Regional Sales Vice President

“Back in 1966, we would manually sort high-volume check endpoints in a 32-pocket proof machine, then hand-sort the rest in a bin. Today, the entire process is automated, except opening the bags and placing the checks into the high-speed equipment."
Ron Byrne

Regional Account Executives

“Check 21 is probably the most significant payments system initiative that I've seen. Evolving payment methods have had a tremendous impact on the Fed's check processing. Check 21 is a Federal Reserve necessity assuring financial institutions benefit from expedited credit and collection-cost efficiency."
Bill Mason-Regional Manager

“Tremendous change also brings great opportunity. Those institutions that embrace new-found opportunities will strategically position themselves for renewed success in an increasingly competitive market."
Jim Broughton

“We have been talking about an electronic check-collection process ever since I joined the Federal Reserve System in 1991. Now we are actually prepared to do it."
John Mitchell

“It's amazing how far we've progressed since the time when there were ‘non-par banks.' Those banks did not pay the par value for their checks; plus, they mailed bank drafts to pay for those items."
Don Baldwin

“When I started five years ago, the predictions made years earlier that checks would go away were being laughed at. But how rapidly things have changed. Check volumes are diminishing quickly and being replaced by electronic payments. We better all hang on, as the ride over the next few years will be exhilarating."
Paul Drennan

“I remember the first check-collection fee schedule in 1982. We offered only four deposit categories then, and now we have nearly 100 product codes for forward check collection alone! I look forward to promoting the use of our new suite of Check 21 services."
Stan Zarzycki

Regional Account Representatives

“When I started my career in banking, ACH transactions were still sent to financial institutions on magnetic tape. I recall when check volume was increasing, and we were looking for ways to clear checks cheaper and faster. Today, image services is the answer!"
Bobbi Antoff

“When I started at the Fed we did everything manually. I didn't even know what a personal computer was, much less electronic check and imaging. (I was only 3 when I started.) The one thing that hasn't changed is the Fed's commitment to quality and to our customers."
Dot Trame

Regional Check 21 and Image Specialists

“When I was managing Wire and ACH, we had the second dual-floppy personal computer at the St. Louis Fed. Our job: to test the unit to see if banks could use dial-up telephone lines to send and receive wire transfers. We were on the cutting edge."
Andy Lueckenhoff

“When I started at the Fed 18 years ago, I heard predictions that checks would soon be a thing of the past. It's true that check volume has decreased as the use of debit cards, credit cards and online banking has increased, but I do not believe that people will stop writing checks for a very long time."
Teala McQuilkin

Regional ACH Specialist

“The challenge for us as the industry evolves is keeping focused on quality customer service. No matter what transitions take place or what new technology takes over, we still depend on our customers to make it all a success. Without them, advancements in the financial services industry would be fruitless!"
Susan Bivens

Regional Check Customer Service

"In my almost 30 years with the Federal Reserve I would be hardpressed to identify what has changed the most, since we have lived in decades of constant change. One thing that has not changed is our ongoing desire to meet and exceed customer expectations with quality products and services and exemplary customer support."
Leslie Rebilas

“In these times of intense change, customer outreach has been critical. I am proud to have helped develop successful Fed Exchange seminars and Payments Symposiums that helped to facilitate two-way communication and improve awareness of the Fed's products, services and capabilities."
Sandy Runyon

"There have been many changes in banking since I began 20 years ago. I remember being excited when I could pay my mortgage payment by automatic withdrawal instead of writing a check each month. Now I pay most bills electronically, and I also get my bank statement electronically, along with images of my checks."
Gayle O'Connor

"I'm happy that e-mail is available. It has revolutionized how we receive and process information. We're no longer waiting on the mail or trying to decipher handwriting. It's fast and easy!"
Deidre Stanley