
Why us?
We designed Power & Light Collaborative with people who know how to “close the gap.”
Our deep financial industry experience, distinctive consumer-driven approach, and thoughtfully vetted network of activation and technology partners makes us uniquely positioned to help tech providers illuminate ripe areas for go-to-market revenue enhancement, and provide the muscle needed to activate those key strategies to bring the original business case to fruition.

Meet the core team.

Team Power & Light has accumulated over 200+ combined years of executive-level experience in the fintech and credit union space, fostering deep connections, and a key understanding of what goes into successful relationships.

Samantha
Paxson
Founder & Lead Investor
Samantha Paxson is a Fintech growth strategist with over two decades of C-suite experience. She founded Power & Light Collaborative, aiding community-focused financial institutions and Fintechs in pinpointing strategic areas for growth, prioritizing consumer focus, and optimizing financial performance. A sought-after speaker, Paxson integrates technology, operations, and customer experience to drive revenue, retention, and market expansion.

Pam
Edwards
Principal, Growth Strategist
Pam is a pragmatic marketing communications leader experienced in the financial services, technology, automotive, and consumer goods industries. A seasoned strategist, she has successfully managed cross-functional teams, and go-to-market strategy and is adept at distilling complex issues into easily understood messages. Her expertise is in creating integrated marketing communication plans that engage audiences both internally and externally.

Marjani
Holliday
Planning Director & Growth Strategist
Marjani is a pace-setting marketing communications executive with nearly 15 years of experience growing and shaping iconic brands including Amazon Prime Video, Toyota, Frito-Lay, and Nintendo. Experienced in communications, marketing, and public relations efforts she has a proven track record of connecting business goals and objectives with communications, PR, and marketing strategies to achieve maximum impact.

Steve
Howard
CFO & Strategic Advisor
Steve is a seasoned finance leader with a career spanning the financial services, fintech and advisory industries. Equally adept in large global organizations as well as in emerging companies, Steve’s expertise is in developing financial strategies, capitalization solutions and driving innovation. He is a collaborative leader and problem solver with a passion for leveraging finance as a strategic enabler for organizations.

Louise
Johnson
CX Strategist
Louise is a certified CCXP (Certified Customer Experience Professional) and seasoned sales and operations strategist with over 25 years in financial services and banking. She has led high-performing teams in retail banking, business banking, and credit unions. Her experience spans fintech, credit unions, and banks, with a focus on strategy, product operations, and technology. Louise's commitment to excellence and transformative leadership continues to set benchmarks in the financial services industry.

Dan
Lozier
Sales Strategist
With over 30 years of experience in financial services, Dan is a seasoned growth professional recognized for delivering measurable results through consultative sales, strategic planning, and client retention. A skilled communicator and effective leader, he has a proven ability to negotiate complex contracts and drive sustainable growth across dynamic markets. Known for his steady hand during times of change, Dan excels at identifying opportunities, advising on risk, and fostering long-term client relationships. He brings deep expertise in team building, sales strategy, and relationship management. Dan’s professional development includes graduation from the School of Bank Card Management, and he has been published in Credit Union Magazine, underscoring his industry expertise and thought leadership.

Emma
McGowan
Chief of Staff, Operations
Emma is a seasoned operations leader with a knack for transforming complex logistical challenges into streamlined solutions. With her mastery in logistics and operations management, Emma excels in creating and overseeing efficient workflows and leveraging her expertise to drive organizational success. Her strategic vision and attention to detail ensure that operations run smoothly.

Deidre
McQuaide
Executive Creative Director & Strategist
Dee is a human-centered problem solver who has served as Executive Creative Director for some of the nation’s top brands. She’s led award-winning 360 campaigns, branding, video, digital and experiential activations for nearly every industry--from financial services to start-ups to fast food. She excels in helping brands define and articulate their North Star for more focused, streamlined communications

Brian
Mitchell
Executive Producer, Events & Multimedia Strategist
Brian is a premiere communications strategist and multimedia presentation and events consultant who advises clients on the most compelling and persuasive ways to communicate to audiences. For over fifteen years, Brian has consulted extensively in the financial services industry, including serving as a primary strategist and Executive Producer of THINK, the preeminent growth strategy conference in the credit union industry.

Heather
Peterson
Digital Strategist
Heather is a results-driven digital strategist with over 20 years of experience in marketing, product development, and business strategy. With expertise in digital marketing, brand strategy, and B2B relationships, Heather has a proven track record in leveraging data-driven insights to enhance digital presence and achieve business goals. Her background in web development and process management further complements her ability to create impactful digital solutions.

Jeannette
Thebeau
Growth Strategist
Jeanette is a veteran strategic consultant and former CMO with 30 years of experience in multiple industries, covering the full spectrum of strategic planning and experiential innovation — from crafting powerful brand and marketing strategies to leading high-stakes projects and orchestrating unforgettable event experiences. Her go-to-market plans have made a significant impact for nonprofits, startups, and large enterprise organizations.

Our goal?

To enlighten and empower all parties involved to scale and grow.

We get it.
Every day, we hear from technology companies with game-changing solutions for the financial services market. But they often hit a roadblock when making those services relevant to community-focused financial institutions like credit unions. Why?
These financial institutions realize they need to provide more modern, connected consumer experiences. And they like what fintechs have to offer. But the integration, investment, and trust required to successfully adopt and deploy these solutions often seems too much to navigate. Our unique process helps solve that.
