Chief Credit Officer

Chief Credit Officer (CCO) Southwest Michigan | Hybrid | $195,000-$235,000 Base Salary




A financially strong and growing community bank in Southwest Michigan is seeking a strategic Chief Credit Officer (CCO) to join its Executive Leadership Team.




This is an opportunity for an accomplished credit executive to shape enterprise-wide credit strategy, partner directly with the CEO and Board of Directors, and influence the future growth of a well-respected banking institution. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of credit risk management, portfolio administration, asset quality, and underwriting across both commercial and retail lending.




The Bank is committed to responsible growth, strong asset quality, and relationship-driven banking. The Chief Credit Officer will play a key role in balancing growth objectives with prudent risk management while maintaining a strong credit culture throughout the organization.




Position Overview
The Chief Credit Officer serves as the Bank's senior credit executive and is responsible for the overall quality and performance of the loan portfolio. This individual provides leadership and oversight for credit administration, loan review, portfolio management, policy development, regulatory compliance, and problem loan management.
The CCO partners closely with executive leadership, lending teams, and the Board of Directors to support sound lending practices and sustainable growth.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Bank's commercial and retail credit functions.
• Oversee portfolio quality, risk grading, concentrations, policy exceptions, and asset quality trends.
• Develop and maintain credit policies, underwriting standards, and credit administration practices.
• Chair the Loan Committee and provide recommendations on significant credit relationships.
• Direct the independent loan review process and oversee regulatory examination activities.
• Lead problem loan identification, workout strategies, and criticized asset management.
• Present portfolio performance, credit trends, and risk assessments to Executive Management and the Board.
• Partner with commercial lending leadership to support profitable growth consistent with the Bank's risk appetite.
• Monitor economic and market conditions and assess potential impacts on credit strategy.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing credit team.

Leadership Responsibilities
Direct oversight of:

• Commercial Credit Manager
• Loan Portfolio Manager
• Commercial Processor Supervisor
• Mortgage Underwriting Supervisor

QualificationsRequired

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive commercial credit, credit administration, and lending experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing credit teams and portfolio risk.
• Strong understanding of regulatory expectations, underwriting practices, loan review, and portfolio management.
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.

Preferred

• Current or previous Chief Credit Officer, Senior Credit Officer, or equivalent executive-level credit leadership experience.
• MBA, Graduate School of Banking, or other advanced banking education.
• Experience within a community or regional banking environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $195,000-$235,000
• Hybrid work arrangement
• Comprehensive executive benefits package
• Significant interaction with Executive Leadership and Board of Directors
• Opportunity to influence strategic direction and long-term growth

Ideal Candidate
This role is well-suited for a seasoned Senior Credit Officer, Chief Credit Officer, or senior credit executive seeking a broader leadership platform and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing community banking organization.




Confidential inquiries are welcome.