Paul GuccioneChief Executive Officer

Paul was first drawn to the intersection of payments and technology in 1999, when he joined a small payments company in Boulder in need of a tech-forward critical thinker to help with large scale M&A growth. He moved quickly into leadership roles where he utilized exceptional logic, communication, and technology skills to find creative ways to solve problems for both internal and external customers.

Paul’s leadership trajectory led him to the Bay Area of California, where he was instrumental in building systems and processes resulting in exponential growth for a young payments startup. Through senior leadership roles in both Operations and Sales, he built systems and teams across the country responsible for the company’s double-digit annual growth. He led both internal and external technology teams and helped to craft and drive the company’s overall strategy, leading to its successful acquisition by Global Payments in 2014.

Paul joined the Ascent team in 2019 and quickly began leveraging Ascent’s unique position as the most-trusted vacation rental online payment processor to integrate innovative partner programs and groundbreaking short-term and long-term rental payment solutions. Ascent appreciates Paul’s consultative approach to overcoming obstacles, his proven ability to help his partners and clients successfully grow their business, his extraordinary vision, and his leadership.

Paul now lives in North Carolina with his family and two dogs. He enjoys spending time with friends, attending live music, fishing, horses, traveling and cooking, and continues to find that helping people and businesses succeed is one of his favorite ways to spend time.

“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” Mark Twain

Julia PaigeChief Operating Officer

Julia was born in Steamboat Springs, CO, making her one of the rare people you meet in Colorado that was actually born here. She was bitten by the travel bug early in life and continues to enjoy seeing new places and learning new languages. She still lives in Colorado and enjoys riding horses and hiking with her dog, Olive. She has grown with Ascent since 2010 and loves working with such a great group of people, partners, and clients.

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Maya Angelou

Christine MalteseChief Resource Officer

Having grown-up in southeast Florida where riding your bike to the beach was the norm and vacationing meant visiting family in big cities up north, Christine was awe-struck the first time she visited the Smoky Mountains and discovered a love of hiking and the four seasons. This newfound love ultimately led to her moving full time to the mountains in the mid-90’s where she spent the next 20 years managing a top Vacation Rental Management company in Gatlinburg.

Christine has a strong background in accounting and a love of helping people solve problems while making them smile. She joined the Ascent family in 2016 and has been able to bring that unique perspective to her role as Chief Resource Officer.

When Christine isn’t working, she enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors in the beautiful Smoky Mountains but also loves traveling, reading, and spending time with her family.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

Mikha DevineClient Success Manager

Mikha was born and raised in California where she graduated from San Francisco State University. Mikha is joining the Ascent team with several years of experience in the credit card processing industry and a strong background in providing exceptional merchant support. In her spare time she enjoys exploring in nature, reading, writing fiction, and traveling to new places. 

“There’s as many atoms in a single molecule of your DNA as there are stars in the typical galaxy. We are, each of us, a little universe.” ? Neil deGrasse Tyson, Cosmos

Arnelle SampsonClient Support and Implementation Specialist

Arnelle was born in Freeport, Bahamas with a diverse lineage hailing from Ragged Island and Jamaica. She is currently located in Georgia, a place she has called home for many years now. She is also married with one child and a proud U.S. Army Veteran. Arnelle enjoys listening to audiobooks, cooking, fitness, traveling the world, and being adventurous. In addition, Arnelle is what most call a “Foodie”; Her origins already made her a food enthusiast, but throughout her travels the enthusiasm grew. Time spent in Korea eating their cuisine and falling in love with soul food in Georgia encouraged this love of food. Watching the Food network for fun (Iron Chef to be specific) also exacerbated this love of diverse cuisine; because of this when traveling she is more interested in eating at the local restaurants than visiting the popular tourist sites. 
 
Most of all, Arnelle is on a constant journey to grow mentally, and spiritually. She believes that kindness, empathy, and positivity are powerful, free, and essential. Bringing forth an international background in HR and Credit Card Processing, Arnelle is very enthusiastic about providing excellent care to our Ascent Clients.  

“It turns out that the process of working toward a goal, participating in a valued and challenging activity, is as important to well-being as it’s attainment.” Professor Sonja Lyubomirsky

Jonathan CastanoClient Success and Implementation Specialist

Jonathan Castano is a Texan through and through. He was born in San Antonio and lived in Austin until attending Texas State University. Upon earning his degree, Jonathan began working in the Vacation Rental Industry, with roles focusing on Trust & Security, Onboarding, and Account Management.  

Jonathan enjoys vacationing at Disney with his wife and three children. During football season, he can be found on the couch cheering on the Houston Texans.  

