Each year, the Reseda Summit brings together fintech innovators and bank and credit union leaders from across the country for two days of networking, learning, and collaborating in downtown Detroit.
In addition to dozens of live demos from our investment and fintech partners, along with insights and panel discussions from leading industry experts, the 2026 Reseda Summit will welcome Erica Pilon, vice president and head of corporate strategy at Jack Henry, as a featured keynote speaker at this year’s event.
With more than 25 years of experience in digital banking, fintech innovation, enterprise payments, and financial technology strategy, Erica brings an executive perspective shaped by leadership roles across some of the industry’s most influential organizations.
We sat down with Erica to preview her Reseda Summit keynote, focusing on the future of financial services innovation and the strategic decisions institutions must make to stay competitive in an increasingly digital and data-driven environment, inspiring attendees to adapt and lead.
Q: Can you share a bit about your professional background?
Pilon: I have worked in the financial technology industry for the last 25 years, primarily in product management, strategy, and development. I have built large-scale SAAS solutions for banks and credit unions, managed fintech partnerships, and run payments strategy at a large national bank. I am passionate about helping small businesses with their financial needs, solving big problems across multidisciplinary functions, and serving customers. I love making connections between financial institutions, fintechs, and their customers.
Q: Tell us what you consider to be your biggest accomplishment.
Pilon: I built the flagship commercial digital banking solution at FIS from the ground up. When I started in the industry, FIS had Windows dial-up software available for businesses to access their banking information. I worked on a team that designed and built one of the first modern commercial digital solutions on the internet.
Q: What sparked your interest in this world? How did you find your way into this industry?
Pilon: I have degrees in English Literature and Written Communication and spent much of my college education studying foreign language and linguistics. Needless to say, my education did not logically lead to a career in fintech. I stumbled into the industry through my customer service background and quickly found that my aptitude for foreign language translated into programming.
What started out as a day job developed into a passion for creating elegant SAAS software. The more time I spent with banks, credit unions, and small businesses, the more I saw opportunities to improve efficiency and innovate in areas where technology had historically been lacking. Also, I never have a boring day in fintech.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about the Reseda Summit?
Pilon: I’m looking forward to connecting with credit unions and discussing opportunities for innovation with the fintechs in the Reseda portfolio.
Q: Is what you do something you like enough to keep doing even if it wasn’t your job?
Pilon: I don’t know that you could pull me away from this community. Even if my day job changed, I would still participate in the fintech ecosystem — but maybe with less hours in the day!
Q: Do you have any hidden talents or skills? Anything that might surprise people who know you professionally?
Pilon: I love to cook. When I am not traveling, I cook almost every meal at home. I have a garden in the summer where I grow my own vegetables, and I usually bake a few loaves of bread every week.
Q: Would you say you live by any particular motto or philosophy?
Pilon: I try not to take myself or life too seriously. Having a sense of humor helps to keep me grounded.
Q: How do you like to spend your weekends? Any favorite activities?
Pilon: In the summertime, you’ll always find me on the beach at Lake Michigan, usually with music and a book. Much of my family lives in southwest Michigan and Chicago, so we have a lot of family dinner parties. I go to a lot of concerts and music festivals. I also like to ski, both cross country and downhill.
This year’s Reseda Summit is taking place Sept. 16-17 at the Shinola Hotel in Detroit, Mich. Space is limited. Secure your seat and register today at resedasummit.com.
