Celebrating 25 Years of Success: Meet the Team Behind FTSI

As FTSI celebrates its remarkable 25-year journey, we take this month to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary individuals who have been instrumental in shaping the company's vision, driving innovation, and delivering cutting-edge solutions to the financial services industry.  

FTSI's 25-year journey is a testament to the unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership of its team. From the founding vision of Susan Napier, each member of the leadership team has contributed to the company's success. FTSI has solidified its position as the largest independent provider of branch and digital transformation solutions, offering a comprehensive suite of services to financial institutions. 

As FTSI celebrates 25 years of success, our evolution in the technology space continues. Guided by customer experience and driven by innovation, we are shaping the future of banking.  

In the digital realm, FTSI's expertise lies in delivering seamless experiences in-branch beyond. With a focus on user-first concepts, FTSI's digital solutions empower financial institutions to deepen consumer connections and provide cutting-edge banking experiences that fully embrace today’s digital landscape. 

FTSI's hardware and service offerings have been the backbone of our success since the early days. Our commitment to hiring and training the best ATM technician experts ensures unmatched service response and uptimes in the industry. From seamless conversions to hardware installations and solution expansions, FTSI's dedicated service teams continue to exceed expectations, setting new standards of excellence. 

Recognizing the paramount importance of security, FTSI remains at the forefront of safeguarding financial institutions. With a comprehensive range of security solutions, we’re passionate about protecting against evolving threats and ensuring that each customer is fully covered according to their unique needs. Our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of security gives our customers peace of mind, allowing them to focus on delivering exceptional experiences to their own customers. 

FTSI's unwavering commitment to providing transformative technologies, comprehensive solutions, and exceptional service remains the compass that will guide us toward continued success for the next 25 years and beyond.  

Join us in celebrating this momentous milestone and embrace the exciting journey ahead with FTSI as your trusted partner in financial technology solutions. 

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey in the world of financial technology? Partner with FTSI, an industry leader in branch and digital transformation solutions, and feel the power of seamless experiences, innovative hardware and service, and robust security.  

Contact us today to explore how our comprehensive suite of solutions can drive user-first concepts and custom execution for your brand. Let us help you shape the future of banking and deliver exceptional experiences to your customers. Together, we can create a stronger, more connected financial landscape.

Meet the Leadership Team 

With a commitment to exceeding customer expectations and a passion for transformative technologies, FTSI has thrived under the guidance of its exceptional leadership team. Let’s meet some of the faces behind it all! 

Susan Napier, the visionary founder of FTSI in 1998, has been the driving force behind the company's ascent to industry leadership. With a steadfast dedication to providing forward-thinking solutions, Susan has consistently surpassed customer expectations. Her long-term strategies have propelled both FTSI and its clients towards sustainable growth, setting new standards for excellence in the financial services landscape. 

Daniel Valdez | President & Chief Financial Officer 

Since joining FTSI in 2011, Daniel Valdez has played a pivotal role in optimizing financial management landscapes through his entrepreneurial spirit and forward-thinking leadership. Daniel's unique blend of financial expertise and operational knowledge has become an invaluable asset to FTSI and its clients, enabling them to navigate the complex financial terrain with confidence. 

Jill Gongora | Chief Operations Officer & Senior Executive Vice President 

With over 20 years of management experience, Jill Gongora has been a driving force behind FTSI's seamless operations, customer service, marketing, and sales initiatives since joining the team in 2009. Her integral role in developing key functions ensures that FTSI consistently delivers exceptional experiences that delight customers, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust and satisfaction.

Lisa Huertas | Chief Strategy & Growth Officer & Executive Vice President 

Drawing upon a wealth of industry knowledge and experience, Lisa Huertas empowers financial institutions to innovate and thrive. Through her leadership roles and collaboration with numerous financial organizations, Lisa has gained unique insights into their vision, strategy, culture, and critical technology needs. Her guidance has been instrumental in helping FTSI's clients unlock their full potential and achieve remarkable growth. 

Michael Winn | Chief Information Officer 

With an impressive background in information technology spanning over 35 years, Michael Winn brings unparalleled expertise to FTSI. As the Chief Information Officer, Michael's mastery extends across a wide range of technical areas, including ATM hardware, software, and financial compliance. His commitment to leveraging technology to drive efficiencies and enhance revenue has cemented FTSI's position as an industry leader. 

Travis Hoban | Chief Technology Officer 

Since joining the team in 2017, Travis Hoban has been a driving force behind FTSI's technological advancements. With a fervent passion for empowering financial institutions through cutting-edge technology, Travis specializes in areas such as blockchain/crypto technology, enhanced self-service, and ATM as a Service (ATMaaS). His expertise and role as a Blockchain Maturity Model consultant with the Government Blockchain Association enable him to guide financial institutions in evaluating and implementing innovative blockchain solutions. Travis's dedication to helping our clients gain operational efficiencies and maximize revenue growth has solidified his position as a key contributor to FTSI's success. 

Joanie Hernandez | Chief Human Resources Officer 

With an extensive background in human resources across various industries, Joanie Hernandez has been an asset to FTSI since joining in 2008. Boasting over 25 years of experience in healthcare, hospitality, and entertainment companies, Joanie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as CHRO. Her passion for helping people achieve their personal and professional goals has made her an exceptional leader. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and growth-oriented work environment has contributed significantly to the success and development of our team members. 

James (Bo) Watson | Chief Service Officer  

Joining FTSI in 2013, Bo has been an instrumental part of the leadership team. With over 21 years of experience in ATM hardware, software, and field operations, Bo brings a deep understanding of the industry to his role. His dedication to providing exceptional services and support to our customers has helped give FTSI the positive reputation that it carries today. Bo’s commitment to delivering best-in-class service ensures that our customers receive the utmost care and attention. His expertise and passion for excellence make him a trusted advocate for our clients throughout his time at FTSI.