Share

Talking Technology in the Magic City

Regions’ digital and data journey runs through Birmingham.

By Kyndle Huey | August 16, 2023

Birmingham, Alabama, has long been known as a banking city and even a foodie city.

Now, with the growth of start-ups and incubators in the area, Birmingham is making a name for itself as a tech city.

Organizations like TechBirmingham and Innovation Depot are shining a light on the tech scene in the Magic City. And Regions is working alongside them – with associates serving on their boards, hosting events, and joining conversations about how to move tech forward in the bank’s headquarters city.

“When you think technology, you think Silicon Valley, Atlanta or some of these bigger cities. TechBirmingham is bringing that mentality to our city — I give them credit for attracting and retaining tech talent,” said Andy Hernandez, Chief Digital Officer at Regions Bank.

Hernandez was the featured speaker at TechBirmingham’s Tech Tuesday event in July, sharing with tech leaders from around the city about the lessons he has learned during Regions’ digital strategy journey.

Andy Hernandez talking with the audience

As one of this city’s largest employers, we need the tech industry to thrive. SLOSS.Tech, Innovation Depot and TechBirmingham help make that happen. I’ve got all the incentive in the world to support that and see it succeed. Andy Hernandez, Chief Digital Officer at Regions Bank

Another Regions associate, Chun Schiros, head of Enterprise Data Science, was a panelist at SLOSS.Tech, TechBirmingham’s premier event. Schiros participated in the breakout session entitled where she and panelists from other local and national organizations shared with a packed theatre how data and AI work together.

“We look for patterns and recommend solutions to help our customers, and in turn help our bankers better serve our customers through AI-driven assistance and knowledge-based tools,” said Schiros.

Three people are sitting at the event, the middle one is asking a question

Events like Tech Tuesday and SLOSS.Tech provide a forum for tech leaders to come together to talk about common topics, learn from one another, and strengthen the tech ecosystem in the city.

“As one of this city’s largest employers, we need the tech industry to thrive,” said Hernandez. “SLOSS.Tech, Innovation Depot and TechBirmingham help make that happen. I’ve got all the incentive in the world to support that and see it succeed.”