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PayTech Women Announces 2025 Board of Directors & Celebrates 20 Years of Empowering Women in PayTech

Tuesday, January 28, 2025   (0 Comments)
Posted by: Administrator

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership and Impact While Driving the Future of PayTech

KENT, Ohio – January 28, 2025 – PayTech Women (PTW), the leading non-profit organization dedicated to advancing women in payments and fintech, has announced its 2025 Board of Directors. This year marks PTW’s 20th anniversary, a milestone that reflects two decades of leadership, community and progress toward gender equity in the workplace.

 

PayTech Women Announces Executive Committee; Euronet’s Audrey Blackmon Named 2025 Board President

PayTech Women 2025 Executive Committee
 
Leading the organization into its next chapter is the newly appointed 2025 Executive Committee:
  • President Audrey Blackmon, Senior Enterprise Sales Executive, Euronet
  • Immediate Past President Polly Van Duser, SPHR, Vice President, Talent Acquisition, One Inc
  • President-Elect Dawn Delaney, Vice President, Corporate Development and Partnerships, Corporate Investment Bank, JPMorgan Chase
  • Treasurer Whitney S. Russell, President, Digital Solutions Banking Division, Fiserv
  • Secretary Laura Gibson-Lamothe, Executive Director, Georgia Fintech Academy
“As we celebrate 20 years of empowering women in paytech, we are honored to have such a dynamic and experienced group of leaders guiding our mission,” said Audrey Blackmon, PTW’s 2025 President. “It's deeply meaningful to be the first African American Board President, as we continue our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion across our community and the paytech industry. Together, we’ll continue to build a supportive community, foster meaningful connections and drive the industry toward a more equitable future.”

 

 
Additional 2025 Board of Directors and Founders
The 2025 Board of Directors, including the PayTech Women Founders, bring a wealth of expertise and dedication to PTW’s mission:
  • Lisa Bongiovi, Senior Vice President, API Platforms, Mastercard
  • Dr. Gail Burgos, Board Subject Matter Expert and CEO and Founder, BCG, Inc.
  • Kymberly Cantrell, Vice President, GMNS Merchant Services, American Express
  • Melissa Cullen, General Manager, Core Banking, FIS
  • Beth Deck, Chief Financial Officer, Solutions by Text
  • Dipti Desai, Senior Vice President, Data Asset Management & Enablement, Global Payments
  • Joanna Hanner, Director, Payments Product Strategy, Discover
  • Monica Kennedy, Senior Vice President, Head of Global Banking Portfolio Management, Bank of America
  • Kathryn Kmiotek, Founder and Principal Consultant, Kmiotek Advisors and Consulting
  • Diana Mehochko, Retired (Former Chief Operating Officer, NCR Voyix Payments)

Founding Members:

  • Diane Faro, CEO, Partner, Savify
  • Linda Perry, Retired Senior Vice President, Visa, Inc.
  • Holli Targan, Attorney and Partner, Taft Law

 

Acknowledging Leadership Transitions

“We congratulate Laura Gibson-Lamothe on her appointment as Board Secretary and welcome new Board members Lisa Bongiovi and Melissa Cullen,” Audrey said. “We also thank 2024 President Polly Van Duser, SPHR, for her strong leadership and dedication during a pivotal year for PayTech Women, which has propelled us into our 20th anniversary year stronger than ever.

“We are also very grateful to Immediate Past President Kelly Beatty of FIS and Robyn Growe of Global Payments for their invaluable contributions to our mission. We wish them every success in their future endeavors.”

 

A Legacy of Impact

Since its founding in 2005, PTW has empowered thousands of women in the payments industry to rise, thrive and connect through professional development, mentorship and advocacy. The 20th anniversary is an opportunity for the 6,500+ members to reflect on the organization’s accomplishments and look ahead to expanding its impact.

To mark this milestone, PTW will introduce special initiatives throughout the year, including expanded programming and commemorative events designed to engage members and partners in shaping the future of paytech.

“This anniversary is a testament to the collective power of our leaders, partners and community, and the incredible progress we’ve made together,” said PTW CEO Wendy Holliday, M.Ed., CAE. “Looking forward, PayTech Women is committed to empowering more women and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can succeed.”

The full 2025 leadership team is available on the PayTech Women (PTW) website.

 

About PayTech Women

PayTech Women, celebrating 20 years in 2025, is the premier professional organization for women in paytech, offering personal and professional growth at all career stages. With a focus on DEI, this 6,500+-member association fosters meaningful change by improving workplace opportunities for all women in financial services. PTW delivers world-class programming, networking opportunities and mentorship to help members achieve greater influence, parity and personal success. Founded in 2005, PTW is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting thousands of women — and the men who advocate for them — across the global paytech industry. Learn more at paytechwomen.org.

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PayTech Women is the ONLY 501(c)(3) non-profit organization built and sustained by volunteers who believe in our mission to create a more vital and diverse payments industry by empowering and investing in women.
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