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Leadership at Payliance

Guided by a team of seasoned experts in payment solutions, Payliance is uniquely positioned to enable organizations to better streamline payment acceptance, minimize processing costs, and reduce the risk of fraud.

John Cullen

Chief Executive Officer

Payliance stands as a cornerstone for merchants of varying scales, delivering robust and reliable solutions that streamline cash flow. Specializing in state-of-the-art payment and treasury services across a multitude of industries, the company is unwavering in its commitment to merchant success.

Equally vital is John Cullen’s role in fostering an impactful team culture. The focus is not merely on meeting benchmarks but on creating a milieu where opportunities are ripe for the taking. The work environment at Payliance is dynamic, affording team members not just employment, but pathways for substantial career progression. The collective ambition within the team is to innovate without pause and to continually refine operational standards. A culture of transparency and accountability serves as the company’s bedrock.

With an entrepreneurial track record spanning over 20 years, John has founded three companies and achieved two successful public exits, with Payliance being the latest venture. This portfolio of experience is augmented by formative roles at industry leaders like Accenture and JP Morgan Chase. Additionally, John brings expertise in private equity, having managed a fund and led multiple buy-side transactions.

John Gilbert

Chief Information Officer

John Gilbert holds the position of Chief Information Officer at Payliance, embodying the mantra that “every transaction matters.” With a career devoted to the nuanced aspects of financial software systems—ranging from design and development to implementation and integration—John brings a depth of expertise critical to the company’s mission. He chose to join Payliance due to a shared vision of creating exceptional value for merchants, who regard the company as an essential partner in their operational success.

His work goes beyond mere technology; it focuses on aligning Payliance’s technological capabilities with the very real business needs of its clientele, consistently exceeding their expectations. An Ohio native, John resides in Columbus with his wife and two children. While his professional life centers on optimizing payment processing systems, his personal pursuits include rigorous training for the esteemed Boston Marathon.

Darren Fleishman

Chief Financial Officer

Darren Fleishman is the Chief Financial Officer at Payliance. He brings a wealth of experience in private equity, corporate, and mid-sized firm environments. His expertise lies in finance and consulting, with a focus on turnaround, growth, and exit strategies.

At Payliance since April 2022, Fleishman oversees finance, mergers and acquisitions, strategic development, and post-merger integrations for the company. Previously, he has held multiple CFO titles, including at DHL Supply Chain’s Power Packaging, Residential Finance Corporation, and Leaderpromos. He also served as a contract CFO for various post-merger and startup organizations and worked for The Cambridge Group and The MAC Group/Gemini Consulting.

He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and a BS in Economics from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. His key skills include Mergers & Acquisitions, Business Strategy, and Financial Analysis. Darren’s approach to leadership combines a fact-based perspective, action orientation, and strong CEO partnerships.

Greg Kowal

VP, Merchant Services

Greg Kowal, holding the designation of Accredited ACH Professional (AAP), serves as the Vice President of Merchant Services at Payliance. Based in San Diego, California, Greg has been instrumental in his role, bringing a focused expertise in merchant services and operations management.

Prior to Payliance, Greg significantly contributed to Advantage Payment Systems / Secure Payment Systems for over seven years. He served as Vice President of Operations from August 2017 to August 2022, where he managed various aspects of the company’s operational strategy and execution. Before being promoted to Vice President, Greg was the Director of Operations from February 2015, a role in which he honed his skills in operational leadership and merchant services.

Greg’s career is marked by a strong commitment to operational excellence and a deep understanding of the merchant services sector. His experience and accreditation as an AAP showcase his proficiency in ACH payment systems, further strengthening his capabilities in overseeing merchant service operations. At Payliance, Greg continues to leverage his extensive experience to drive growth and operational efficiency in the merchant services domain.

Kailey Daniels

VP, Underwriting & Compliance

Kailey Daniels is the Vice President of Underwriting and Compliance at Payliance, a role she has been excelling in since May 2022. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Kailey brings a unique blend of organizational skills, effective communication abilities, and a proven track record of working with diverse teams to her position. Her expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments is pivotal in protecting the company and its stakeholders from risk, while fostering growth.

