MILWAUKEE, WI (May 6, 2025) |
Corporate Central is proud to announce that Stephanie Schmidt, Vice President Member Services, has officially earned the Accredited Faster Payments Professional (AFPP) certification—becoming one of only a handful of professionals nationwide to achieve this prestigious designation.
Developed by Nacha and the Faster Payments Council, the AFPP is the first industry certification of its kind, recognizing individuals with a deep and thorough understanding of faster payments systems, trends, and best practices. Earning this certification is a significant milestone for both Schmidt and Corporate Central, showcasing her commitment to continued education and her expertise in navigating the evolving landscape of payments innovation.
Schmidt’s accomplishment underscores Corporate Central’s dedication to being at the forefront of faster payments. She recently attended Smarter Faster Payments 2025 in New Orleans alongside fellow employees, further expanding her knowledge and staying ahead of industry trends.
“Faster payments are not just the future—they're the now,” said Schmidt. “This certification represents countless hours of study, a passion for learning, and a desire to help our members embrace change and innovation in the payments space. I am incredibly honored to be part of a small group helping to lead the way forward.”
Schmidt is widely respected for her impressive credentials, holding several industry certifications including AAP, CCCM, CCUE, CCUFC, CUDE, and CWCUL. Her latest achievement reaffirms her role as a thought leader within both Corporate Central and the credit union movement.
“Stephanie’s dedication to professional development and member service excellence is second to none,” said Heather Ristow, CCUE, SVP/Chief Experience Officer. “Earning the AFPP is a remarkable achievement that reflects her leadership, vision, and commitment to driving value for our members in a fast-changing payments environment. We couldn’t be prouder.”
The AFPP certification builds on foundational education provided through the Faster Payments Professional (FPP) certificate program and represents the next step in professional development for payments professionals. Schmidt’s achievement highlights the importance of continued learning as faster payments reshape the financial services landscape.
