What is a Fraud Fight Club Coach?
Frank McKenna
Co-Founder of Point Predictive
and Frank on Fraud
Frank McKenna
Co-Founder of Point Predictive
Years Experience:
30+
Company Highlights:
Providian Financial, Wells Fargo, HNC Software, FICO
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I come from a family of 12 kids. My mom has close to 30 grandchildren and even a few great-grandchildren
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
A restaurant and cafe concept creator
Michael Timoney
Vice President - Secure Payments
Michael Timoney
Vice President - Secure Payments
Years Experience:
30+
Company Highlights:
Bank of America
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
6 years ago I did my first Spartan Obstacle course race. And since then I have completed over 30 races and 650 Obstacles and about 200 miles: races are 5k, 10k, 13.1 miles. FYI, I am old guy too.
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Woodworker or builder where I can make/build something
Erin Vertin
Head of Fraud Prevention
Erin Vertin
Head of Fraud Preventative
Years Experience:
15+
Company Highlights:
Truist, Morgan Stanley
Karen Boyer
SVP Financial Crimes
Karen Boyer
SVP Financial Crimes
Years Experience:
20+
Company Highlights:
Webster Bank, People’s United Bank
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I’m an identical twin…. YES THERE ARE TWO OF ME, imagine that!
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Meteorologist
Nik Walser
VP, Global Head of Risk and Identity Solutions Strategy & Business Operations
Nik Walser
VP, Global Head of Risk and Identity Solutions Strategy & Business Operations
Years Experience:
25+
Company Highlights:
BNP Paribas, IBM, EY, Liminal
Rob Rendell
Executive Director of Financial Crime Solutions Delivery & Enablement
Rob Rendell
Executive Director of Financial Crime Solutions Delivery & Enablement
Years Experience:
15+
Company Highlights:
Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citi, IBM, Feedzai
Hailey Windham
Fraud Ops Leader
Hailey Windham
Fraud Ops Leader
Years Experience:
10+
Company Highlights:
The Bank of Clarendon, SAFE Federal Credit Union
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I love to sing karaoke and brownies are my love language!
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
An investigator for SLED (SC Law Enforcement Division)
John Watkins
Director Solutions Consulting
John Watkins
Director Solutions Consulting
Years Experience:
30+
Company Highlights:
First Union National Bank, Bank of America, Synchrony Financial, SAS
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
Love playing cards and have played multiple times in the WSOP (World Series of Poker). Also a huge soccer nerd (Come on you Spurs!)
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Middle School Math/Science Teacher & Coach
Michael Steinbach
Managing Director, Financial Crimes and Fraud Prevention
Michael Steinbach
Managing Director, Financial Crimes and Fraud Prevention
Years Experience:
30+
Company Highlights:
U.S. NAVY, FBI
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I ran with the bulls in Pamplona Spain in 2018
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
An expert retiree hopelessly trying to improve on my golf game
Jeff Dant
AVP, Bank Fraud Prevention
Jeff Dant
AVP, Bank Fraud Prevention
Years Experience:
20+
Company Highlights:
U.S. Secret Service, Citi, BMO Financial Group, Tiktok, Ally
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I have a full Tiki Bar in my basement that I built myself
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Either a fishing boat charter captain or a basement Tiki Bar bartender
Mary Ann Miller
VP of Client Experience
Mary Ann Miller
VP of Client Experience
Years Experience:
30+
Company Highlights:
First Union, HNC Software, FICO, Lloyds, Varo
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I once had dinner at Clarence House in London as part of a women's leadership group
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
I would love to work as a scuba diver instructor on far off islands
Ben Wallach
CEO & Co-Founder
Ben Wallach
CEO & Co-Founder
Years Experience:
25+
Company Highlights:
Regions Bank, Wells Fargo, Citi, PNC, Truist
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
Before 25 years of fraud management, I actually managed some of the first online banking business functions for a bank and before that I managed technology functions
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Train dogs
Reuben Stewart
Digital Identity Lead
Reuben Stewart
Digital Identity Lead
Years Experience:
25+
Company Highlights:
NC Dept of Corrections, Truist
Peter Tapling
Managing Director
Peter Tapling
Managing Director
Years Experience:
25+
Company Highlights:
Authentify, EWS, Nacha, U.S. Faster Payments Council
Matt Powell
Executive Vice President
Matt Powell
Executive Vice President
Years Experience:
25+
Company Highlights:
Citi, Bank of America, Wells Fargo
Donna Turner
Advisor in Residence
Donna Turner
Advisor in Residence
Years Experience:
35+
Company Highlights:
PNC Bank, Boatmen’s Bank, Bank of America, Early Warning
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I am part of owner of a local craft brewery
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Scuba instructor
Erin West
Deputy District Attorney
Erin West
Founder
Years Experience:
25+
Company Highlights:
Santa Clara County, Office of the District Attorney
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I love to travel and I hit my seventh continent last year when I traveled to Antarctica!
