Helen Schiff is a seasoned executive with over five decades of professional experience spanning the financial services, merchant payments, and fashion import/export industries. Renowned for her entrepreneurial drive, international business acumen, and dedication to client success, Helen has cultivated a career defined by resilience, innovation, and long-standing professional relationships.

Helen’s career began in the fashion manufacturing industry, where she served as the owner and president of Willow International, Ltd., an import agency representing American garment manufacturers. From 1987 to 1999, she navigated the complex landscape of international trade, establishing critical relationships with Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese, and Filipino manufacturers and government-affiliated import/export corporations. She personally negotiated pricing and quotas, managed letters of credit, oversaw factory inspections, and ensured compliance with U.S. import regulations. Her ability to bridge cultural and commercial divides positioned her as a trusted agent in the global apparel supply chain—particularly in the early era of Chinese manufacturing expansion.

Transitioning into the financial services sector, Helen brought her high-touch relationship management and negotiation expertise to Lynk Systems / RBS Worldpay (later Worldpay), where she served as both an account executive and sales manager from 1999 to 2011. She was instrumental in developing and managing the Boston North Citizens Bank Merchant Services division of Citizens Financial Group, a strategic merchant services partnership supporting Citizens Bank branches across New Hampshire and Vermont. Her leadership grew the alliance from inception into a fully operational channel, training bank staff, driving joint sales efforts, and exceeding retention targets for over 400 merchant accounts. Her success was built on a deep understanding of credit and debit card processing, gift card programs, pricing strategy, and terminal technology.

Since 2012, Helen has continued to apply her expertise as an independent sales agent, consulting with small and mid-sized businesses on merchant services solutions. Her consultative style, combined with her deep industry knowledge, helps clients make informed decisions that optimize their payment processing operations.

Helen is a confident public speaker and has been invited to present at various industry and community events. Her appearances have included ceremonial roles, such as ribbon cuttings, as well as training and product education sessions for partners and clients.

Beyond her professional life, Helen is a committed civic participant. In March 2023 she was elected to be a member on the Pittsfield New Hampshire School Board. Helen served on the Pittsfield NH Budget Committee for 11 years, acted as vice president and president of the Suncook Valley Regional Development Corporation, a 501C3, Chairman of Pittsfield Housing Standards Agency overseeing 575 apartments and held a leadership role in Cancer Care, Inc., including past presidency of its Par-Troy Chapter. Her personal interests include gardening, fundraising, and farming—pursuits that reflect her grounded and service-oriented nature.

Helen’s international exposure and cultural fluency enhance her global perspective, especially in business environments requiring diplomacy and negotiation. Her unmatched tenure in both financial services and international trade makes her a rare asset for companies or organizations seeking board members with hands-on experience, a strong ethical foundation, and a global mindset.

Now semi-retired and working part-time, Helen is actively pursuing board and advisory roles where she can share her wealth of knowledge, mentor emerging leaders, and help guide strategic business decisions. With time, energy, and unmatched experience on her side, she is eager to contribute meaningfully to mission-driven organizations and dynamic businesses alike.

Character: Helen is a principled and service-oriented professional known for her integrity, resilience, and commitment to helping others succeed.

Knowledge: With over 50 years of combined experience in financial services, international trade, and fashion manufacturing, Helen offers deep industry expertise and global operational insight.

Strategic: She has a proven ability to build and scale business alliances, negotiate international contracts, and guide organizations through growth and transition.

Communication: A skilled public speaker and relationship-builder, Helen effectively engages diverse audiences through presentations, training, and collaborative leadership.