PayIt appoints new president and COO as fast-scaling KC govtech company hits pivotal moment

November 16, 2023  |  Startland News Staff

Tom Nieto, PayIt

A veteran govtech leader is joining one of Kansas City’s best-known scale-ups as the company eyes a new era of growth and the expansion of its national and international footprint. 

PayIt — a leader in digital customer experience solutions with integrated payments for state, local, and provincial governments — announced on Thursday the appointment of Tom Nieto as its new president and chief operating officer.

Nieto, who comes with 15 years of industry experience, is expected to focus on driving strategy for PayIt, scaling its operations, and building out capabilities to continue to drive growth for the company.

“Tom’s rich blend of highly relevant professional experiences, strong leadership style, and passion for the PayIt mission made him an easy choice to help guide our business through its next stages,” said John Thomson, co-founder and CEO of PayIt. “I am confident that his contributions will drive our company forward, and our customers, current and future, will benefit from the progress we make with Tom on the team.”

PayIt currently has more than 225 employees distributed across North America, with its headquarters in downtown Kansas City, as well as offices in Nashville and Toronto.

Mike Plunkett and John Thomson, PayIt

Mike Plunkett and John Thomson, PayIt co-founders; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

Thomson and co-founder Mike Plunkett will remain in essential roles with the company, PayIt said.

With Nieto on board, Thomson will be able to focus even more of his efforts on strategic growth and business decisions as the new president takes over overseeing more of the scaling business’s operations.

In his new role as chief development officer, Plunkett — who previously served as COO — will prioritize client relationships, key business development efforts, and leadership development within the company.

RELATED: PayIt co-founder: No one-size-fits-all formula for scaling one of KC biggest startup ideas

Nieto was most recently COO at Accela. He previously held leadership positions at companies including Box and Boston Consulting Group. Nieto holds an M.B.A. from Harvard University and B.A. in International Relations from Stanford University.

PayIt’s modern customer experience and payments platform for government simplifies the way government agencies serve their communities. Cities, towns, counties, states, and provinces use PayIt to collect revenue, work more efficiently, and deliver a better customer experience. 

Click here to learn more about PayIt.

The company consolidates services including property tax, DMV, outdoors, courts, and utilities into one connected experience for residents — launching quickly and saving government agencies up to $6 per transaction, according to PayIt. 

RELATED: PayIt on board the Harriet II, Montgomery Zoo; new portal offers ticketing for popular local attractions

“Payit is at a pivotal moment in our continued growth trajectory,” said Nieto. “Our differentiated offering and talented team has us poised to continue our growth across North America.”

“I am excited to join PayIt to build our next phase of growth and deliver an unparalleled experience to our clients and the customers they serve,” he added.

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

Tagged , , ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder

      2023 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        ‘Invest with women we know’: This $1.4M wellness hub project is redeveloping one neighborhood from within 

        By Tommy Felts | February 13, 2025

        It’s an old real estate adage: “Buy the worst house in the best neighborhood.” Longtime Kansas City commercial broker Sheryl Vickers said it also applies to business properties, “one thousand percent.”  Like twin mid-century office buildings just over the Missouri/Kansas state line in Prairie Village.  “I drove by it, what a sad state,” said Vickers,…

        Digital health startup aims to save medical providers time while bringing down cost of AI tech

        By Tommy Felts | February 11, 2025

        CarePilot is on a mission to bring AI and automation to smaller medical clinics that don’t always have access to cutting-edge technology, shared founder and CEO Joseph Tutera. The Overland Park-based startup’s ambient AI technology — designed to help those smaller practices operate more efficiently — captures patient-provider interactions in real time, automating administrative tasks…

        Street art to stage: KC fashion designer styles iconic Jim Crow-era musical comedy without missing a beat

        By Tommy Felts | February 11, 2025

        Designing for theater gives Whitney Manney the opportunity to be as big and loud as she wants, the street bespoke creator said. A new musical production of “Hairspray” puts Manney’s bold aesthetic through a new lens — and alongside a timely story of acceptance, diversity, and the power of music. “There is no such thing…

        ‘People pay for value’: How a young mom’s plan to hold passion tight drives her baby apparel side hustle

        By Tommy Felts | February 11, 2025

        Coming from a family of business owners, Riley Rhoads knew she wanted to pursue entrepreneurship: starting her own business — but with a goal to help others, the founder of Hold Tight Baby said. “When I hear people talk about, ‘Oh, I want to be an entrepreneur; I want to start and own my own…