The payments industry has experienced a surge of innovation and new technology in recent years, and has been shaped as much by outsiders as it has by forces from within. Among those at the forefront of this change: 20 women who have reached impressive heights in a traditionally male dominated industry and have played a vital role in helping their organizations stay ahead of the curve.
Many have benefited from, or even started, programs to help other women advance in their careers. Others have carved their own path. All have risen through the ranks and taken on responsibilities for an industry that is redefining the very way we handle money. Digital currency, wearable technology, products that are reaching new categories of consumers the world of payments has become a fast-moving place, making the successes in the industry all the more worth honoring.
The women recognized here represent banks, technology vendors, payments networks and other businesses. They come from government agencies such as Fincen and retail giants like Walmart. Their work also takes on an international scope, with many honorees responsible for projects on a global scale, such as using mobile technology and prepaid cards in new markets.
In alphabetical order, here are PaymentsSource's 2014 Most Influential Women in Payments. Click each name to view a profile of the honoree, or
Vickie Brown , COO of Merchant Processing, First Data
Elizabeth Buse , executive vice president of the global solutions group, Visa
Ann Cairns , president of international markets, MasterCard
Sabrina Chin , senior director of payments services, Walmart
Donna Embry , senior vice president of strategic development, Payment Alliance International
Janet O. Estep , president and CEO, Nacha
Annmarie "Mimi" D. Hart , president and CEO, MagTek
Pamela Joseph , vice chair of payment services, U.S. Bancorp
Linda Mantia , executive vice president, cards and payment solutions, RBC
Jennifer Miles , president of the Americas, VeriFone
Diane Offereins , executive vice president, president of payment services, Discover
Linda S. Perry , Linda S. Perry Consulting
Sandra Pianalto , president and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
Ginger Schmeltzer , senior vice president of emerging payments, Fiserv
Jennifer Shasky Calvery , director of Fincen
Melissa Smith , president and CEO, Wex
Susan Sobbott , president of global corporate payments, American Express
Valerie Soranno Keating , CEO, Barclaycard
Holli Targan , partner, Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss
Colleen Taylor , executive vice president, head of treasury management and enterprise payments, Capital One
