Celebrating National AAP Recognition Day: Honoring Our AAP Professionals, Maggie Usher and Ashley Winn
February 11th marks National AAP Recognition Day, a day set aside by NACHA (National Automated Clearing House Association) and its member payments associations to highlight the importance of the Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) accreditation and celebrate the achievements and contributions of all AAPs. This certification is a testament to individuals’ deep understanding of ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments, recognizing their expertise, dedication, and knowledge in the field. At Southern Michigan Bank and Trust (SMBT), we are incredibly proud to have two dedicated AAP-certified professionals: Maggie Usher, VP Treasury and eServices Operations Manager, and Ashley Winn, Treasury Services Supervisor. Their contributions to the payments industry have been invaluable, and their commitment to excellence continues to drive success within our team.
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Ashley Winn’s AAP Journey: Determination and Growth
Ashley Winn’s journey to earning her AAP certification is a story of determination, learning, and growth. Ashley shared that she initially wasn’t exposed to the AAP accreditation at her previous employer, where ACH processing was outsourced. However, Scott McQueen, 1st VP Risk Management Officer for SMBT, knew her potential and encouraged her to pursue the certification. He emphasized how valuable the AAP would be—not just for her current role but as a credential she could carry with her throughout her career. “He expressed how valuable the accreditation was and that I would be able to take it with me wherever I go,” Ashley said. “So, I decided to give it a shot.”
“I encouraged Ashley, as I do with all my team members, to continue to grow and develop. I believe in having a development plan for each employee and challenging them to reach beyond their comfort zone. Although Ashley had doubts, I had confidence in her and through the support of her co-workers and her own determination, I knew she would be successful,” Scott notes.
Ashley’s hard work and persistence paid off when she passed the AAP exam on her first attempt, a moment that filled her with immense pride. “Passing the exam on my first try. It might sound cliché, but that was probably my proudest moment,” she recalled. “After taking the exam, I was shaking waiting for the results, and as soon as I saw I had passed, a huge wave of relief and excitement washed over me.” This accomplishment stands as a testament to her focus, commitment, and ability to overcome challenges.
Since earning her AAP certification, Ashley has found that the knowledge and expertise she gained have been invaluable in her role. “Working in Deposit Operations and Treasury, you deal with ACH every day, so that extra in-depth knowledge has been super beneficial,” she explained. “It allows me to understand how it works behind the scenes and from a customer perspective.” Her in-depth understanding of ACH systems, along with her continued education through industry training and conferences, has allowed her to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry. “Regularly attending trainings and conferences keeps me in the know since rules and regulations with ACH are constantly evolving,” Ashley noted.
Ashley’s journey also led her to a meaningful project during her time at her previous financial institution. When the institution underwent a core conversion in 2022, Ashley discovered that the new processors had incorrectly set up the ACH originators. Taking it upon herself to correct these setups, she ensured that the proper limits and user permissions were in place, protecting both the bank and its customers. “It wasn’t necessarily because of my AAP, but when my previous financial institution went through a core conversion in 2022, the new processors set all the ACH originators up incorrectly,” she said. “When I discovered this, I took it upon myself to correct each company and user to ensure the right limits and user permissions were in place. I wanted to make sure the bank and customers were protected based on the agreements and risk assessments that were in place.”
Ashley’s proactive approach to this project not only demonstrated her expertise but also her commitment to maintaining the integrity and security of ACH transactions.
Maggie Usher: The Power of the AAP Certification
Maggie Usher, VP Treasury and eServices Operations Manager at SMBT, has also made significant contributions to the payments industry. Maggie earned her AAP certification in 2015, and her journey was one of passion for learning into the world of ACH. Angie Smith, 1st VP Head of Operations, played a key role in encouraging Maggie to pursue her AAP certification, offering support and guidance throughout the process. “I’ve always loved to learn, especially to take a deep dive into a relevant topic like ACH,” she shared.
Her process of studying for the AAP exam was rigorous. “Studying for the exam was wild – have you seen the Nacha rulebook?” Maggie recalled. “One of the people in my prep group said that when they put their backpack of books in the car, they’d get a seatbelt warning. I went through a 10-week prep series, spent hours in the evenings and weekends reading, and made my husband quiz me with flashcards relentlessly. He probably could have passed by the time I took the test.” Maggie’s commitment to studying, even after a long workday, led her to create a study schedule and a no-distraction study spot at home to ensure success. “The hardest part was making sure to take the time to study even after a long day or week at work,” she said. “I made myself a schedule and kept to it, and I made myself a no distractions study spot at home.”
Once Maggie passed the AAP exam, the feeling of achievement was overwhelming. “Just getting that piece of paper that said ‘pass’ after I took the exam! Angie and a bunch of the Operations team took me out that week to celebrate too, and it was just a very full moment – proud of myself, and thankful for the support of so many others,” Maggie reflected.
Since earning her AAP, Maggie’s career has flourished. The knowledge and connections she gained from the AAP certification have opened numerous opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders and shape the future of payments. “Earning my AAP has honestly changed my life,” she shared. “Once I could add those letters after my name, I could join the AAP Alliance with The Clearing House. This gave me opportunities to start volunteering, participating on committees, and really connecting with other payments people outside SMBT.”
Now, as she steps into her role as Chair for the TCHPA Payments Alliance for 2025 and 2026, Maggie is eager to continue driving success in the payments industry. “I am really excited to use my knowledge and experience to help community banks, especially SMBT, to identify and embrace new opportunities to leverage payments towards strategic priorities,” she said. “Past that, I’m looking forward to building a strong and engaged TCHPA Payments Alliance full of people who share my passion and who are committed to empowering our members forward!”
Celebrating Excellence in the Payments Industry
As we celebrate National AAP Recognition Day, we acknowledge the significance of the AAP certification in shaping the careers of professionals like Ashley and Maggie. Their expertise in ACH operations enhances the work we do and ensures the continued success and growth of our organization. Ashley’s and Maggie’s stories exemplify the dedication required to earn the AAP designation and the positive impact it can have on one’s career and contributions to the payments industry.
Angie Smith shares her thoughts on the remarkable achievements of both women, “Achieving AAP accreditation is no small feat, and we are incredibly fortunate to have two AAPs on our team! With Maggie’s expertise, our department has ensured compliance with NACHA rules, addressed operational issues efficiently, and executed projects confidently. This enhances our operational capabilities and strengthens our organization’s reputation for maintaining high standards in electronic payments. By adding Ashley’s knowledge to the mix, our team can make significant strides, leveraging the combined years of experience from both leaders to guide us in the best direction.”
Their accomplishments showcase not only the technical proficient required to navigate the ACH landscape but also the leadership that propels our organization to new heights.
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