Chief Credit Officer

Chief Credit Officer – Commercial LendingA growing Community Bank is seeking an experienced Chief Credit Officer (CCO) with a strong background in both credit leadership and commercial lending. This executive-level role will oversee credit administration, portfolio quality, and overall credit risk while partnering with the lending team to drive sound, profitable growth.The ideal candidate combines strong credit expertise, lending experience, leadership, and business-minded decision-making — protecting asset quality while recognizing and structuring strong lending opportunities.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide executive oversight of the credit function and commercial loan portfolioEstablish and maintain credit policies, underwriting standards, risk tolerances, and approval proceduresReview and approve complex C&I, CRE, construction, and commercial creditsPartner with Commercial Lenders on loan structure, pricing, risk mitigation, and credit strategyServe as a senior resource on complex transactions and credit decisionsParticipate in key client/prospect meetings when credit expertise is neededMonitor portfolio quality, concentrations, delinquencies, criticized/classified assets, exceptions, and emerging risksOversee risk ratings, annual reviews, covenant compliance, documentation, and portfolio monitoringLead and develop Credit Analysts, Underwriters, Portfolio Managers, and credit personnelLead or actively participate in the Loan/Credit CommitteeEvaluate financial statements, tax returns, global cash flow, collateral, guarantor strength, and repayment capacityReport credit quality, portfolio trends, concentrations, and risk exposure to Executive Management and the BoardCoordinate with regulators, auditors, loan review, attorneys, and third-party professionalsMaintain knowledge of FDIC, OCC, state banking regulations, and lending complianceAssist with strategic initiatives involving loan growth, market expansion, credit appetite, and portfolio diversificationCommercial Lending FocusThis is not strictly a credit administration role. The ideal candidate brings hands-on commercial lending experience and understands how to balance strong credit standards with business development.Proven commercial lending and relationship management experienceStrong knowledge of C&I, CRE, and construction lendingAbility to structure deals balancing client needs, profitability, and credit riskComfortable working with business owners, developers, investors, lenders, and key clientsAbility to help lenders win and retain quality relationshipsUnderstanding of both loan and deposit relationship growthIdeal Candidate10+ years of progressive commercial banking experience preferredStrong background in commercial lending and credit administrationLeadership experience as a CCO, Senior Credit Officer, Credit Manager, Senior Commercial Lender, or similarExperience with complex/high-dollar commercial creditsAdvanced knowledge of underwriting, financial analysis, global cash flow, loan structuring, risk ratings, and portfolio managementBusiness-minded approach to credit and risk managementStrong 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