UMACHA 50 years of guiding payments

UMACHA Congratulates 24 New Member AAPs

Published on February 1, 2024




AUTHOR

Eric Wester, AAP, APRP, NCP
Associate Director of Education Services




The Accredited ACH Professional (“AAP”) designation allows an individual to stand out from the crowd – it is a mark of distinction that auditors and regulators recognize and look for as an indication of your understanding of the various rules and regulations that govern sound ACH payment processing.

As an AAP, you are often seen as your organization’s expert and go-to for all things ACH, helping to educate and guide your team to success. In addition to demonstrating a thorough understanding of the Nacha Operating Rules, AAPs regularly obtain continuing education, helping them stay abreast of developments in the payments landscape as a condition of maintaining their Accredited ACH Professional designation.

As we gear up to celebrate National AAP Recognition Day, which is held on the second Tuesday in February, we have an opportunity not only to reflect on the accomplishments of these individuals but also to thank them for the time, energy, and effort they put forth to obtain and maintain their designation.

UMACHA is excited to congratulate the following 24 members who successfully obtained their Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) accreditation in 2023:
 
Member Name: Member Financial Institution:
Cheri Garvin First PREMIER Bank
Clarice Sollero Lemos Sunrise Banks
Diana DiPietro Whitefish Credit Union
Emma Hansen Home Federal Savings Bank
Jamie Hesse MinnStar Bank
Jason Sivers VISIONBank
Jesse Johnson Bell Bank
Jill Peterson Patriot Bank
Jolene Ylitalo-Harrison Northwoods Community Credit Union
Joshua Fox Bell Bank
Julie Knutson WNB Financial
Katelyn Overlund Blaze Credit Union
Katherine Sixta BANKWEST
Kathryn Perry Bremer Bank
Kathy Larson Deerwood Bank
Kaylie Kieffer Farmers & Merchants State Bank
Marcus Roberts Western Bank
Nora Lovaas North American Banking Company
Rebeka Cronin Bell Bank
Samantha Stutzman Minnco Credit Union
Sarah Laxton Coulee Bank
Shelley Schemenauer Security Financial Bank
Tara Ravellette First Interstate Bank
Tina McNamara North American Banking Company

These individuals have demonstrated mastery of the Nacha Operating Rules as exhibited through passing the rigorous AAP exam. We also thank the respective financial institutions of these individuals for recognizing the value in having staff with this designation and for providing the resources necessary to help them on their AAP journey.
 

Ready to Become an Accredited ACH Professional?

As your key partner in helping you understand electronic payments, UMACHA is here every step of the way with resources to guide you through preparing for the AAP exam.

We offer a comprehensive AAP Exam Prep Series that includes: Each year we hear comments from our members like Nicole, who said, ‘There is no way I would have passed without taking your exam prep.’ Another member, Kathy, said, ‘Thank you for all of the work during the preparation and follow up. I don’t think I could have done this without all of the great training provided through your organization!’

In December, we challenged you to make 2024 the year that you become accredited.

Are you ready to learn more about becoming an Accredited ACH Professional (AAP)? Check out our Accreditation Programs and click on the ‘AAP’ tab. Here you can find resources, including a brief webinar, ‘So, You Think You Want to be an AAP?’ (off-site).

While the AAP Exam Prep Series does not begin until May 21st, registration is already open. If you are ready to make the commitment today, you can register for our AAP Exam Prep Series now!

If you have questions about any of UMACHA’s accreditation training programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by phone at (763) 549-7000 or email info@umacha.org.


Stay connected with Eric Wester and UMACHA on LinkedIn!