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” Marcus Aurelius

Jonathan ChingAccount Executive

Jonathan is a native Californian, born and raised in the Bay Area, where he currently resides with his wife, 2 daughters and 4-legged (dog) son. From an early age, he was intrigued by different cultures (especially their food!) and was fortunate to grow up in a family that loved to travel. This love of travel, food and culture is what attracted Jonathan to the VR space.

When not working, he can typically be found driving his daughters to dance/gymnastics practice and competitions, and his “son” to the occasional dog show. Disneyland, Lake Tahoe, and Hawaii have been his go-to-family-friendly vacation destinations. Being a die-hard sports fan, Jonathan has a deep-rooted love for his local sports teams, and can always be found cheering for the Giants, Warriors, Sharks and Niners.

Before joining the Ascent team, Jonathan spent the last 13+ years in the payment processing world. He is excited to be joining such a great team to utilize his expertise in payment processing to help Vacation Rental/Lodging merchants streamline their programs and drive more direct revenue.

“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” George Bernard Shaw

Dawn TookesNew Account Coordinator

Dawn joined Ascent Processing in 2019 with 13 years of experience in the payments industry. She is excited to be part of such an amazing group of people who all have a passion for providing the best service possible!

Dawn was born in California, grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and moved back to California as a young adult. This is where she met her husband and started her family. About 4 years ago they relocated to Utah.

When she isn’t working, she is spending time with her husband and 4 kids. When not jumping around from one activity to the next, they love to go back to the Bay Area to see extended family and visit the beach or go to Southern California and go to Disneyland.

“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” Anonymous

Robert GrayBusiness Development Manager

Having spent his early years in both New York City and Northern New Jersey, Robert's journey led him to South Carolina in 1985, where he enrolled at Clemson University. Following his graduation, his connection with the Carolinas remained strong, and he currently resides just south of Myrtle Beach, S.C.

In the early 1990s, Robert assumed the role of Owner Relations Manager at a modest resort in South Carolina, overseeing slightly over 100 properties. This venture marked his entry into the hospitality and property management sector, which he has embraced ever since. Over a span of 12 years, Robert held various leadership positions within hospitality providers, spanning Operations, IT, and Accounting. His career trajectory climaxed in his appointment as General Manager for a vacation rental management company that oversaw a portfolio of more than 1,000 properties.

Taking a new direction, Robert transitioned to the supplier side of the Vacation Rental industry roughly 14 years ago. During this time, he represented well-regarded companies such as Instant Software and Visual Data Systems. In these capacities, he collaborated and consulted with a diverse array of property managers, ranging from small operations to larger entities across the United States. His focus was on equipping them with the knowledge and resources necessary not only to prosper but to excel in an ever-evolving landscape. Throughout his tenure, Robert delivered numerous presentations and workshops, relishing the opportunity to engage with clients and partners at industry events.

Robert became a part of the ASCENT team in 2020. He currently resides in the southern region of Myrtle Beach, allowing him to maintain a hands-on connection with the daily requirements of vacation rental managers. Amidst his responsibilities, he finds solace in enjoying the beach, provided the weather isn't sweltering.

“Live now; make now always the most precious time. Now will never come again.” J.L. Picard

Mike BettsBusiness Development Manager

With over two decades of B2B sales expertise, Mike brings a wealth of experience to the Ascent team. He has a strong background in the industry, having previously held a position at First Data Corp, where he successfully led a sales team engaged in the Citibank alliance. Additionally, he boasts a rich history of 12 years dedicated to managing sales teams and nurturing crucial referral partner relationships within the payroll sector.

Mike's roots trace back to Southern California, where he was both born and raised among six siblings. Currently calling Temecula, CA his home, he shares it with his wife Josephine. Their loving family consists of two married children and a delightful count of five grandchildren, as well as an extended network of 28 nieces and nephews.

Beyond his professional achievements and familial bonds, Mike finds joy in a variety of hobbies. He's an avid golfer and enjoys embarking on mountain biking adventures alongside his wife Josephine. When it comes to sports, Mike's loyalties lie with teams such as The San Francisco 49ers, LA Lakers, LA Angels, and the Anaheim Ducks.

Recently, Mike and Josephine commemorated their 38th wedding anniversary with a special getaway to one of their cherished destinations, Oahu, Hawaii.

Believe you can and you're halfway there.

Edwin KellyBusiness Development Manager

After graduating from the University of Buffalo in 2003, Edwin would soon be enrolling into the world of merchant services soon after. 2024 marks his 20^th year in the payments space and his curiosity, drive, and hunger for knowledge remains stronger than ever. Throughout his career, he has been well accomplished in sales, business development and relationship management. His client first approach has led to success throughout his career and fuels his passion to help customers and organizations both succeed.

