The Chief Lending Officer (CLO) is a senior executive responsible for overseeing and leading all aspects of the credit union’s lending operations, including consumer and mortgage lending. As a member of the executive team, the CLO is actively involved in strategic decision-making and aligns lending strategies with organizational objectives to drive growth and profitability. The role involves developing and implementing short- and long-term lending strategies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining an acceptable level of risk across the loan portfolio.  

The CLO fosters innovation, enhances member experience, and leverages emerging technologies to optimize lending processes. This leader builds strong relationships with key stakeholders, including regulators, examiners, and external partners, while managing loan quality, and servicing. With a focus on collaboration, the CLO directs lending managers and team leaders, inspires innovation, and ensures that all lending operations are conducted in accordance with established policies, procedures, and federal and state regulations. This dynamic position requires a visionary leader dedicated to advancing the credit union’s mission while supporting members’ financial needs. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Lead the strategic planning and implementation of departmental goals to align with the credit union's overall mission and growth objectives. Actively participate in implementing, and executing the credit union's strategic plan. 

• Evaluate and implement innovative technology solutions to enhance the efficiency and performance of lending operations. Act as a lead in identifying and adopting new systems and processes to streamline lending workflows. 

• Review, revise, and ensure adherence to lending policies, procedures, and guidelines in compliance with federal, state, and NCUA regulations. Oversee audits and examinations, addressing deficiencies, and ensuring corrective actions are implemented effectively. 

• Supervise, train, and mentor departmental staff, including the VP of Mortgage Lending and the VP of Consumer Lending.  Foster a collaborative and cooperative team environment and ensure staff participate in ongoing training and development programs. 

• Identify, develop, and recommend new or enhanced lending products to meet member borrowing needs and support the credit union’s loan portfolio growth and earnings goals. Provide comprehensive training on products, policies, and compliance for lending personnel. 

• Monitor and manage the loan portfolio, ensuring sound credit decisions are based on creditworthiness, collateral, repayment capacity, and borrower character. Establish and monitor concentration limits within the loan portfolio to maintain profitability and minimize risk. 

• Direct and oversee the operations of the mortgage lending and consumer lending departments. Ensure lending practices meet members’ needs while maintaining compliance, efficiency, and alignment with the credit union’s overall goals. 

• Monitor lending performance against organizational goals and make data-driven adjustments as needed. Review collection reports to evaluate the effectiveness of underwriting policies and practices. 

• Build relationships with key stakeholders, including regulators, examiners, and external partners. Represent the credit union at Board of Directors meetings, presenting lending reports and contributing to policy and operational discussions. 

• Ensure efficient staffing and loan processing practices to meet member needs promptly. Recommend departmental realignment to enhance productivity and member satisfaction. 

• Stay abreast of changes in the lending industry, including regulatory developments, technological advancements, and shifting consumer needs. Ensure the credit union remains compliant with laws and adaptable to evolving market conditions. 

Education/Certification: 

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, economics or a related field. 

• Additional certifications in credit analysis, risk management, or financial services are a plus. 

Required Knowledge:  

• Comprehensive understanding of lending practices, credit analysis, and risk management. 

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards in the financial services industry. 

• Familiarity with market trends and emerging technologies in lending operations. 

• Deep understanding of credit union lending practices, including consumer, mortgage, and commercial lending. 

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state regulatory requirements, including NCUA regulations. 

• Familiarity with market trends, member behavior, and competitive dynamics in the financial services industry. 

Experience Required:  

• Minimum of 10 plus years of progressive experience in lending operations, with a strong preference for leadership roles within credit unions or financial institutions. 

• Proven track record in managing and growing loan portfolios, including consumer, mortgage, and member business lending. 

• Demonstrated expertise in credit risk management, underwriting, and regulatory compliance specific to credit unions. 

• Experience in developing and implementing lending strategies that align with organizational goals and member needs. 

• Strong background in leading cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration across departments such as lending, operations, and member services. 

• Familiarity with indirect lending programs and building relationships with external partners, such as auto dealerships. 

• Experience in leveraging technology and data analytics to optimize lending operations and improve member experience. 

• Proven ability to navigate audits, regulatory examinations, and address deficiencies effectively. 

• Leadership experience in mentoring and developing staff, fostering a culture of innovation, and ensuring high performance. 

Hard/Technical Skills/Abilities: 

• Leadership: Ability to inspire, mentor, and guide lending teams to achieve high performance and foster a collaborative work environment. 

• Strategic Thinking: Expertise in crafting and implementing innovative lending strategies that align with the credit union’s mission, goals, and member needs. 

• Regulatory and Compliance Expertise: Strong understanding of credit union regulations, NCUA 

• requirements, and compliance standards to ensure lending operations meet legal and industry guidelines. 

• Data Analytics and Decision-Making: Proficiency in leveraging data and analytics to monitor loan 

• performance, assess risk, and drive informed lending decisions. 

• Member-Focused Approach: Ability to prioritize member needs, ensuring lending practices enhance member satisfaction, trust, and loyalty. 

• Risk Management: Expertise in credit risk assessment, portfolio management, and mitigation strategies to maintain a sound loan portfolio. 

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities to effectively engage with members, regulators, and internal stakeholders. 

• Financial Acumen: Deep knowledge of lending practices, credit analysis, and financial principles to optimize the credit union's loan portfolio. 

• Process Improvement: Capability to identify and implement technological advancements and process 

• enhancements to streamline lending operations and improve efficiency. 

• Collaboration: Proficiency in working across departments and building relationships with external partners, such as auto dealerships and community organizations. 

• Problem-Solving: Strong skills in addressing challenges, making data-driven decisions, and developing creative solutions to meet lending objectives. 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Standard office conditions 

• Low to moderate noise 

• Limited lifting up to 10 lbs.