Nacha
Julie Merante has a diverse and extensive work experience. Julie began their career at the Newspaper Association of America as a Coordinator, Federation Services, where they supported two Federations and their Board of Directors, facilitated communications, provided project management support, and assisted with program planning and logistical arrangements for the annual Marketing Conference. Julie then moved on to become the Assistant Manager, Federation Services, where they continued their previous duties and focused on enhancing the overall value of Federation membership and related services.
Julie then worked at Fairfax County Public Schools as a Marketing Teacher and DECA Advisor, where they taught the principles of Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Fashion Marketing, and Advanced Marketing. Julie also served as an advisor to the school's DECA chapter.
Currently, Julie is employed at Nacha, where they have held various roles. Julie started as the Manager, Meetings & Conferences, responsible for planning and coordinating committee meetings, in-house meetings, special staff events, and the acquisition and management of hotel room blocks. Julie also managed the registration process for Nacha's annual conference and other educational events.
Julie then became the Assistant Director, Meetings & Conferences, and later the Director, Member Engagement at Nacha. In their current role as Director, Membership Operations, they oversee the management and cultivation of relationships between Nacha and its Direct Member organizations. Julie focuses on ensuring understanding and support for the ACH Network and engagement in Nacha programs and activities.
Overall, Julie Merante's work experience demonstrates their expertise in membership operations, member engagement, event planning and coordination, and marketing education.
Julie Merante pursued their undergraduate education at James Madison University from 2000 to 2004. During this time, they completed their Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a focus on International Business, Marketing, and Spanish. In February 2011, they further obtained their certification as a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) from the Convention Industry Council.
Nacha
Nacha is a nonprofit organization that convenes hundreds of diverse organizations to enhance and enable electronic payments and financial data exchange within the U.S. and across geographies. Through development of rules, standards, governance, education, advocacy, and in support of innovation, Nacha’s efforts benefit the providers and users of those systems. Nacha governs the thriving ACH Network, the payment system that drives safe, smart, and fast Direct Deposits and Direct Payments with the capability to reach all U.S. bank and credit union accounts. More than 29 billion ACH Network payments were made in 2021, valued at close to $73 trillion. Through problem-solving and consensus-building among diverse payment industry stakeholders, Nacha advances innovation and interoperability in the payments system. Nacha develops rules and standards, provides industry solutions, and delivers education, accreditation, and advisory services.