Purpose of the Position

Our client is seeking a transformational Chief Lending Officer (CLO) to complete its executive leadership team and shape the future of lending for a high-performing, growth-ready credit union. This is the final executive role to be filled following a recent leadership transition led by a new CEO who has built a highly energized, collaborative executive team and strong organizational momentum within the past year.

Our client is in an exceptional financial position, having surpassed $1 billion in assets in September 2025, with a liquidity ratio of approximately 40%, a loan-to-share ratio in the mid-to-upper 60s, and net worth exceeding 10%. The organization’s challenge is not access to capital, but rather deploying excess liquidity into a well-balanced, diversified, and profitable loan portfolio.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a core member of the executive leadership team alongside the Chief Experience Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Information Officer, the CLO will have broad latitude and creative license—within defined guardrails—to build a compelling lending vision, diversify the portfolio, and lead a multi-year transformation of our client’s lending platform.

This role represents a rare opportunity for a proven lending leader or high-potential executive to build something enduring: a modern, scalable, and member-centric lending organization aligned with our client’s long-term strategy and community mission.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Lending Strategy & Vision

Develop and articulate a clear, forward-looking vision for lending that aligns with our client’s financial strength, growth ambitions, and member needs.
Lead diversification of the loan portfolio beyond a historically consumer/indirect concentration, with targeted growth in SBA, VA, residential mortgage, and commercial lending.
Operate within high-level strategic guardrails while exercising significant autonomy to design and implement lending strategies.
Serve as a central change leader within a broader four-year organizational transformation focused on infrastructure, efficiency, and scalability.

Portfolio Management & Risk Oversight

Ensure sound credit quality, portfolio diversification, and disciplined underwriting practices across all loan products.
Monitor portfolio performance, concentrations, and key risk indicators; proactively address emerging credit risks.
Maintain deep knowledge of federal and state lending regulations and ensure full compliance with applicable laws, policies, and examiner expectations.

Product, Pricing & Performance Management

Partner with finance and ALCO on loan pricing, profitability, and balance sheet optimization.
Oversee development and refinement of lending products to meet evolving member needs while achieving targeted returns.
Track and manage key lending metrics, productivity, and expense controls to drive sustainable performance.

Operational Excellence

Oversee end to end lending operations, including origination, underwriting, credit analysis, documentation, and servicing.
Champion process efficiency, scalability, and continuous improvement across lending workflows.
Ensure consistent branding, service standards, and a high-quality member experience across all lending channels.

People & Culture Leadership

Build, lead, and inspire lending teams through a period of change, growth, and modernization.
Establish a performance-oriented, collaborative culture aligned with our client’s transparent and inclusive leadership style.
Attract, develop, and retain top lending talent capable of supporting future growth following infrastructure transformation.
Model strong executive presence and credibility while partnering closely with peers across finance, technology, and member experience.

The Candidate

Executive Mindset & Cultural Fit

Energized by the opportunity to build and shape a lending organization rather than inherit a fully mature platform.
Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and strong judgment in responding to our client’s unusually strong balance sheet and excess liquidity position.
Motivated by a long-term leadership opportunity, with the desire to commit to a multi-year (ideally 5+ year) transformation and growth journey.
Enthusiastic about relocating to or living in Alaska; embraces Palmer, AK as a lifestyle feature rather than a constraint.

Experience & Expertise

Extensive leadership experience in consumer, real estate, and member business lending within a credit union or community oriented financial institution.
Demonstrated success managing complex loan portfolios and driving profitable growth while maintaining strong credit discipline.
Hands on experience with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac products and guidelines.
Strong background in SBA lending and participation loan structures.
Proven ability to navigate regulatory environments and work effectively with examiners and auditors.

Leadership & Personal Attributes

Strategic thinker who can translate enterprise goals into clear, executable lending strategies.
Credible, confident executive presence with the ability to influence at the board and senior leadership level.
Data driven decision maker with strong financial acumen and analytical skills.
Collaborative leader who partners effectively across functions and values teamwork.
High integrity and demonstrated commitment to confidentiality and ethical standards.

Korn Ferry jobs

DevOps

Chief Lending Officer