Brenda Hudson, JD
Brenda Hudson, JD is a seasoned financial services professional and consulting expert, currently serving as a Consulting Partner with Era Group, A Global Cost Reduction Franchise. She purchased the franchise last year and works directly with CEOs and CFOs, leveraging her extensive banking and finance background to reduce merchant costs and streamline accounts payable and operations for business clients. Brenda brings a unique combination of operational insight, strategic thinking, and a hands-on approach to helping organizations improve efficiency and enhance cash flow. Brenda describes herself as having a servant’s heart and centers her professional philosophy on building trust and strong partnerships with financial teams. She specializes problem resolution and efficiency optimization, using cost-intelligence tools and merchant relationships to lower expenses and drive measurable results. Her collaborative approach allows her to identify opportunities, implement sustainable solutions, and support executives in achieving their strategic financial goals. With 25 years of experience in banking, Brenda’s career spans product development, fraud prevention, risk and compliance—including channel oversight—and operational efficiency. Seeking to apply her expertise independently, she joined a long-established global franchise to offer cost reduction and operational services to businesses. Brenda’s accomplishments have been recognized throughout her career, including honors during Black History Month at Renasant Bank and completion of the Black Women Leading program in 2023. She also holds multiple banking-related certifications. Outside of her professional work, Brenda is a devoted minister and loves spending time with her family, walking, and hiking.
• University of Alabama at Birmingham - BS, Finance and Financial Management Services
• Birmingham School of Law - JD
• Junior League of Birmingham
• The Worship Center Christian Church
• Bethel Baptist Church
• Junior Achievement
• Birmingham Woman for Good with Grapevine
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to many years of experience in the banking industry, where I have honed my expertise in commercial risk mitigation. Over the course of my career, I have developed a deep understanding of complex financial environments, enabling me to anticipate challenges, implement effective risk-management strategies, and support sustainable growth for both clients and institutions. This experience has not only strengthened my technical skills but also cultivated a strategic mindset and a commitment to delivering thoughtful, results-driven solutions.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To always believe in yourself more than anyone else, it's your career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be willing to pivot, use your gifts, persevere through doubt, and serve others—these qualities will position you to win when opportunities arise.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Being willing to be different and not blend in but be your authentic self
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
To live my core values and to give my core values which are: character, integrity, grace and kindness
