“Efficiency isn’t just a goal—it’s a mindset that drives transformation and delivers enduring value.”
Kelly Swanson is a dynamic and accomplished senior executive who brings over 25 years of experience leading operational transformations, spearheading acquisition integrations, and elevating enterprise-wide performance within the Payments, Retail, and Insurance industries. With an impressive track record rooted in strategic execution and cross-functional leadership, Kelly has consistently demonstrated the rare ability to convert organizational complexity into clear, actionable pathways for growth. Her unwavering dedication to operational improvement and customer-centric innovation has positioned her as a sought-after thought leader, mentor, and strategic architect for companies navigating scale, disruption, or change.
Kelly currently serves as Senior Vice President of Acquisition Integration Management at Payroc, a rapidly growing payment processing platform. In this role, she established and scaled the company’s first-ever Integration Management Office (IMO), integrating four PE-backed acquisitions and standardizing operating models across disparate organizational structures. Her leadership has set a new benchmark in post-merger integration, enabling Payroc to accelerate value realization and unify business operations with surgical precision. Through her stewardship, the company not only enhanced its M&A framework but also implemented a structured approach to Day 1 readiness, executive steering, and continuous improvement.
Before joining Payroc, Kelly held several key leadership positions at Worldpay and First Data Corporation, where she was consistently entrusted with high-stakes transformation initiatives. At Worldpay, she led internal consulting efforts that embedded a culture of continuous improvement, advanced automation, and streamlined service delivery for Omni-channel clients. Her deep understanding of process optimization and metrics-driven leadership directly contributed to increased efficiency and reduced client friction. Kelly’s work was instrumental in knitting together legacy systems and processes, laying the groundwork for a seamless client experience during periods of organizational change.
At First Data, her nearly decade-long tenure was marked by exponential impact. As Vice President of Money Network Prepaid Solutions, Kelly managed a massive portfolio encompassing over 3,000 clients and three million cardholders. Her responsibilities included regulatory compliance, client management, and performance optimization. Earlier roles within the company saw her leading global efficiency initiatives, including the execution of the Operating Effectiveness Reviews (OER) program—a strategic effort involving over 80 consultants worldwide that delivered significant cost and process efficiencies. Her results were not just measurable—they were transformative.
Kelly’s leadership journey is distinguished by her ability to navigate complexity with calm, clarity, and conviction. Whether leading teams through M&A integrations, process reengineering, or cross-functional programs, she is known for her inclusive leadership style and her ability to inspire trust and alignment across business units. Her operational rigor is balanced by a strong sense of empathy and mentorship, often enabling her to build high-performing teams that remain cohesive and resilient in the face of ambiguity.
Throughout her career, Kelly has remained committed to the belief that technology and data are key enablers of operational excellence. She has introduced advanced analytics and reporting frameworks to support transparency and accountability at every level of the organization. Under her guidance, multiple organizations have launched intelligent dashboards and reporting ecosystems, driving faster decision-making and strategic foresight. Her passion for metrics-based leadership is matched only by her tenacity for delivering measurable results.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Kelly’s experience is steeped in diverse industry exposure, having worked with major players in consumer goods, healthcare, and insurance. Her background at companies like UnitedHealth Group and GE further cements her credibility in regulatory compliance, Six Sigma methodology, and large-scale program management. She is both a Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt and a trusted voice in enterprise process improvement—a dual capability that positions her as a powerful change agent in highly regulated environments.
Kelly’s professional foundation is built on a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Miami University, where she also pursued advanced coursework at the Luxembourg School of Business. Her academic journey emphasized both analytical rigor and cross-cultural engagement, skills that have continued to influence her global mindset and leadership approach. She has collaborated with stakeholders in Europe and the UK, offering her a broader lens on organizational agility and innovation.
While Kelly’s resume is rich with technical skills and accolades, what sets her apart is her enduring curiosity and drive to grow. She is a passionate skier, avid reader, and outdoor enthusiast—pursuits that reflect her belief in balance, resilience, and exploration. These personal values also guide her leadership philosophy: always strive to listen, learn, and lift others. Her participation in organizations like the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) keeps her at the forefront of innovation and professional connection.
Today, Kelly is seeking to bring her wealth of experience to board service. Motivated by a desire to expand her impact, she views board membership as an opportunity to not only support organizational excellence but to collaborate with visionary leaders committed to ethical growth, sustainability, and stakeholder value. Her multifaceted background—spanning strategy, operations, finance, and technology—makes her uniquely qualified to serve as an advisor or board director for companies navigating transformation, scale, or post-acquisition integration.
Character:
Kelly leads with integrity, empathy, and a results-oriented mindset. She is committed to building trust and empowering others through mentorship, inclusivity, and servant leadership.
Knowledge:
Her expansive expertise in M&A, regulatory compliance, and business process optimization is backed by over two decades of experience across multiple high-growth industries. She consistently demonstrates thought leadership and a mastery of operational excellence frameworks.
Strategic:
Kelly has a proven ability to connect the dots between business vision and tactical execution. Her strategic insights have enabled organizations to scale efficiently, reduce waste, and enhance customer experience at every touchpoint.
Communication:
She is an articulate and persuasive communicator who fosters alignment across diverse teams and stakeholders. Her executive presence and storytelling ability enable her to inspire action, clarify ambiguity, and galvanize teams around shared goals.
