Heather Schumacher
Head of Cards & BaaS Operations First International Bank & Trust
Heather Schumacher is a seasoned payments industry veteran with over 20 years of experience.Currently serving as the Head of Cards and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) Operations at First InternationalBank and Trust, Heather has a robust track record of leadership in financial operations, projectmanagement, technology and development, customer service, customer experience, accountmanagement, vendor management, and information security.
Before her current role, Heather held the position of Chief OperationsOfficer at two banks and twofintech companies, where she led teams to success with her executive decision-making abilities. With aBachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, Heather combines technicalexpertise with strategic leadership.
Passionate about leading and building teams, Heather is dedicated to developing people and theircareers. She thrives in training and organizing teams to achieve their highest potential, fostering anenvironment of growth and success.
2025 AGENDA Sessions
Panel: Building a Game-Changing Card Program That Drives Growth and Lasting Impact
In an increasingly competitive market, launching a successful card program requires more than just issuing plastic—it demands innovation, differentiation, and a deep understanding of customer needs. This panel brings together industry leaders who have successfully built and scaled modern card programs. They’ll share insights on what it takes to stand out, from product design and rewards structures to customer acquisition and loyalty strategies. Learn about the key considerations, potential pitfalls, and strategic decisions that can make or break a new card program. Whether you’re exploring your first launch or looking to enhance an existing offering, this discussion will provide valuable perspectives on building a program that drives engagement and long-term success.
Wednesday 12 March 08:30 - 09:10 Veronese 2401A - 2501B
Dominating Distribution
In an increasingly competitive market, launching a successful card program requires more than just issuing plastic—it demands innovation, differentiation, and a deep understanding of customer needs. This panel brings together industry leaders who have successfully built and scaled modern card programs. They’ll share insights on what it takes to stand out, from product design and rewards structures to customer acquisition and loyalty strategies. Learn about the key considerations, potential pitfalls, and strategic decisions that can make or break a new card program. Whether you’re exploring your first launch or looking to enhance an existing offering, this discussion will provide valuable perspectives on building a program that drives engagement and long-term success.
Veronese 2401A - 2501B US/Pacific
