Chief Credit Officer

Chief Credit Officer – Commercial LendingA growing Community Bank is seeking an experienced Chief Credit Officer (CCO) with a strong background in credit leadership and commercial lending. This executive-level position will oversee the Bank's credit administration, portfolio quality, and overall credit risk strategy while partnering with the lending team to support sound, profitable growth.The ideal candidate brings a strong combination of credit expertise, commercial lending experience, leadership, and business-minded decision-making—someone who can protect asset quality while recognizing and structuring strong lending opportunities.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide executive oversight of the Bank's credit administration and commercial loan portfolioEstablish and maintain credit policies, underwriting standards, risk tolerances, and approval proceduresReview and approve complex C&I, CRE, construction, and other commercial creditsPartner with Commercial Lenders on loan structure, pricing, risk mitigation, and credit strategyParticipate in significant client and prospect meetings when credit expertise is neededServe as a senior resource to lenders on complex loan structures and credit decisionsMonitor portfolio quality, concentrations, delinquencies, criticized/classified assets, exceptions, and emerging risksOversee risk ratings, annual reviews, covenant compliance, loan documentation, and portfolio monitoringLead, mentor, and develop Credit Analysts, Underwriters, Portfolio Managers, and credit personnelLead or actively participate in the Bank's Loan/Credit CommitteeEvaluate financial statements, tax returns, global cash flow, collateral, guarantor strength, and repayment capacityReport portfolio trends, credit quality, concentrations, and risk exposure to Executive Management and the BoardCoordinate with regulators, auditors, loan review, attorneys, and other third-party professionalsMaintain current knowledge of FDIC, OCC, state banking regulations, and lending complianceAssist with strategic planning related to loan growth, market expansion, credit appetite, and portfolio diversificationCommercial Lending FocusThis is not strictly a credit administration position. The ideal candidate has hands-on commercial lending experience and understands the importance of balancing strong credit standards with business development.Proven commercial lending and relationship management experienceStrong knowledge of C&I, CRE, and construction lendingAbility to structure deals that balance client needs, profitability, and credit riskComfortable working with business owners, developers, investors, lenders, and key clientsAbility to support lenders in winning and retaining quality relationshipsStrong understanding of both loan and deposit relationship growthIdeal Candidate10+ years of progressive commercial banking experience preferredStrong background in both commercial lending and credit administrationLeadership experience as a Chief Credit Officer, Senior Credit Officer, Credit Manager, Senior Commercial Lender, or similarExperience with complex and high-dollar commercial creditsAdvanced knowledge of underwriting, financial analysis, global cash flow, loan structuring, risk ratings, and portfolio managementProven ability to manage risk while maintaining a business-minded lending approachStrong leadership, communication, judgment, and decision-making skillsExperience working with Executive Management, Boards, regulators, lenders, and clientsBachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field preferred