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Seeing the Payments Community from a New View

Brandie knew the payments world was complex and fast-moving, but what surprised her most wasn’t the pace: “What surprised me was the unwavering dedication that exists in so many different pockets of the ecosystem.” Stepping into her leadership role let her witness the collective energy firsthand and, as she reflected, “reinforced that we’re truly a community, not just a network.”

In her first year as President & CEO, Brandie has helped shape a cultural shift that emphasizes teamwork, agility and openness. Despite a geographically dispersed staff across the U.S., EPCOR feels more connected and collaborative than ever. “Like our members who are welcoming new faces and perspectives, we too are changing,” she said. “That has contributed to new products and services, a refreshed member experience and an energized staff with too many ideas to have time to execute.”

On a personal level, Brandie has embraced the challenge of moving from specialized expertise into broader strategic leadership. “It’s challenged me to learn and adapt daily, constantly seeking to understand how all the moving pieces of our association can best align to deliver exceptional value,” she shared. “It’s been a year of intense learning and rewarding growth.”

At the heart of Brandie’s vision is her belief in giving people room to question, innovate and take ownership. “There’s something about psychological safety and encouragement to take risks that fuels innovation,” she explained. “I want EPCOR to remain that trusted and reliable resource members reach out to for education, guidance and support as the landscape continues to change.” By encouraging open dialogue and challenging the status quo, she hopes to keep EPCOR as the dependable, consistent resource members can turn to as the payments industry evolves.

Looking ahead, she’s excited about projects that promise to strengthen EPCOR’s efficiency and impact, including updates to internal technology infrastructure. “I think it shocks many members when they realize how small EPCOR is,” she noted. Brandie is proud that “the output of our team is incredible, and we always want to do more.”

For those just starting out in the payments field, Brandie offers practical, big-picture advice: “Be hungry for knowledge,” she encourages. “Build certifications to showcase your expertise but stay deeply curious about the entire ecosystem, not just one function or rail. Build authentic relationships across the industry and keep asking ‘why.’ True leadership emerges from seeing the whole picture and anticipating where the next connections will form.”