Originally from New York Edwin has also lived in the DMV residing in Washington, DC, Alexandria, VA and Baltimore, MD before making his big move to Texas. When Edwin is not working, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his family, including newest addition to the family, his Doberman Ka$h.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. – Robert Frost

Emily VandallPartnership Account Manager

Emily joins the Ascent team with 12 years of experience in the Vacation Rental industry. She was the Operations Director Vacation Rental Manager on Kiawah Island and then the GM for Vacasa, piloting the company’s Luxury Program on Kiawah. Emily is an active member of the Vacation Rental Management Association where she has volunteered on the Education Committee for seven years. She is passionate about our industry.
 
She lives in Charleston, SC where she began her career as an Arms Dealer after attending law school at the University of Alabama. She received accolades from both the Association of the US Army and from the Italian Ministry of Defense. 
 
Working in the travel industry gave Emily an appreciation for local cuisine. She is a foodie who enjoys living and eating like a local wherever she finds herself.  She also has an almost-troubling stationery addiction and an uncontrollable need to color-code everything, including her two children, Gray and Khaki.

Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. ~ Mark Twain

Debi RuskofskyAccount Manager

Debi joined the Ascent team in early 2022 with 20 years’ experience in payment processing, merchant support, and sales. Debi is dedicated to assisting each client with perseverance and empathy. Her goal is to make people smile. Debi is a native Californian where she graduated from California Lutheran University and now resides in the Fresno area. She loves spending time with her family and several fur-babies.

Julie LaReauOperations

Julie is a wife, and mother of two boys with a passion for the game of lacrosse. Texas is currently where her family calls home after moving from Colorado, Illinois, and Virginia. Her house is divided with Bear fans and one Bronco fan. The Bronco fan is allowed to stay, since he is also a Cubs and Blackhawks fan.

When Julie isn’t working she enjoys watching sports, traveling, and seeing live music. Her favorite places to travel are anywhere with a beach or near the mountains. There are only two states she hasn’t been to which is a goal she intends to reach. Julie graduated from Northern Illinois University and began working at the local hospital as an exercise physiologist for 5 years. She moved to Golden, CO with her husband which is where she crossed paths with Ascent. She has been with Ascent Processing, Inc. since 2008 and is so grateful to be able to work with such unique and special people.

“In this world where you can be anything, be kind.” Anonymous

Lauren UrlichOperations

Lauren joined Ascent Processing in 2018 with 11 years of experience in Merchant Services, including Customer Service, Compliance, Training & Development and Operations Management.

Originally from Chicago, she relocated with her husband to Arizona in 2009, and has been enjoying the scenic desert life ever since. When she isn’t working she can be found cooking and spending time with family, which also includes a dog and a chinchilla.

“You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.” William Faulkner

Tom RobeskyOperations

Tom was raised in Iowa and attended the University of Iowa majoring in Computer Sciences. Tom spent more than a decade working for large global credit card processors as a product manager, specializing in payment gateways, private label card processing, and dynamic currency conversion.

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Henry Ford

Regina EbertFounder

Being raised in a family that emigrated from the Czech Republic taught Regina to be grateful for all the opportunities and gifts that her life has been blessed with.

After working in the Payment Processing Industry for a small company in Boulder, CO, Regina fortunately realized at a young age, that focusing on the Vacation Rental and Lodging space was her true passion. Meeting kindred spirits that successfully added value to their companies and communities, while enjoying the vacation destinations they called home, gave her the inspiration to start Ascent. The challenges of payment acceptance for our industry 25 years ago, as well as today, continues to drive us to offer the strongest program to our clients and partners.

The opportunity to enjoy a life that combines a fulfilling and valuable career, travel (which she’s often called “work”), the outdoors, and most importantly all the friendships created along the way, makes Regina excited and thankful for tomorrow.

“Love What You Do and Do What You Love.” Ray Bradburry

DeAnna ConstantFounder

DeAnna entered the payment processing field 29 years ago and joined Ascent processing in 2004. A trailblazer in the space, she has helped propel the vacation rental business forward by providing higher standards of support and collaborating directly with Visa and other technology partners to shape new programs that have ultimately allowed clients to better grow and sustain their businesses.

Currently, DeAnna provides development and legal support as well as financial oversight to the Ascent team.  She enjoys assisting with creative solutions, goal setting, and business guidance when needed.

A true Colorado native, DeAnna spends her days peacefully residing 7800 feet above sea level in the Boulder mountains, often hiking with her two rescue pups. DeAnna’s purposeful and authentic lifestyle is part of what inspired her to blend both her passion and appreciation for travel with the vacation rental community to provide top tier service to those within the industry. She is continually grateful for the opportunity to help clients through the complexities of payment processing so they can be free to enjoy their own travelling adventures.