“Robert Payne’s Strategic Vision: Transforming Technology at Piedmont Advantage Credit Union”
Robert Payne has recently stepped into the role of Chief Technology Officer at Piedmont Advantage Credit Union (PACU), bringing a strategic vision that aligns technology with the credit union’s core mission of enhancing member experiences while empowering employees.
Leadership Transition and Background
Piedmont Advantage Credit Union, headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, appointed Robert Payne as Chief Technology Officer in April 2025. Prior to this promotion, Payne served as the Senior Vice President of IT at the credit union, demonstrating a trajectory of leadership within the institution’s technology department.
The appointment, announced on April 16, 2025 by ATM Marketplace, represents PACU’s commitment to technological advancement while maintaining its member-focused approach. The Winston-Salem-based credit union has positioned this leadership change as part of its ongoing strategy to leverage technology for improved service delivery.
Strategic Vision and Priorities
In his new role as CTO, Payne has outlined several key priorities that will shape PACU’s technological direction. These initiatives focus on three primary areas: enhancing cybersecurity measures, improving digital experiences for members, and strategically investing in artificial intelligence solutions.
According to Dion Williams, President and CEO of Piedmont Advantage Credit Union, “Robert has a clear vision for how technology can enable innovation and preserve the human connections that make our credit union so unique.” Williams further emphasized that Payne’s leadership has been “instrumental in building a technology strategy that puts our members first and empowers our employees to serve with confidence and ease.”
This statement highlights the dual focus of Payne’s approach – leveraging technology not just for operational efficiency but as a means to strengthen the human element that differentiates credit unions in the financial services marketplace.
Balancing Innovation and Human Connection
A central theme in Payne’s vision appears to be striking the optimal balance between technological advancement and maintaining the personal touch that credit union members value. This approach recognizes that while digital transformation is essential for competitive relevance, the credit union difference often lies in relationship banking and community connection.
Williams noted that under Payne’s technology leadership, PACU will “continue to guide us toward a more secure, efficient and people-focused future.” This three-pronged approach – security, efficiency, and human-centricity – provides a framework for understanding how technology investments will be prioritized under Payne’s direction.
Cybersecurity Focus
As financial institutions continue to face evolving digital threats, Payne’s emphasis on cybersecurity comes at a critical time. The Credit Union Connection reported that improving cybersecurity is among Payne’s top priorities as he steps into the CTO role.
This focus aligns with broader industry trends, as credit unions of all sizes face sophisticated cyber threats that can compromise member data and financial assets. Payne’s background in IT leadership positions him to understand both the technical and operational aspects of implementing robust security frameworks.
Digital Experience Enhancement
Another key area of focus for Payne will be enhancing digital experiences for PACU members. This priority reflects the changing expectations of credit union members, who increasingly compare their financial institution’s digital offerings not just to other banks and credit unions but to all digital experiences in their lives.
By prioritizing digital experience improvements, Payne appears to recognize that member satisfaction and retention increasingly depend on seamless, intuitive digital interactions. However, the emphasis on preserving human connections suggests these digital enhancements will complement rather than replace the personal service model that differentiates credit unions.
Strategic AI Investment
Perhaps most forward-looking is Payne’s commitment to investing in artificial intelligence solutions. As AI continues to transform financial services operations – from fraud detection to personalized member service – strategic implementation of these technologies can provide significant competitive advantages.
For credit unions, which often operate with more limited technology budgets than large national banks, thoughtful AI investment requires careful assessment of which applications will deliver the most value for members and operational efficiency. Payne’s background positions him to make these strategic technology decisions with both technical understanding and business context.
Leadership Context and Governance
Payne’s technology leadership will operate within PACU’s unique governance structure. Unlike many financial institutions, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union’s Board of Directors consists entirely of volunteers who receive no compensation for their service. This volunteer leadership model reflects the credit union’s community-focused mission and member-owned structure.
The board, currently chaired by Tom Mekis, provides oversight while working with executive leaders like Payne and CEO Williams to ensure the credit union’s strategic direction serves member interests. This governance structure may influence how technology investments are prioritized and evaluated, with a focus on long-term member benefit rather than short-term profit considerations.
Looking Forward
As Payne implements his vision as CTO, credit union executives nationwide may find valuable insights in PACU’s approach to technology transformation. The balance between digital advancement and human connection represents a central challenge for all credit unions seeking to remain relevant while preserving their distinctive member-focused culture.
By focusing on cybersecurity, digital experience enhancement, and strategic AI implementation, Payne appears to be charting a course that acknowledges both current operational realities and future competitive necessities. His leadership in this role will be worth watching as an example of how mid-sized credit unions can leverage technology for member advantage without losing their community-centered identity.