Description
More has changed this year in payments than just about any year in the past. As a membership organization, it is critical for the MAG to hear your input to both the progress being made and the direction the MAG is going. Come join Kathy Hanna, Chair of the MAG, and John Drechny, CEO of the MAG, as they recap the year and talk through some of the initiatives being considered for 2021. Also, find out how to join us in shaping the future of payments by participating in one of the many engagement opportunities with the MAG.
Contributors
-
John Drechny | CEO - Merchant Advisory Group
John has been CEO of the Merchant Advisory Group (MAG) since 2019. As CEO, John helps MAG’s merchant members drive positive change and innovation in the payments industry, serving merchants’ interests through collaboration, education, and advocacy. Under John’s leadership, the MAG has grown considerably and launched new efforts includingTech Forum, MAG International, and Merchant Payments self-directed eLearning series.
Prior to joining the MAG, John enjoyed a 20-year career at Walmart holding various leadership positions in Payments Acceptance, Marketing, and Financial Services. As part of the leadership of Walmart’s Payments team, John helped shape and implement a comprehensive strategy increasing the ease of payments in an omni-channel environment while ensuring Walmart could deliver on its brand promise of helping its customers save more so they can live better.
In addition to his work at the MAG and Walmart, John has participated in many cross-functional payments industry groups including the Faster Payments Council and U.S. Payments Forum, where he has held Board positions. John also speaks at many of the payments industry’s key events. Industry stakeholders have recognized John for his ability to collaborate, find common ground, and drive positive outcomes from opposing views.
John attended Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, where he received his bachelor’s degree. He currently lives in Venice, Florida.
-
Kathy Hanna | Vice President, Payments Acceptance and Services - The Kroger Co.
Kathy has responsibility for acceptance and management of all forms of payment acceptance and related cost across all business lines, including retail stores, fuel, and internet. Her responsibility includes teams that support digital, in-store, fuel and pharmacy for payments along with the business and contractual relationships with depository banks, card brands, EFT networks, armored car carriers, and Kroger’s multiple acquirers. She manages teams that provide customer payment support, bad debt collections, government benefits, bulk gift card orders, and fraud detection.