MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive has announced that Don Lassiter, a retired fintech entrepreneur and long-time supporter of the University, has been named Chair of the UMO Board of Trustees.
Lassiter brings decades of leadership, business acumen, and a deep commitment to the University’s mission.
Don Lassiter’s remarkable career began in 1987 when he co-founded Credit Card Software Systems, a company that eventually became Heartland Payment Systems, Inc. (HPS).
At HPS, Lassiter held several senior executive positions, including National Sales Manager, and was instrumental in the company’s growth, culminating in a successful IPO on the New York Stock Exchange in 2005.
Lassiter retired from HPS in 2006, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the fintech industry.
Lassiter, a lifetime resident of the Micro and Selma areas of Johnston County, graduated from North Johnston High School in 1970 and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with a teaching certificate from Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College) in 1974.
Throughout his life, Lassiter has generously shared his time, wisdom, and resources with many nonprofit organizations, including the University of Mount Olive, the North Carolina Foundation for Christian Ministries, Ducks Unlimited, Cragmont Assembly, and Howell Woods Educational Forest.
His ties to the Original Free Will Baptist (OFWB) denomination run deep, having grown up attending Pleasant Plain FWB Church in Selma.
He has continued his faith journey at Selma OFWB Church, where he has served as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon Chairman, Trustee, and in other leadership roles.
Lassiter’s longstanding support of the University of Mount Olive is well-known.
He was pivotal in the development of the George R. Kornegay, Jr. Student Farm on the Donnie and Linda Lassiter Agricultural Campus, named in honor of Lassiter and his late wife, Linda. His involvement with the University reflects his strong commitment to higher education and the OFWB values on which UMO was founded.
“We are honored to have Don Lassiter serve as Chair of the UMO Board of Trustees,” said UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom. “Don’s leadership, philanthropic spirit, and passion for service are unmatched. His dedication to our students and the broader UMO community is evident in everything he does. Under his guidance, we look forward to continued growth and success.”
In addition to his professional achievements, Lassiter is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing, hunting, and managing his farm in Hyde County.
He is also deeply committed to youth outreach, often hosting youth and handicapped hunters on his property.
Lassiter’s love for storytelling and sharing his life experiences is well-known among his family and friends, whom he treasures above all else.
Lassiter is the proud father of two adult children, Sara Massey and Trent Lassiter, and the devoted grandfather of Emma and John, who are the “apples of his eye.”
As Chair of the University of Mount Olive Board of Trustees, Lassiter will continue to build upon his legacy of service and support, helping to guide the University’s mission of providing quality Christian education.
