Chief Lending Officer

RoleThe Chief Lending Officer is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, administration, and performance of the Credit Union’s lending function. This position oversees all lending areas, including consumer lending, commercial lending, indirect lending, mortgage lending, loan review, collections, quality control, title services and related lending support functions. The role is accountable for developing and implementing lending strategies, loan products, underwriting standards, policies, procedures, and operational practices that support responsible loan growth, member satisfaction, regulatory compliance, and the overall financial strength of the Credit Union. Major Duties and ResponsibilitiesDirectly responsible for achieving assigned loan growth, portfolio performance, and lending production goals. Monitors lending activity, application quality, underwriting decisions, portfolio trends, and department performance to evaluate results and identify opportunities for improvement Provides executive leadership over the Credit Union’s lending function, including consumer lending, commercial lending, indirect lending, mortgage lending, and related lending operations. Ensures lending programs, processes, and services are effectively planned, implemented, monitored, and aligned with the Credit Union’s strategic goals. Participates in strategic planning, goal setting, budgeting, and policy development. Provides lending-related insight to the President/CEO, senior management team, and Board of Directors, including reports on lending performance, portfolio quality, emerging risks, regulatory changes, and business opportunities Develops, recommends, and implements lending strategies, loan products, underwriting standards, lending policies, procedures, and operating guidelines. Ensures loan programs are structured to support responsible growth, member service, sound credit quality, and compliance with applicable policy and regulatory requirements. Oversees lending compliance and ensures loan documentation, lending practices, underwriting guidelines, and lending operations remain consistent with applicable federal and state laws, regulatory requirements, Credit Union policies, and approved procedures Leads, manages, coaches, and develops lending department leadership and staff. Responsibilities include hiring, directing work assignments, monitoring performance, providing training and feedback, supporting compliance with Credit Union policies and values, and making recommendations regarding compensation, promotion, discipline, or termination as appropriate Recommends changes or additions to loan programs, lending processes, products, and services that expand member benefits, improve operational efficiency, support business development, or enhance the Credit Union’s competitive position. Negotiates and reviews significant lending relationships, loan participations, purchase agreements, major loan projects, substantial loan requests, and other lending arrangements as applicable. Ensures appropriate documentation, approvals, settlement, servicing, and file maintenance Represents the Credit Union in community, business, and professional settings to support visibility, relationship development, lending opportunities, and the Credit Union’s overall reputation Directs the development and administration of the lending department budget. Monitors revenue, expenses, staffing, production goals, and financial performance to support profitability, cost control, and meaningful review of budget variances ExperienceA minimum of 10 years of executive lending leadership experience in a financial institution is required, including oversight of lending, credit, and loan operations functions. Experience in a Chief Lending Officer or similar executive role is preferred. EducationA college degree is required. A degree in business administration, finance, accounting, economics, or a related field is preferred. Advanced education, lending certifications, credit training, or executive leadership training is preferred.