Episode 180 • 05/14/2026

Wade Tetsuka, President of UST, on Payments, Peer Learning, and Education as a Bridge to Success

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What happens when a fintech leader decides that serving the association community means doing far more than processing payments? And in an environment where associations are under pressure to deliver more value with limited resources, how can they create learning and connections that truly help members thrive?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Wade Tetsuka, President of U.S. Transactions Corporation (UST) and UST Education. Wade discusses:

  • How UST helps associations accept credit card and ACH payments through AMS, LMS, and event platforms, while also helping reduce fees and improve service.
  • Why payment processing becomes an especially important decision point when associations are changing AMS platforms.
  • How UST Education began as simple peer-to-peer lunch roundtables for association IT directors and grew into a major educational platform.
  • How the pandemic accelerated UST Education’s virtual programming and enabled it to serve association professionals across the country.
  • Why Wade believes companies should connect with the communities they serve in a more meaningful way, and how education became that “sweet spot” for him.
  • Why education is the common thread across Wade’s work, board service, and leadership philosophy, and why he sees it as “the great equalizer in society.”
  • What the AANHPI association community means to Wade, and why representation and visibility matter for future Asian American leaders.

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About Associations Thrive

Associations Thrive podcast is hosted by Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International. Joanna’s personal mission and the mission of Matrix Group is to help associations and nonprofits increase membership, generate revenue and thrive in the digital space. 

We believe that every association has a unique mission and unique story that demonstrates how they’re serving their members, impacting their industry, and ultimately changing the world. Every guest is an association Chief Executive, Executive Director or President. We’re here to help amplify their stories so all associations can learn and thrive, together.

If you and your organization have a great story,  apply to be on Associations Thrive!