Chief Banking Officer

<div> <h2><strong>Chief Banking Officer (CBO)</strong></h2> <p><strong>$135K–$150K Base + ~10% Bonus | Full Relocation Offered</strong><br /><strong>Comprehensive Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, PTO)</strong><br /><strong>Location: (Western Illinois – ~2 hours west of Chicago)</strong></p> <hr> <h2><strong>About the Opportunity</strong></h2> <p>We are representing a <strong>expanding, community-oriented bank</strong> seeking a <strong>Chief Banking Officer (CBO)</strong> to join its senior leadership team. This position is newly established in response to growth and succession preparations, providing the chance to influence the future direction of a firmly established regional organization.</p> <p>The bank employs around <strong>150 staff members spread across 9 sites</strong> and has garnered a strong reputation for personalized banking, top-notch customer service, and deep community engagement.</p> <hr> <h2><strong>Why This Role</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Senior leadership position</strong> with direct influence on strategy and expansion</li> <li><strong>Full relocation assistance available</strong></li> <li><strong>Impressive financial performance and upward trajectory:</strong> <ul> <li>~$696M in total assets (<strong>+5% YoY</strong>)</li> <li>Year-over-year net income growth of <strong>~20%</strong></li> <li><strong>~8% increase in loans YoY</strong></li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Stable, committed workforce</strong> — average employee tenure around 5 years</li> <li><strong>Community-focused culture</strong> — staff actively engaged in local activities, charities, and outreach efforts</li> </ul> <hr> <h2><strong>The Role</strong></h2> <p>The Chief Banking Officer will deliver strategic direction across core business areas, including:</p> <ul> <li>Retail Banking</li> <li>Marketing</li> <li>Wealth Management and Private Banking</li> <li>Future expansion of Treasury Management</li> </ul> <p>This individual will supervise roughly <strong>half of the company</strong> and play a critical role in fostering growth, enhancing customer connections, and cultivating high-performing teams.</p> <hr> <h2><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Formulate and implement strategies to drive <strong>deposit growth and market expansion</strong></li> <li>Collaborate with senior leadership on <strong>annual objectives and performance metrics</strong></li> <li>Lead and nurture <strong>effective teams in multiple locations</strong></li> <li>Enhance a <strong>customer-centric, relationship-oriented culture</strong></li> <li>Supervise <strong>branch operations, customer experience, and sales results</strong></li> <li>Collaborate with commercial lending to enhance <strong>client and treasury relationships</strong></li> <li>Promote growth of <strong>wealth services and private banking</strong></li> <li>Cultivate strong relationships with <strong>local businesses and community groups</strong></li> <li>Ensure solid <strong>operational compliance, risk management, and discipline</strong></li> </ul> <hr> <h2><strong>Market Coverage</strong></h2> <p>This position covers a <strong>network of 9 locations</strong> including:</p> <ul> <li>Core markets in Sterling, Dixon, and Rock Falls</li> <li>Additional sites in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin</li> </ul> <p>The role requires a <strong>prominent leadership presence</strong>, involving travel across a regional area (~75–100 mile radius).</p> <hr> <h2><strong>What We&#8217;re Looking For</strong></h2> <ul> <li>Over 10 years of leadership experience in <strong>banking or financial services</strong></li> <li>Demonstrated success in <strong>strategic growth, team management, and business development</strong></li> <li>Thorough understanding of <strong>retail and commercial banking operations</strong></li> <li>Experience in leading across <strong>multiple branches or regions</strong></li> <li>Executive demeanor with a <strong>collaborative, hands-on leadership style</strong></li> <li>Skilled at fostering relationships both inside and outside the organization</li> </ul> <hr> <h2><strong>Culture Fit (Critical)</strong></h2> <p>This is a <strong>community-focused banking environment</strong>:</p> <ul> <li>Values relationships over transactions</li> <li>High involvement in the <strong>local community</strong></li> <li>Encourages collaboration and has a <strong>family-oriented atmosphere</strong></li> <li>Leaders are expected to be present, engaged, and actively participating</li> </ul> <p>Candidates from larger institutions are welcome but must be capable of <strong>adapting to a relationship-centered, community-first approach</strong>.</p> </div>