Chief Credit Officer

Responsibilities

• Oversee and mentor the credit team, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Guide direct reports to optimize performance, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment within the credit department.
• Offer training and professional development opportunities to enhance team capabilities.
• Monitor credit portfolios and conduct risk assessments to mitigate potential losses.
• Provide independent assessment of the loan portfolio's quality, identifying strengths and weaknesses at the loan, industry, or lender level.
• Oversee credit risk management, including concentration levels and compliance with policies.
• Monitor loan delinquency activity on a continuous basis.
• Determine and ensure loan loss reserve and REO valuation reserve adequacy.
• Ensure customer satisfaction and account retention as appropriate through quality customer service.
• Handle customer requests and complaints with prompt, professional and courteous attention.
• Establish and refine credit policies, procedures, and standards to ensure efficiency, consistency, and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of the bank's lending policies and collaborate with the credit team on updates or changes.
• Comply with BSA requirements and ensure completion of proper documentation.
• Stay abreast of regulations and legislative changes affecting credit or loan areas.
• Develop and execute the organization’s credit strategy, aligning it with market trends and corporate goals.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to drive sustainable growth and profitability.
• Act as the primary credit risk advisor to the executive team and board, presenting insights, recommendations, and performance updates.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and financial partners, to maintain trust and compliance.
• Aid in external loan reviews, audits, and examinations.
• Provide technical advice and guidance to lending officers, enhancing credit underwriting standards.
• Prepare and present lending and credit reports for board meetings.

  Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field (advanced degree such as an MBA or CFA preferred).
  • Extensive experience (10+ YEARS) in credit administration, underwriting, risk management, or related banking roles.
  • At least 5 years’ experience with leadership experience managing credit teams.
  • Strong knowledge of credit analysis, underwriting standards, and risk assessment tools.
  • Proficient in financial software and analytics tools used in banking operations.
  • Deep understanding of banking regulations, compliance requirements, and risk management frameworks.
  • Ability to develop and implement credit strategies aligned with business goals.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for stakeholder engagement and reporting.
  • Commitment to ethical standards and transparency in credit decisions.
  • Exceptional judgment in balancing risk and growth within credit operations.