Niharika Pilla, MBA
Niharika Pilla, CSM, is a seasoned digital services executive with over 16 years of leadership experience driving digital transformation and enterprise technology initiatives in the financial services sector. Currently serving as Vice President of Digital Services at OneAZ Credit Union, she leads the strategic vision, governance, and execution of the organization’s member-facing digital platforms. Niharika specializes in creating frictionless, member-centric experiences while aligning technology solutions with business goals, ensuring scalable, secure, and innovative digital solutions across web, mobile, and intranet channels. She has successfully spearheaded high-impact initiatives, including the implementation of Backbase digital onboarding and large-scale bank-to-credit-union conversions, leveraging AI, ML, and automation to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
Before joining OneAZ Credit Union, Niharika held senior technology leadership roles at Capital Bank, Truliant Federal Credit Union, and other financial institutions, where she oversaw enterprise service delivery, software engineering, and IT strategy. She has extensive experience in global delivery management, M&A technology integration, API and RPA implementation, and agile transformation. Her technical expertise is complemented by a strong foundation in accounting and enterprise applications, developed during her early career in county government at the Shelby County Trustee’s office. Niharika holds a Master of Science in Electronics and Computer Engineering and an MBA from the University of Memphis, and she is a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).
Beyond her professional achievements, Niharika is deeply committed to education, mentorship, and community empowerment. She serves as Board Chair for The Progress XChange, a nonprofit that helps high school students prepare for college, and has coached elementary and middle school students in the FIRST LEGO League robotics competition for several years. She balances her career and community work with family life, emphasizing curiosity, resilience, and global exposure for her three children. Her leadership philosophy centers on innovation, operational excellence, and creating opportunities for others, making her a respected and influential voice in digital services and financial technology.
• Certified Scrum Master
• Microsoft Certifications
• Leadership Greensboro
• Elevate Leadership
• University of Memphis – Master of Science (MS), Electronics and Computer Engineering
• University of Memphis – Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business Administration and Management
• Elevate Leadership Program Completion Award
• Award from India Women Association
• DevLink International Conference Attendee
• Paper Presentation: Detection of Acute Myocardial Infarctions Using Neural Networks – National Symposium
• Influential Women 2026
• Greensboro Chamber of Commerce Leadership Greensboro
• Elevate Leadership
• The Progress XChange
• Arizona Christian University
• Arizona Technology Council
• Board Chair – Progress XChange
• Coach – FIRST LEGO League Challenge
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of continuous learning, strategic thinking, and a commitment to operational excellence. Over the years, I’ve cultivated the ability to align technology solutions with business goals while fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams. My focus on innovation, efficiency, and delivering tangible results has allowed me to lead transformative initiatives successfully.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You can have a career you love and be a devoted wife and mother and be successful at everything.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering the financial services and technology space to embrace opportunities for growth, take ownership of projects, and focus on building both technical and strategic expertise. Seek roles that challenge you, and always prioritize continuous learning. Mentorship and collaboration are essential, and finding ways to give back to the community can provide perspective, inspiration, and fulfillment beyond professional success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in financial services today is the ability to leverage digital transformation to create frictionless, member-centric experiences. At the same time, large-scale initiatives, such as converting a purchased bank into a credit union, present challenges that require meticulous planning, attention to detail, and coordination across multiple teams. Emerging technologies like AI, ML, and automation offer opportunities to innovate workflows, enhance personalization, and improve operational efficiency, but they also require strong governance and alignment with business strategy.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Giving back and creating opportunities for those who need them most is extremely important to me. I am passionate about education and mentorship, which I support through my work with The Progress XChange, helping high school students become college-ready, and coaching elementary and middle school students in the FIRST LEGO League robotics competition. On a personal level, I value family, exposure to different cultures, and instilling curiosity and resilience in my children, while balancing professional commitments with meaningful community involvement.