This award recognizes the unsung everyday heroes who work in the payments industry and make the world a better place through community service. Rob’s contributions to both the payments industry and his running community in Arizona continue to inspire us all.

Rob was a part of the payments industry for 30 years culminating with him being the Chief Technology Officer for BridgePay. Rob’s professional career started in quantum physics, but he was introduced to developing software and finding solutions for wireless devices to accept payments. Rob has mentored numerous individuals in the payments industry for the past few decades while working for Hypercom, Apriva, Ingenico, and BridgePay. 

Rob took particular interest in Security, PCI, and IT. He enjoyed sharing information and educating those around him. Rob exemplified true leadership by example through his tireless mentorship efforts to elevate colleagues and industry newcomers. His personal investment in time and intellect has touched countless payment industry professionals. His advocacy for hard work and collaboration and his personal example of selflessness has propelled many payments industry professionals not only to personal success but instilled them with a similar passion to "give back."

Rob was always one to make sure there was a work-life balance and the importance of family. During Covid, Rob started on his own health journey with simply taking a walk around his neighborhood. That turned into running around the neighborhood to then joining a running club that became his community. What would follow was a newfound passion for running and hiking the Arizona landscape. He soon became a volunteer leading the “fun group” where he would plan, organize, and motivate others to join along on weekly runs throughout the Phoenix area. He was dedicated to showing up every week to help lead the group. He would travel to remote locations to spend his weekends volunteering for long shifts to support those competing. Rob’s own health journey was an eye-opening personal transformation that inspired and encouraged others to simply get healthy.

BridgePay is honored on Rob's behalf for the recognition of the Pay It Forward award. Rob’s dedication and impact will continue to motivate us all.

The ETA Star Awards & Visa Celebration is held in conjunction with ETA Transact on April 2, 2025, at 7 p.m., held at the Mandalay Bay House of Blues Music Hall in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information and tickets, please visit the official Transact website.