We recently spoke with Beth Cronenweth, senior vice president and payments group product manager, about how she landed her dream role at UMB, her involvement in the payments industry and how she moonlights as a real-life rock star in her rock cover band.

Tell me about how you came to UMB and what you do here.

I joined UMB in March 2021 and have been in the banking and financial services industry for nearly 40 years, working primarily in the treasury management space. In my new role as senior vice president and payments group product manager, I’m responsible for driving the vision, roadmap and overall direction of payments products and initiatives. I also manage a team of more than 20 product managers who are responsible for UMB’s payments products including commercial card, integrated payables and real-time payments.

Are you involved in any industry organizations?

I have been an active member of Electronic Payments Core of Knowledge (EPCOR)‡, a not-for-profit payments association which provides payments expertise through education, advice and member representation, for more than 20 years and currently serve on their board of directors. I’m also active with Nacha‡, an electronic payments trade association where I have served on the board of directors, chaired payments conferences and served on the faculty for continuing education conferences.

What is your proudest accomplishment from the past year?

Joining UMB and finding my dream role has been my proudest accomplishment so far. It’s been a great experience and I credit Uma Wilson, chief information and product officer, for giving me the opportunity. We’ve known each other for more than 10 years, and she has a great reputation in the industry, so when she approached me about the opening, I knew it was the right fit for me. I’ve also been very lucky to have a team that supports me even while being remote in Ohio, and early on, they showed that they truly value my opinions and respect my experience. I’ve always had a passion for payments, but I like to say I got my “mojo” back when I joined UMB.

What has been your favorite memory since joining UMB?

Although my time with UMB has been short, my favorite memory was being able to travel to Kansas City and meet the team in person. Starting a new career during a pandemic while living out of state can be difficult. It was essential to see the people I work with face-to-face and be able to laugh and get to know each other in a casual setting. I look forward to more memories like this when more regular travel resumes.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I’ve had a passion for the arts ever since I learned to play guitar when I was just five years old, so most of my time outside of the office involves music and theatre. I’m the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of a rock cover band, MegaBeth, and we perform at events around town. I’m also the managing director and performer at the Performing Arts Creative Ensemble (PACE)‡, a community theatre in Columbus, Ohio. I’m also active in my church’s music ministry.

What is your family life like?

I have a daughter, Emma, who works a senior policy analyst for the Chicago Federal Reserve, and I live with my partner, Len, who is also a musician. We have a very lively and musical household which makes it really fun.

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