2016-17 Scholarship Application

Rene is Head of Marketing at LOC Software, where she leads the company’s marketing strategy and execution internally and for its value-added resellers (VARs) and its vendor partners.

Rene has been in the grocery industry for 25 years, beginning her career in the 90s, working on front-end and back-office solutions in large corporate environments. Before her time at LOC Software, she held various positions in her VAR career, including instructional design, consulting, implementation, product management, and Software Director roles. She highly values building strong relationships and takes pride in understanding the market and identifying and strategizing efficiencies.

After 7 years of selling in other industries, Jason moved to ScanSource in December of 2013 to become an Account Manager in the Networking & Physical Security division. After 5 years of double-digit growth, he moved into ScanSource’s flagship Point-Of-Sale/Barcode division as an Account Executive. He’s primarily focused on strategic initiatives with Point-of-Sale & Payments VAR partners. When he’s not working, you’ll probably find him in the gym or on the golf course. Jason and his family reside in sunny Phoenix, AZ.

As Star Micronics’ Partner Development Manager, Kate Orara brings 18 years of retail channel expertise to the table. With a diverse background encompassing sales, marketing, and business development, Kate has worked with every aspect of the channel, including distributors, value-added resellers, and end-users. She has found that the best way to support end-users is through the channel and believes in the power of relationships to provide achievable solutions.

Involved in the RSPA since 2012, Kate hopes to help push the organization into the future, bringing a fresh perspective to the next generation of channel industry leaders.

Brianna Moriarty started her career in the point of sale technology industry and has been heavily involved in the community and the RSPA ever since. Brianna has a passion for marketing and has used her skills to work with VAR and ISV partners to help them develop their own marketing campaigns and establish partnerships that will help them grow their business. In addition to her career, Brianna is currently pursuing her MBA at Louisiana State University. In her free time, Brianna enjoys reading, running, and traveling the world with her husband, Stephen.

Liz Everett started her career in the payments world with First of Omaha Merchant Processing in 1994. Her next career move landed with what was Vital Merchant Services then became a division of TSYS. During those 8 years, she managed a team of Account Executives and Sales Representatives as well as Operations. In 2010, TSYS sold this business unit to The Phoenix Group. Liz stayed with The Phoenix Group for 10 years through the acquisition by Ingram Micro where she managed Strategic Accounts then later moved in the General Manager role. She currently serves of the Director of Payment Solutions for TRG, managing Sales Executives in US and Canada.

Mike is the co-founder, co-owner and Vice President, Customer Relations of Essential Systems Solutions in Frederick, MD. Mike has been in the POS business for over 30 years, beginning his career by installing POS systems in quick service restaurants for Electronic Systems Services (ESS) in Gaithersburg, MD. Throughout his 20+ years with ESS, he worked as an installer, service manager, VP of Administration, and finally VP, Customer Relations as a member of the executive management of the company that made ESS grow from a small local company to a company recognized all over the United States. In 2011, after the owner of ESS closed that company, Mike and his partner formed a new company, Essential Systems Solutions, hiring all of the former ESS employees and continuing to serve their nationwide and local customers. Mike’s role is to be the “relationship guy” and to grow the customer base and make sure that when customers have any POS needs, Essential gets the call.

Essential has been an RSPA member since their inception (Mike for 15+ years) and has found it a valuable resource for learning, expanding their network, and adding suppliers when needed. In addition to previously serving on the Board of Directors (2016-2021), Mike has been a member of the RSPA Marketing Committee and always have been an RSPA Ambassador help to spread the word and the significance of being a member.

Over the years Mike & the Essential team won the 2014 VSR Magazine Innovation Solution Award in the category of Point of Sale Solution and Essential has been recognized by Frederick County, MD as one of the best places to work.

When he is not talking about POS, Mike flies around the country playing guitar with the blues band Bad Influence.

Andrew Faulkner serves as the owner and Chief Executive Officer of Staley Technologies in Little Rock, AR. Prior to purchasing Staley Technologies, Andrew owned and operated Advanced POS Solutions also in Little Rock, AR. Advanced POS Solutions was a leading Value Added Reseller of Point of Sale solutions and received numerous industry accolades. In 2018, Andrew completed the acquisition of Staley Technologies and the subsequent merger with Advanced POS Solutions. Through organic growth and multiple acquisitions, Staley Technologies has rapidly grown into a national technology player with over 250 employees and offices in Little Rock (HQ), Springdale, Atlanta, Orlando, Columbus (OH), Lansing, Boise, and Los Angeles.

Today, Staley Technologies deploys commercial technology nationwide to help clients stay relevant in ever changing environments. Staley Technology creates custom solutions for each and every client to ensure they can deliver for their customers. We are committed to providing the best possible service exemplified in our 200 W2 technicians across the country. Staley Technologies does it right the first time.