Throughout the month of March, Finopotamus will celebrate Women’s History Month by featuring intriguing profiles and unique stories impacting the credit union and fintech industry. In the latest installment in our “Women in Technology” series, we visited with MDT’s Vice President of Project and Consulting Solutions Tracie Loudermilk.
By W.B. King
While Tracie Loudermilk had spent years at both credit unions and corporate credit unions specializing in accounting, back-office operations, and business development, it was a project management opportunity in 2008 that jumpstarted her technology career.
“This shift was sparked by an opportunity at MDT, a role that was the perfect match for my skill set and background,” Loudermilk told Finopotamus. The Farmington Hills, Mich.-based Member Driven Technologies (MDT) helps its 115-plus credit union clients navigate complex financial technology ecosystems with the goal of ensuring that they remain institutions of choice for members.
“Over time, as leadership opportunities surfaced, I eagerly embraced them, understanding the immense potential to innovate, drive impactful change and now guide five dynamic teams toward success,” she added.
Along with her tenure at MDT, which includes roles as vice president of professional and consulting services, the totality of Loudermilk career spans 25 years.
“I’ve witnessed a truly remarkable transformation. Previously, tech was primarily viewed as a support function – something that kept the wheels turning behind the scenes. Today, tech has evolved into a core driver of innovation and strategy. The credit union industry provides a prime example of this shift, as increasing member expectations and rapid tech advancements have raised the stakes,” she continued. “In response, credit unions are embracing a more project-driven approach, enhancing their change control processes and prioritizing operational efficiency to navigate the dynamic landscape. It is clear that tech has evolved from being viewed as a back-office necessity to a key player in shaping organizations’ strategies and growth.”
Noticeable Changes
While Loudermilk said she has been fortunate to work in an industry with a strong female presence, like many colleagues over the years, she has seen a noticeable increase in women stepping into leadership and IT roles within fintech and credit unions.
“The rise of women in tech and leadership roles has brought fresh perspectives, and it’s exciting to see the positive impact women are having on the industry as a whole,” she told Finopotamus. “It’s a change I’m proud to be part of.”
When reflecting on female mentors, she referenced a vice president of finance at a credit union she once worked. “As a single mother of two, she balanced night classes with a full-time career, all while working harder than anyone I knew. Despite her demanding schedule, she took the time to mentor me, recognizing potential in me that I had not yet seen in myself,” she recalled. “Gaye was tenacious, confident and a true leader – at a time when women were not always given the same respect as their male counterparts. Her guidance and example profoundly shaped my career, reinforcing the importance of lifting others as we grow. My goal is to leave this same legacy on the women in my life, helping them rise and succeed just as I was helped.”
Expanding Fintech Landscape
While conceding that generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) is a somewhat cliché response to “tech trends,” she said it’s a discipline that requires new skills—not a platform a credit union can simply rollout.
“If a credit union wants to maintain relevance and stay competitive, they are going to need to figure out how to use Gen AI within their organization, and they need to start somewhere. At MDT, we recognize this need and recently launched an AI Bootcamp for credit unions designed to provide hands-on training, develop practical use cases and drive innovation,” she continued. “By equipping teams with the knowledge and tools to leverage AI effectively, we’re helping credit unions navigate this transformation and unlock new efficiencies.”
Among other tech trends catching her attention is the evolving and expanding fintech landscape. “Long gone are the days when credit unions were limited to the products and functionalities built into their core systems. Today, they have the flexibility to partner with fintech providers that align with their unique needs and strategic goals,” she said. “This shift is empowering credit unions to innovate faster, enhance member experiences and stay competitive in an increasingly digital world–without being confined to their core.”
Focusing on Relationships
In Loudermilk’s view, what sets credit unions apart from other financial institutions is the industry’s laser focus on building lasting relationships with membership – what she called a “secret sauce,” noting that not all ingredients are sourced in-house.
“Here’s the key: tech plays a critical role in making that connection stronger. Credit unions differentiate themselves by partnering with vendors who understand this unique approach and provide tech solutions that enable them to maintain those close ties with members, while also driving innovation and efficiency,” she noted. “It's a perfect balance – leveraging technology to foster meaningful relationships and remain responsive to members’ evolving needs in a fast-paced digital world.”
Partnering with like-minded fintechs has its advantages, but she noted that diversity in this shared space is critical. “Successful partnerships are built on thorough due diligence, alignment with member needs, and a shared commitment to delivering meaningful financial solutions,” she continued. “By embracing a diverse range of fintech partnerships – whether mission-aligned or bringing fresh, disruptive ideas—credit unions can drive greater innovation, expand financial access, and ultimately strengthen the member experience.”