Midwest Fintech Leader Honored for Driving Innovation in Payments Technology

NEW YORK, NY – November 21, 2025

Recognizing Leadership in a Growing Sector

Dr. Lynne J. Baldwin, Co-Founder and President of BHMI, has been awarded the Pioneer Award by the Midwest Women Entrepreneurs Collective (MWEC), recognizing her significant contributions to the FinTech industry and her dedication to empowering women in business. The award, presented on November 20, 2025, in partnership with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO), highlights Dr. Baldwin’s leadership in developing innovative back-office payment solutions that underpin the modern financial system.

MWEC, launched earlier this year, aims to connect, support, and celebrate women entrepreneurs throughout the Midwest. The partnership with WEDO, a global grassroots movement dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs worldwide, amplifies the award’s significance and extends its reach. The Pioneer Award celebrates individuals who not only achieve business success but also champion inclusivity and inspire others.

The Unseen Engine of Digital Payments

BHMI specializes in providing Concourse, a modern and flexible software suite for the back-office processing of electronic payments. While consumers often interact with the front end of payment systems – mobile apps, credit card terminals, online checkouts – the back end is where the complex work of reconciliation, settlement, fraud detection, and compliance occurs. This critical infrastructure is often unseen, but essential for ensuring the smooth and secure functioning of the global financial system.

“The complexity of modern payments is astounding,” explained one industry analyst. “Financial institutions need robust and adaptable back-office systems to handle the increasing volume and variety of transactions, and that's where companies like BHMI excel.”

The company’s software allows financial institutions and payment processors to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance security. This is particularly important in the current environment, where the demand for digital payments is rapidly growing and the threat of cyberattacks is ever-present. The recent recognition by Banking CIO Outlook as a Top Electronic Payment Transaction Solution underscores BHMI's position as a leader in this vital sector.

Midwest Innovation and Female Leadership

The award also signifies a growing trend of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Midwest. Historically, the region has been known for its strong manufacturing base, but in recent years, it has emerged as a hub for technology startups and FinTech companies.

“The Midwest is undergoing a transformation,” said a regional economic development official. “We’re seeing a surge in entrepreneurial activity, particularly among women. Organizations like MWEC are playing a crucial role in fostering this growth by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities.”

Dr. Baldwin’s recognition is particularly meaningful given the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within the FinTech industry. “It’s incredibly important to have role models who can inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs,” noted one attendee at the awards ceremony. “Dr. Baldwin’s success demonstrates that women can thrive in this challenging but rewarding field.”

Dr. Baldwin’s leadership extends beyond her role at BHMI. She is committed to mentoring other women and advocating for policies that promote gender equality in the workplace. “Creating a more inclusive and equitable business environment is not only the right thing to do, it’s also good for the bottom line,” Dr. Baldwin stated in a recent interview. “Diverse teams are more innovative, more resilient, and more likely to succeed.”

This year’s award follows a difficult time for BHMI; the company recently mourned the loss of its CEO and Co-Founder, Jack T. Baldwin, PhD. Dr. Lynne J. Baldwin’s leadership is now more crucial than ever as she guides the company through a period of transition. “Stepping into this role is deeply personal,” said an insider. “Lynne is committed to upholding Jack’s legacy while charting a new course for the company.”

The Pioneer Award is one of the first of its kind from MWEC. While WEDO has awarded its own Pioneer Awards for years, MWEC's focus on regional entrepreneurial ecosystems adds a unique dimension to the award's significance.