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
An investigative journalist
Lenny Gusel
Head of Fraud Solutions, North America
Lenny Gusel
Head of Fraud Solutions, North America
Years Experience:
20+
Company Highlights:
NICE Actimize, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, BlockFi, Robinhood
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I was born in Moscow, Russia during Soviet times, and came to the US as a kid
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Writer
Frances Zelazny
CEO & Co-Founder
Frances Zelazny
CEO & Co-Founder
Years Experience:
25+
Company Highlights:
L-1 Identity Solutions, MyCheck, BioCatch
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
Anonybit is my 12th startup
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Tour guide
Ryan Hunter
Director of Identity and Fraud Strategy
Ryan Hunter
Director of Identity and Fraud Strategy
Years Experience:
10+
Company Highlights:
Upstart, Deserve
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I hiked the entire Pacific Crest Trail in 2019
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
National Park Ranger
Brian Davis
Head of Fraud
Brian Davis
Head of Fraud
Years Experience:
10+
Company Highlights:
ecoATM, Outerwall, Scribd, Nearside
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I've coached basketball at different levels for over ten years
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Basketball coach. Would love to get back more involved with coaching in the future. But one way or another, coaching will always be a big aspect of my career.
Ian Mitchell
Co-Founder, Founder, Board Chair
Ian Mitchell
Co-Founder / Founder | Board Chair
Years Experience:
25+
Company Highlights:
Citi, GE Capital, USAA, Ally, Fifth Third
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I was a Division I swimmer in college. I was fast in very short distances because I couldn't wait to get out of the pool.
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
A Walmart greeter. Honestly, there is nothing I'd rather do.
Allison Miller
Founder & Principal
Allison Miller
Founder & Principal
Years Experience:
25+
Company Highlights:
Visa, EA, Google, Bank of America, Reddit
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
Was obsessed with outer space growing up, attended Space Camp at age 12.
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Owner of an independent bookstore
Steve Lenderman
Head of Fraud Prevention
Steve Lenderman
Head of Fraud Prevention
Years Experience:
15+
Company Highlights:
Barclaycard, Swift Capital, PayPal, ADP, BMTX
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
One of three people in the world to fracture their femur from growth plate to growth plate. Vertical fracture which compounded.
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Bartender in a tropical location
Maria Pukhovskaya
Threat Intelligence
Maria Pukhovskaya
Threat Intelligence
Years Experience:
15+
Company Highlights:
NYC Business Integrity Commission, New York County District Attorney’s Office, Gusto, Meta
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
Deathly afraid of scary movies (will have nightmares after)!
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
(If no kids) flight attendant on an international airline, travel the world!
John Mearls
Head of Risk and Operations
John Mearls
Head of Risk & Operations
Years Experience:
30+
Company Highlights:
Lowe’s, Paypal, Varo Money, Current
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
1 of 10 kids, grew-up in housing project in Boston
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
NASCAR Driver
Karin Williams
Senior Director Fraud Risk Strategy
Karin Williams
Senior Director Fraud Risk Strategy
Years Experience:
10+
Company Highlights:
Stripe, Veem
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I have zero hobbies, but that's ok because my significant other has enough of them for the both of us.
