MAG Insights

Leslie Crisp joined the MAG staff in 2024 as the Director of Public Affairs. Josh Pynn, Senior Manager, Payments Content at the MAG, explores her journey to public affairs, her professional background, and what excites her about stepping into this role in the payments industry.

Can you share what led you to pursue a career in public affairs? Was there a defining moment or experience that inspired you?
My interest in public affairs began during college, where I was captivated by international political science and history courses that sparked my curiosity about the forces shaping our world. An internship with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was a pivotal experience—it offered a firsthand look at the impact of diplomacy and policymaking. Living and working abroad also shaped my perspective, exposing me to diverse viewpoints and challenges. Those experiences solidified my decision to return to Washington, DC and focus on foreign affairs. Over time, while my policy focus has shifted, my passion for supporting international teams and cross-border initiatives has only deepened.

What keeps you passionate about public affairs, especially as industries evolve and face new challenges?
Public affairs has become even more dynamic during my eight years in Washington, DC. The rise of social media, shifting political landscapes, and the growing interplay between business and government have made stakeholder engagement more critical—and complex—than ever. I love the multifaceted nature of the work; it’s a blend of policy expertise, strategic communications, and issues management. With regulations evolving at both state and international levels, the challenges can be daunting; but there is immense satisfaction in crafting strategies that bring clarity and alignment to the situation.

What unique challenges or opportunities have you found while working in public affairs within regulated industries?
A major challenge is translating intricate policy and regulatory frameworks into clear, actionable insights for audiences with varying priorities and levels of expertise. But it is also the opportunity—helping others navigate these complexities and facilitating meaningful conversations with stakeholders. I have found that success often hinges on effective communication: breaking down technical details into accessible narratives and making the complex comprehensible and actionable.

How do you stay informed about the latest developments in payments regulation, ensure that advocacy efforts remain timely and relevant?
Coming from telecommunications, the transition to payments policy has been both challenging and exciting—it is a steep learning curve, but one I’ve embraced. Each sector has its own unique ecosystem of regulators, committees of jurisdiction, and trade associations. I’ve spent time immersing myself in payments policy and I credit payments professionals for welcoming me. Their guidance has been invaluable in helping me get up to speed.

In your previous roles, how did you approach prioritizing advocacy initiatives when managing multiple complex issues? How would you apply those strategies to MAG’s diverse range of merchant needs?
Balancing competing priorities has always been central to my work. In past roles, I have managed advocacy efforts across state, federal, and international levels, tailoring messaging to resonate with different audiences. My approach starts with listening—taking the time to understand clients’ perspectives, the pressures they face, and how each issue impacts them. From there, it’s about contextualizing those insights for key stakeholders and crafting strategies that reflect real-world needs. At the MAG, I am bringing that same approach, ensuring merchant voices are front and center and building coalitions to amplify their priorities in meaningful ways.

What excites you the most about payments-related advocacy now that you’re with the MAG?
The payments landscape is a fascinating space—it’s intricate, fast-moving, and full of potential. Joining the MAG has provided me with an incredible opportunity to work alongside a talented and passionate team, collaborating to drive meaningful change. Together, we are advocating for solutions that not only benefit merchants and consumers but also foster innovation and drive healthy competition across the payments industry.

How do you view the election results impacting the payments industry?I believe the shift in political leadership presents both challenges and opportunities, but much remains to be seen. With Republicans holding unified control, we may see a greater emphasis on deregulation and policies that promote free market competition. This shift could spur innovation in payments and fintech, but it also introduces uncertainties, particularly as businesses adjust to shifting priorities around consumer protection and the potential rollback of finalized rules, such as those implemented by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). A less aggressive approach to antitrust enforcement at the federal level and the potential for states to take a more active role in regulation could further shape the landscape.

As always, the MAG is committed to working closely with government officials and our industry partners to resolve issues, foster collaboration, and bring as many voices to the table as possible. By facilitating meaningful discussions and advocating for merchants’ interests, the MAG remains dedicated to driving innovation and positive change in the payments industry.