Chief Banking Officer

Chief Banking Officer (CBO)

$135K–$150K Base + ~10% Bonus | Full Relocation Offered Comprehensive Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, PTO) Location: (Western Illinois – ~2 hours west of Chicago)

About the Opportunity

We are representing a growing, community-focused bank seeking a Chief Banking Officer (CBO) to join its executive leadership team. This is a newly created role driven by growth and succession planning, offering the opportunity to shape the future of a well-established regional institution.

The bank has approximately 150 employees across 9 locations and has built a strong reputation for relationship-based banking, customer service, and deep community involvement.

Why This Role

• Executive leadership role with direct impact on strategy and growth
• Full relocation package offered
• Strong financial performance and momentum:
  • ~$696M in assets (+5% YoY)
  • Net income up ~20% year-over-year
  • Loan growth of ~8% YoY
• Stable, engaged workforce — average employee tenure ~5 years
• Community-driven culture — employees actively involved in local events, nonprofits, and outreach

The Role

The Chief Banking Officer will provide strategic leadership across core business lines, including:

• Retail Banking
• Marketing
• Private Banking / Wealth
• Future Treasury Management expansion

This individual will oversee approximately half of the organization and play a key role in driving growth, strengthening customer relationships, and developing high-performing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies to drive deposit growth and market expansion
• Partner with executive leadership on annual goals and performance targets
• Lead and develop high-performing teams across multiple locations
• Strengthen a relationship-driven, customer-first culture
• Oversee branch operations, customer experience, and sales performance
• Partner with commercial lending to deepen client and treasury relationships
• Lead growth of private banking / wealth services
• Build strong partnerships with local businesses and community organizations
• Ensure strong operational discipline, compliance, and risk management

Market Coverage

This role supports a 9-location footprint across:

• Core markets in Sterling, Dixon, and Rock Falls
• Additional locations in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin

The position requires a visible leadership presence, with travel across a regional footprint (~75–100 mile radius).

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of leadership experience in banking or financial services
• Proven success in strategic growth, team leadership, and business development
• Strong understanding of retail and commercial banking operations
• Experience leading across multiple branches or regions
• Executive presence with a hands-on, collaborative leadership style
• Strong relationship-building skills internally and externally

Culture Fit (Critical)

This is a community banking environment:

• Relationship-driven vs. transactional
• High visibility in the local community
• Collaborative, family-oriented culture
• Leaders are expected to be present, engaged, and involved

Candidates from larger institutions are welcome but must be able to adapt to a relationship-focused, community-first approach.