Women in Technology: Addition Financial Credit Union’s Tia Underwood

In what is a recurring feature, Finopotamus spotlights innovative women who are positively impacting technology applications in the credit union industry, and beyond. For this issue, we visited with Addition Financial Credit Union’s Systems Analyst, Information Technology Tia Underwood.

By W.B. King

Beginning her career more than 25 years ago at a Bank of America branch in Okinawa, Japan, Tia Underwood’s told Finopotamus she first viewed the evolution of banking technologies from the sidelines.

“My journey into tech wasn’t something I planned—it naturally grew out of my passion for solving problems and improving processes. Around 2017, after earning my bachelor’s in business management, and a cyber-safety certification, I started leaning more into technology-driven roles,” said the Daytona State College graduate. “Over time, I found myself drawn to the way technology can make banking more efficient, secure, and meaningful for both members and internal teams.”

Tia Underwood

Before beginning her tenure at Additional Financial CU in 2017 as a business services specialist, she held roles at community banks as a regional sales trainer and operational specialist, among other positions. Years ago, she said technology was “behind the scenes,” whereas today technology departments are strategic partners, party to all aspects of business operations.

“There’s so much more collaboration between departments, and the mindset has shifted from ‘how do we keep things running’ to ‘how do we make things better?’ For example, working in business process optimization, I get to team up with IT, operations, and finance regularly,” she noted. “We’re not just reacting to problems—we’re thinking ahead and building solutions together.”

In June 2023, Underwood assumed her current role as systems analyst, information technology. The $2.8 billion Lake Mary, Fla.-based credit union serves more than 191,000 members at 26 branches. “It’s been a rewarding path, and I’m grateful I get to be part of shaping the future of how we serve our members,” she told Finopotamus.

Shaping Career Direction

In the early 2000s, Underwood said the number of women working in technology roles were few and far between, but in recent years there has been noticeable and inspiring shift.

“I see more women leading projects, driving innovation, and being visible in the fintech and credit union space. I think mentorship, better visibility, and a stronger push for inclusivity have made a big difference,” she said. Among her mentors is Addition Financial’s CIO Kevin Wright.

“Kevin believed in me early on and gave me the opportunity to work closely with our IT department and Jack Henry to help build out the credit union’s first business lending loan origination system,” she said. “That project was a huge turning point—it deepened my understanding of how technology and business strategy intersect and really helped shape the direction of my career.”

The noted tutelage is a skillset Underwood is keen to replicate. “I try to carry that same spirit forward by being someone others can lean on,” she said, noting that the credit union has 504 employees, 58 of whom are tech-facing. “Whether it’s offering guidance, sharing what I’ve learned, or just being a listening ear, I genuinely enjoy helping others find their rhythm and grow in their own careers.”

Simplifying Complex Workflows

Among recent technology undertakings at Addition Financial is its Digital Banking Transformation (UAT) initiative. Underwood served as the UAT coordinator, supporting the UAT lead. “I worked closely with developers, analysts, and end-users, and together we made sure any issues were caught and addressed before launch,” she continued. “It was exciting to see all the moving parts come together, and knowing I played a role in creating a smoother digital experience for our members makes me really proud.”

Automation is a tech trend on her radar. To this end, Underwood is interested in related technologies that can simplify complex workflows. “Tools like Power Automate and Power BI are allowing us to streamline tasks that used to take hours—and now take minutes. It’s not just about saving time; it’s about freeing up space for more meaningful work,” she added. “I’m also seeing a bigger focus on data and how we can use it to understand and serve our members better, which aligns perfectly with our credit union’s mission.”

The credit union movement, she explained, is not just about innovation and the bottom line, it’s about people and experiences. “We’re always thinking about how tech can make things better for our members,” Underwood said. “That mindset creates a different kind of culture—one that’s collaborative, thoughtful, and genuinely member-focused. It’s something I’m really proud to be a part of.”

The evolution of the credit union industry has benefited from partnership with like-minded fintechs, Underwood added. “They bring fresh ideas and tools that help us grow without losing our values. When we find partners who understand our mission, we’re able to create real change.”