With a storied career that speaks volumes of dedication and excellence, Edward R. (Sonny) Wooten serves as the VP of Business Development, a pivotal role he’s held with distinction for the past 7 years. Before joining our team, Sonny retired from American Express after a remarkable tenure of 36.5 years, leaving behind a legacy of unmatched professionalism.
In his current capacity, Sonny’s expertise lies in acquiring new clients, a task he undertakes with precision and flair. He thrives on networking and has a special fondness for maintaining active ties with the payment, association, and franchise industries.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Sonny has been the recipient of several accolades. Notably, he’s a 2X winner of the American Express Chairman’s Award, the highest achievement honor at AmEx. This testifies to his unwavering commitment to excellence in every endeavor.
Outside the professional sphere, Sonny is an avid adventurer. Whether it’s cycling through scenic trails, kayaking in serene waters, fishing in the early morning calm, or playing a round of golf, he embraces life with zeal. A fun tidbit about Sonny’s career journey is the serendipitous manner in which he landed his job at American Express in 1979 – by a fortunate mistake!
Sonny’s academic pursuits have been as rigorous as his professional ones. He holds a BA from NC State University and an MBA from Central Michigan University. Furthermore, his commitment to continuous learning and industry involvement is evident in his credentials. He’s a Six Sigma Black Belt champion, an erstwhile Certified Payment Professional, and serves on the Advisory Committee for the Southeast Acquirers’ Association.
When he’s not charting the next big business strategy, Sonny enjoys immersing himself in compelling narratives. His favorite book is the stirring ‘Band of Brothers’, and he’s equally fond of the classic ‘Forrest Gump’. On the TV front, he loves the heartwarming tales of ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ on PBS.
Guiding his life and career is a quote by the revered Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it’s done”. It’s this spirit of perseverance and possibility that defines Sonny Wooten.
