​Organizations Working to Prepare Graduates for the Fintech Marketplace

WASHINGTON (Feb. 22, 2024) – According to the Federal Reserve’s 2023 Payments Study, Americans’ use of financial technology grew rapidly during the pandemic. It’s clear that the future of payments relies on technology and the next generation of innovators who can develop new financial tools for the American consumer. It also means future college graduates need to be prepared. That’s why the Innovative Payments Association (IPA) and InComm Payments are working with the Georgia Fintech Academy and the University System of Georgia to ensure college students have the skills necessary for the fintech industry. 
 
“There’s no denying that COVID changed the payments industry and consumer demand for electronic payments,” said IPA President & CEO Brian Tate. “Keeping in mind that the global fintech market is expected to expand nearly 24% through 2025, the expansion means a demand for qualified employees to create innovation in payments. We are look forward to working with InComm Payments, the Georgia Fintech Academy and the University System of Georgia to create opportunities for the next generation of innovators.” 
 
The four organizations recently met to exchange ideas on how best to support students. In addition to IPA inviting students to attend their educational events – such as the Innovative Payments Conference or its Compliance Bootcamp – they will support networking and student mentoring. 
 
InComm Payments, an IPA member and Atlanta-based company, highlighted its Go Studio® innovation hub during the organizations’ most recent meeting. Go Studio is dedicated to helping businesses overcome their unique challenges through emerging technology. The hub’s dedicated experts deliver services ranging from problem-framing and design thinking workshops to strategic research and prototyping for customer-centric products and solutions. 

“Community outreach is one of our key initiatives at Go Studio,” said Michael Parlotto, Vice President of Emerging Technologies at InComm Payments. “For the last three years, Go Studio has partnered with the University System of Georgia to support student capstone projects and mentorship programs. These ongoing collaborations with local schools are among the ways we strive to nurture the fintech industry’s future innovators.”
 
“The speed of payments innovation has only increased. We are seeing new products, new services and new fintech solutions enter the marketplace,” said Rober Skiba, Executive Vice President at InComm Payments. “To keep up with this demand, we need to ensure future generations have the foundational skills and creative wonder to succeed. We look forward to working with the students and organizations to prepare them for success.” 
 
About the IPA  
 
The Innovative Payments Association (IPA) is the leading voice of the electronic payments sector, including prepaid products, mobile wallets, and person-to-person (P2P) technology for consumers, businesses, and governments at all levels. The IPA encourages the efficient use of electronic payments, cultivates financial inclusion through educating and empowering consumers, and represents the industry before legislative and regulatory bodies. To learn more about IPA, visit ipa.org or follow us on LinkedIn.  
 
About InComm Payments 
 
InComm Payments is an innovative global payments technology provider. Leveraging dynamic technology and proven expertise, InComm Payments delivers enhanced end-to-end payment platforms and emerging financial technology solutions through a single integration, helping businesses grow across a wide range of industries including retail, healthcare, tolling & transit, incentives, mobile payments, digital currencies and financial services. By enabling omnichannel connections and alternative payment options to an ever-expanding consumer base in an increasingly digital ecosystem, InComm Payments creates seamless and valuable commerce experiences across the globe. With three decades of experience, over 525,000 points of retail and online distribution, 412 global patents and a presence in more than 40 countries, InComm Payments leads the payments industry from its headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. Learn more at www.InCommPayments.com.  

he Innovative Payments Association today announced its 2024 Board of Directors, which represents electronic payments across the full spectrum. Board members provide strategic support and guidance to keep IPA as the leading voice of electronic payments for consumers, businesses, and governments.
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“As the payments industry evolves, the IPA taps into its board members for guidance. Each one brings a unique perspective and diverse background, which helps the association navigate the ever-changing needs of customers and governments,” said IPA President and CEO Brian Tate. “We appreciate each board member for their commitment to the association and the industry.” 

The 2024 board of director leaders are:

• Chairman: Robert Skiba, Executive Vice President, InComm
• Vice Chair: Alicia Reid, Associate General Counsel, U.S. Bank
• Treasurer: Joan Herman, Executive Vice President, Operations, Paysign
• Secretary: Amy Lauck, Deputy General Counsel, Pathward

​Additionally, the board is comprised of the following members, observers, and advisors:

• B4B: Lori Breitzke, Head of Channel Development
• The Bancorp Bank N.A.: Matt Carberry, Head of Partner Strategy 
• Blackhawk Network: Stephanie O’Brien, Associate General Counsel
• Chime: Nick Stowell, Head of Government Advocacy
• CPI Card Group: Peggy O'Leary, Prepaid Sales Director
• Discover: Dane James, Head of Sales, Network Solutions
• EML Payments: Tony Candelario, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Office 
• Expanse Financial Technologies: Andrew Siden, Chief Executive Officer 
• Fidelity Information Services (FIS): Deirdre Ives, SVP, HoPS Prepaid, Processing and Program Management
• Fifth Third Bank: David Prochnow, Senior Vice President at Newline by Fifth Third Bank
• Galileo Payments: Joel Sherwin, Head of Legal
• Green Dot Corporation: Amy Pugh, General Counsel
• H&R Block: Kathleen Ryan, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel 
• Instant: Tal Clark, Chief Executive Officer
• Mastercard: Troy Dennis, SVP, Head of Product, Fintech, Financial Inclusion & ESG for North America 
• Onbe: Ed Woodson, Chief Legal Officer
• Sunrise Banks: Eric Schurr, Chief Strategy Officer 
• Visa: Saj Imam, Sr. Director U.S. Prepaid

About The IPA

The Innovative Payments Association (IPA) is the leading voice of the electronic payments sector, including prepaid products, mobile wallets, and person-to-person (P2P) technology for consumers, businesses, and governments at all levels. The IPA encourages the efficient use of electronic payments, cultivates financial inclusion through educating and empowering consumers, and represents the industry before legislative and regulatory bodies. To learn more about IPA, go to ipa.org or follow us on LinkedIn.