Before her current role at Payliance, Kailey was the Compliance Manager at Beam Dental, where she worked from September 2019 to May 2022. This role followed her initial tenure at Payliance as the Director of Underwriting and Compliance, a position she held for seven months starting in March 2019.

Kailey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Wittenberg University and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Leadership from Ohio Dominican University.

Shannon Barrow

Head of Marketing

Shannon Barrow brings over 25 years of diverse marketing experience to her role at Payliance, where she has been leading the marketing team since September 2022. Focused on conveying the unique payment, verification, and recovery benefits Payliance provides lenders, merchants, and their customers, Shannon is passionate about helping Payliance grow through effective marketing strategies.

Before joining Payliance, Shannon dedicated a decade to the FinTech industry, honing her skills in various areas such as Mortgage, Payments, Fraud, and Risk Management. Her previous roles include Head of Product Marketing at Early Warning Services and Zelle, and Vice President of Marketing at First American Docutech. In these positions, she was instrumental in demystifying complex financial technologies and translating them to compelling value propositions to drive business growth.

A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Communications, and numerous marketing certifications, Shannon’s career has spanned a variety of vertical industries as well as strategic marketing agency appointments fueled by a love of connecting great companies with the audiences they serve.

James Robinson

Product Director

James Robinson serves as the Product Director at Payliance, bringing over 15 years of fintech experience to the role. His philosophy is clear: focused product delivery is the linchpin of organizational growth and success. Under his leadership, Payliance aspires to offer an unparalleled merchant experience, a goal achieved through the perfect blend of the right personnel, robust client collaboration, and a coherent organizational vision. James firmly believes that Payliance excels in all three dimensions, making it a standout performer in the industry.

His commitment to product excellence extends beyond the company’s internal vision. It includes active incorporation of merchant insights, creating a synergy that advances collective objectives. On the educational front, James holds a degree in Management Information Systems from Miami University and an MBA from DePaul University. He has also maintained a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification since 2010, underscoring his belief that successful product delivery cycles commence with meticulous planning.

Outside the professional sphere, James resides in central Ohio with his wife and two daughters, striking a balance between his demanding career and a fulfilling family life.

Toni Richins

Chief Human Resources Officer

Toni L. Richins stands as Payliance’s Chief Human Resources Officer, driven by a profound commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals both within her professional sphere and her local community. Her work in Human Resources and Non-Profit Organizations is more than a career; it’s a manifestation of her dedication to uplift and support others.

From Indianapolis, Indiana, Toni brings a blend of heartfelt community spirit and professional expertise to her role. She honed her skills and deepened her understanding of human resources through a Master’s in Human Resources Development from Villanova University, a background that greatly informs her approach to her role today.

Toni’s personal and professional aspirations revolve around continued growth and contribution, both in her career and in her broader community involvement through mentoring young women at the onset of their careers and student athletes, offering them the wisdom and insights gained from her experiences.

An avid golfer, Toni finds both joy and relaxation in the game. This blend of professional dedication, community involvement, and personal interests underscores Toni’s holistic approach to her career and life.

Dan Stewart

VP, Sales

With over 14 years of experience in fintech sales, Dan Stewart is Payliance’s Vice President of Sales. Based in Georgia, Stewart excels in executing and leading in various sectors like Financial Services, Retail Banking, Merchant Services, and SaaS Solutions. He is adept at building and guiding teams to achieve outstanding financial outcomes while ensuring high levels of customer and employee satisfaction.

Before his current role, Stewart was the Director of Sales at REPAY – Realtime Electronic Payments in Atlanta, starting in September 2019. Earlier, he worked as the Georgia Sales Manager at Merchant Lynx Services and as the Regional Sales Director at First Data Corporation.

Dan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management from Ohio Northern University. Outside of work, Stewart is deeply involved in his family life, married for 16 years to his wife, Jordan, and a father to three children. He is passionate about coaching his children’s sports teams and is a dedicated fan of the Dave Matthews Band, having attended over 40 concerts. Stewart’s guiding principle, “The future is no place to place your better days,” reflects his commitment to seizing opportunities and making the most of the present in both his professional and family life.

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