asked about the secret to her success, Alice said, simply “hard work.” Alice M. H. McGregor, CCE left a legacy that will never be forgotten.

Alice M. H. McGregor Chairman, 1989-1990

Alice M. H. McGregor, CCR. Chairman, 1989-1990, a distinguished leader and role model in the field of credit and financial management, was born in Port Glasgow, Scotland, educated at the Trinity Academy of Edinburgh, Burroughmuir Business College, Edinburgh Business College and the London Graduate School of Business.

She graduated from NACM’s Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management, London in 1978 and was the first women to receive the NACM Certified Credit Executive (CCE) designation.

Alice served in the British Air Force during World War II and met her future husband, George who was with the Royal Canadian Air Force in England. After the war, the McGregors settled in Canada and then relocated to Oregon, where McGregor began her career as an accounts receivable bookkeeper. The McGregors moved to Seattle in the mid 1950’s, where Alice joined the credit department at Puget Sound Salvage & Equipment Co. and grew with the company so that by the time it had become Pacific Industrial Supply Company, she was a co-owner. Ultimately she became its president.

McGregor was well know for her dedicated service at her local affiliate, NACM Western Washington Alaska, serving many capacities, and ultimately serving as chairman. In 1985, she was elected Credit Executive of the Year.

She was a leading figure in NACM-CFDD Seattle and was named Credit Woman of the Year in 1976. She was President of the Pacific-Northwest Credit Council—an advisory group representing the affiliates in Seattle and Spokane, Washington and Portland Oregon. She served as president of the Western Washington Chapter of the Graduate School of Credit & Financial Management Alumni Association.

When Alice’s husband died in 1962, she was left with the sole responsibility of bringing up their daughters, Karen, Jan and Joyce. Despite her corporate career and association responsibilities, she was devoted to her family, rarely missing dinner and taking the time to sip tea with them and listen to their dreams. She received the highly regarded PTA (Parent Teacher Association) Golden Acorn Award in recognition of her service to the Highline School District.

Alice strongly believed in the importance of membership in NACM. She was a member for 29 years, with the Association playing an important role in her credit and financial management career. Her support and contribution to the National programs and activities was phenomenal. She served on many committees, chairing some. She believed in the importance of continuing education, and throughout her life was always learning, always teaching and always a fine leader.

She was active in the Credit Research Foundation, particularly at the time the Foundation was administering NACM’s education programs, and she served on their board of trustees. She conducted numerous seminars and served as a mentor to others interested in joining the credit profession.

Her leadership at the national level led to many accomplishments, the most important of which was her chairmanship. With her strong guidance, she brought the association through a very difficult transition period. Her theme for the year was “Communication: The Key to Success” and the foundation for her success was her four C’s of Credit: Communication, Cooperation, Commitment, and Confidence.