Join us for this In-Person PayTech Women Atlanta Chapter LinkUp!

Get Future Fluent with Synovus and PayTech Women Atlanta

This is an opportunity to both network and gain insights into industry topics that will help make you future fluent on issues and trends that are impacting financial technology today and will continue to do so well into the future. Whether you are interested in the new wave of technology heralded by Stablecoin, Agentic AI, security and authentication to mitigate fraud or something else, this interactive discussion panel will leave you enlightened and encouraged about the future of our industry.

Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres courtesy of the PayTech Women Atlanta Chapter and bottled water and soft drinks courtesy of Synovus while also having the opportunity to network and expand your network both before and after the panel event.

Agenda/Schedule:
6:00 – 6:30 PM Networking with light hors d’oeuvres & beverages
6:30 – 7:30 PM Future Fluency Panel
7:30 – 8:00 PM Networking with light hors d’oeuvres & beverages

No Charge to Attend, Donations to PTW Atlanta to offset catering expenses are most welcome and appreciated at this event. Many thanks to Synovus for sponsoring their space, expertise and talent, and to all our expert panelists!

What's In It For You:

• Gain the ability to express future fluency on Stablecoin, Agentic AI and other new wave technology topics of interest
• Understand how these technologies may impact your career, organization and the greater community
• Add several new and meaningful contacts to your network

Speakers:

Ania Lackey
Executive Director
Fintech Atlanta

Ania Lackey has spent over a decade working in Atlanta’s business and startup ecosystem, with a deep focus on building strategic partnerships that drive growth for entrepreneurs. Her passion lies in creating opportunities for founders by connecting them with the right networks, insights and resources to help their businesses thrive.

At Atlanta Tech Village, one of the nation’s largest startup hubs, Ania has played a key role in fostering collaborations between founders, investors and corporate partners. She works closely with companies to develop meaningful sponsorships, industry partnerships and community- driven initiatives that amplify impact and create long-term value for all stakeholders. Her ability to bridge the gap between startups and enterprise organizations has made ATV a dynamic launchpad for innovation.

Beyond ATV, Ania has worked with the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, helping both U.S. companies expand internationally and guiding foreign startups through the complexities of entering the U.S. market. Her extensive network spans global ecosystems and local innovation hubs, positioning her as a trusted connector in the startup and business community.

Ania’s work is grounded in relationships—she doesn’t just facilitate deals, she builds lasting partnerships that fuel growth. Whether she’s helping a founder gain their first enterprise customer, securing sponsorship for an ecosystem initiative or advising a company on U.S. market entry, her approach is always centered on empowering small companies to build confidence, scale strategically and succeed in new markets.

Kevin Dodson
CPO, Third Party Payments
Synovus

Kevin Dodson is a product innovation leader with more than 17 years of experience driving commercialization across industries. With a dual background in finance and technology, he’s led successful product launches and helped businesses stay ahead in the fast-moving payments space.

Known for translating complex technical concepts into clear strategies, Kevin fosters collaboration and promotes innovation across teams. His approach centers on leveraging expertise and effective communication to empower business lines and unlock growth in today’s competitive market.

Laura Gibson-Lamothe
PTW Board Secretary
Executive Director
Georgia Fintech Academy

Laura Gibson-Lamothe is a dynamic leader in the fintech industry, serving as the Executive Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy at Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business. With a mission to bridge the gap between academia and industry, Laura plays a pivotal role in developing and nurturing the next generation of fintech talent across the University System of Georgia's 26 institutions.

Leveraging over 18 years of experience in the fintech sector, Laura is renowned for her strategic vision and ability to foster collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders. She is deeply committed to advancing the fintech ecosystem in Georgia, driving innovation through partnerships, curriculum development and student engagement.

In addition to her role at the academy, Laura serves on the boards of PayTech Women and LaAmistad. At PayTech Women, an organization dedicated to empowering women in the payments industry, Laura actively supports initiatives that promote gender diversity and professional development within the fintech community. Her involvement with LaAmistad, a nonprofit focused on supporting Latino students and their families, reflects her dedication to education and community engagement, as she works to create opportunities and resources for underserved communities.

Laura’s leadership extends beyond the academy, as she frequently speaks at industry conferences, leads high-impact panels and contributes to key discussions on the future of fintech. Her expertise in fintech, payments and technology, combined with her passion for diversity and inclusion, positions her as a respected voice in the industry.

Laura’s dedication to student success is evident in her relentless pursuit of opportunities that connect students with real-world experiences and career pathways in fintech. She deeply appreciates the power of collaboration, working closely with industry stakeholders to ensure that the Georgia Fintech Academy remains at the forefront of fintech education. Her visionary leadership continues to drive the academy's growth, positioning it as a national leader in fintech talent development.

Kristin Slink
Fintech Market Strategist
FIS

Kristin Slink is a fintech strategist and LinkedIn Top Voice who helps financial institutions and fintechs connect market trends to real-world innovation.

At FIS, she creates and delivers thought leadership on AI and emerging technologies, engaging clients in conversations that spark ideas, identify opportunities and explore further partnerships.

A former founder who raised $55M and successfully exited, Kristin brings a unique mix of entrepreneurial vision and industry insight to every stage she steps on.

Jonathan O’Connor
Division President
Third-Party Payments
Synovus

Jonathan O’Connor is Division President, Third-Party Payments at Synovus, leading merchant services and sponsorship businesses with a focus on growth.

With more than 30 years in payments, he’s held leadership roles across the U.S., EU and Asia-Pacific, including at First Data, Trust Payments and Deluxe.

He’s driven IPOs, scaled teams and led commercial transformations exceeding $6B in volume. O’Connor holds degrees in accounting, finance and strategic management. He actively advances the industry through FinTech Atlanta and ATPC and served as Chair of Fintech South 2025.