FPC Chooses Industry Expert Kimberly Ford As Exec Director

The U.S. Faster Payments Council (FPC) has chosen industry expert Kimberly Ford as the organization’s first executive director. Ford, who used to work with the First Data Corporation, will start on June 24 (Monday), the company said in a release.

“Having the right person at the helm of the FPC is critical to the organization’s success. The search committee reviewed more than 400 applicants, conducted numerous phone screenings and in-person interviews, and collectively chose Kim for the position,” FPC Board Chairperson Michael Bilski said. “With Kim, we have a visionary leader who will ensure we are able to achieve our goals as an organization.”

Ford worked at First Data for 15 years, as both the head of global government affairs and as senior vice president. The FPC said she has a wide berth of knowledge and experience to help with faster payment efforts.

“Ford developed deep subject matter expertise on a broad range of payments issues and has routinely served as a featured speaker at client and industry conferences,” the FPC said.

The FPC said that Ford’s resume includes: “serving as Chair, Legislative & Regulatory Council, Electronic Funds Transfer Association; Co-Chair, Government Relations Council, Electronic Transaction Association; Co-Founder, the Secure Payments Partnership; Past Chair, Board of Directors, National Card Coalition; Board Member, Innovative Payments Association; and Treasurer, First Data PAC. Prior to her time at First Data, Ford served as a regional director for U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fl.) She holds a B.S. in Journalism-Public Relations from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Fl.”

Ford said she’s committed to her new position and looks forward to working together with her new colleagues.

“The FPC’s success will depend on highly engaged members, so it is incumbent on the executive director to create the best workplace possible,” Ford said. “I will work to foster an environment where all members feel that they are heard and regarded as equals. We will be committed to open and frequent communication, and constantly reinforcing the shared goal of faster payments in the U.S. I am thrilled to be working with the FPC membership and leadership to accomplish its mission.”