HERNDON, Va., April 21, 2015 – NACHA—The Electronic Payments Association® today announced the recipients of its 2015 Payments System Awards, which recognize the highest degree of achievement in the development, implementation and advancement of electronic payments.

These prestigious awards celebrate excellence, outstanding accomplishments and superior leadership in innovation to further the ACH Network.

The 2015 George Mitchell Payments System Excellence Award
The George Mitchell Payments System Excellence Award, named after former vice-chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, George Mitchell, an early proponent of electronic payments, honors an individual or organization that has shown superior leadership in the development, implementation or advancement of domestic or international electronic payments.

Presented to:

• New York City Department of Finance, Citywide Payments and Receivable Services (CPRS) for pioneering achievements and vision in electronic payments acceptance. CPRS proves that a dedicated team of individuals can make government more efficient, effective and responsive to customers by focusing on improving service, expanding options, managing risk, reducing costs and using new but proven technologies.
• Verifone for leadership in user education and readiness in support of EMV. Verifone’s proactive and comprehensive advocacy have helped merchants, financial institutions and other industry partners prepare for and more precisely understand the role, value and implications of EMV in the broader context of a sound, multilayered security approach.

Honorable mentions this year are First Data’s Clover, a comprehensive business management solution for the POS; and VocaLink, the domestic electronic (non-card) payments hub for the United Kingdom.

The 2015 Kevin O’Brien ACH Network Award
The Kevin O’Brien ACH Network Award, named in honor of the late Kevin O’Brien, NACHA’s 1999-2000 chair, recognizes best practices in ACH participants’ efforts to innovate or improve ACH services and/or the integrity, reliability and environmental benefits of the ACH Network through strategic initiatives and projects.