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
I would probably own my own business again, something that fills my day bringing a bright spot to others day
Brad Haacke
VP, Financial Crimes Director
Brad Haacke
VP, Financial Crimes Director
Years Experience:
10+
Company Highlights:
Fifth Third Bank
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I’m an ambidextrous disc golfer
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
A motorsport team manager or automotive journalist
Ayelet Biger-Levin
CEO
Ayelet Biger-Levin
CEO
Years Experience:
20+
Company Highlights:
IBM, RSA, Bio Catch, Anonybit
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I love backpacking and traveling to rural places to get to know other cultures, some crazy stories to share!
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
I would probably be a diplomat
Marc Evans
Founder
Marc Evans
Founder
Years Experience:
10+
Company Highlights:
LVMPD, USSS, Center for Police Research & Policy
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I am fascinated by superheroes and comic books. I love the inspirations and stories behind superheroes and why they strive to make a difference.
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Archery instructor
Sam Strohm
Security Fusion Center Director
Sam Strohm
Security Fusion Center Director
Years Experience:
25+
Company Highlights:
Mellon Bank
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I have been an active member of the National Ski Patrol for 28 years and work weekends at Seven Springs ski resort on winter weekends.
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Ski Patroller
Jeff Finocchiaro
Head of Fraud Model Management and Data Science
Jeff Finocchiaro
Head of Fraud Model Management and Data Science
Years Experience:
25+
Company Highlights:
Citi, Bank of America
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I have perfect pitch
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
TV weatherman
Angela Diaz
VP, Senior Risk Officer,
Enterprise Fraud
Angela Diaz
VP, Senior Risk Officer, Enterprise Fraud
Years Experience:
10+
Company Highlights:
ModCloth, American Eagle Outfitters, Charles Schwab, BNKwest, Wells Fargo
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I got my passport at 33 and now travel the world passionately!
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Detective in a missing person's unit or own an animal rescue. Maybe both?
Chip Kohlweiler
SVP Fraud and Physical Security
Chip Kohlweiler
SVP Fraud and Physical Security
Years Experience:
25+
Company Highlights:
SunTrust, Deloitte
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
Once during my consulting career did a project in Nigeria
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Working in the Analytics department for the New York Yankees
Laurel Sykes
EVP, Chief Risk Officer
Laurel Sykes
EVP, Chief Risk Officer
Years Experience:
25+
Company Highlights:
SBBT, PCBC, Montecito Bank & Trust
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
Wow. Hard one. How about “Fighting fraud can be stressful. One of my favorite outlets is singing karaoke. We all need an avenue to let it go!
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
A landscape designer! There is nothing better than a 10-minute break in nature.
David Myroup
Executive Director, Enterprise Fraud
David Myroup
Executive Director, Enterprise Fraud
Years Experience:
25+
Company Highlights:
Deutsche Financial Services, GE Business Credit Services, CIT Bank
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I’ve participated in the Hard Rock Marathon, Ironman 70.3, Tough Mudder, several adventure races, and numerous races of various distances.
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
A world-renowned big game fisherman.
Brian Russell
Founder & CEO
Brian Russell
Founder & CEO
Years Experience:
30+
Company Highlights:
Mastercard, Giesecke & Devrient, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I was a collegiate basketball player and high jumper on the track and field team
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Working with a range of companies to focus on building an inclusive financial system in the US
Nick Peach
VP and Global Head of Cyber and Physical Security Operations
Nick Peach
VP and Global Head of Cyber and Physical Security Operations
Years Experience:
25+
Company Highlights:
The Walt Disney Company, BoA, Deloitte
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I used to work for Disney and have been to every Disney theme park… oh and my wife once shot me with a 9MM SIG Sauer (I survived!!)
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
I'd spend my days reading and playing on-line games…preferably on a cruise ship!
Deshea Spurgeon
Vice President Fraud Governance and Operations
Deshea Spurgeon
Vice President Fraud Governance and Operations
Years Experience:
20+
Company Highlights:
Credit Suisse, LPL Financial, Time Warner Cable, Wells Fargo, AvidXchange
Interesting fact you don’t know about me:
I briefly had a stint as an IRS Special Agent!
If I wasn't fighting fraud professionally, I would love to work as:
Professional Development! Helping to get more minorities in leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
