Angott Search Group is partnering with a ~$200MM asset credit union to identify a strategic and hands-on Chief Lending Officer (CLO) to lead all lending and collections functions. This executive role is responsible for driving safe and sound loan growth across Indirect, Consumer, Mortgage/Real Estate, and Commercial Lending, while maintaining strong credit quality, regulatory compliance, and an exceptional member experience.
The CLO will work closely with Finance/ALCO, Risk & Compliance, Operations, and Marketing to align lending strategy with the credit union’s mission and financial goals. This position requires a leader who can balance strategic vision with operational execution while developing high-performing lending and collections teams.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute the overall lending strategy across consumer, mortgage/real estate, indirect, and commercial portfolios.
- Lead pricing strategy to maintain competitiveness while optimizing yield and net interest margin.
- Oversee and grow the indirect lending program, including dealer relationships, program profitability, and underwriting standards.
- Provide leadership and oversight of mortgage and real estate lending operations, ensuring compliance and strong operational performance.
- Guide commercial lending strategy, including underwriting standards, portfolio monitoring, and relationship management.
- Maintain and enforce lending policies, underwriting standards, and approval authorities.
- Oversee collections and recovery functions, including delinquency management, repossessions, and loss mitigation.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable lending regulations and internal policies while maintaining strong audit and examination readiness.
- Monitor portfolio performance including delinquencies, charge-offs, concentrations, and credit exceptions.
- Drive operational excellence and digital lending improvements to enhance the member experience.
- Partner with Finance and participate in ALCO to align lending strategies with liquidity and balance sheet goals.
- Lead, mentor, and develop lending and collections teams, promoting a culture of accountability, service, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 8+ years of progressive lending experience, including leadership responsibility.
- Proven experience leading consumer lending and indirect lending programs.
- Strong knowledge of commercial credit underwriting and portfolio management.
- Demonstrated expertise in lending compliance, risk management, and regulatory requirements.
- Strong strategic leadership and decision-making capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Mortgage lending leadership experience, including originations and/or operations.
- Experience within a credit union or community financial institution.
- Secondary market knowledge a plus.
- Professional certifications such as CUNA, NAFCU, or similar preferred.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field, or equivalent experience
- 8+ years of progressive lending experience, including leadership responsibility
- Experience leading consumer lending and indirect lending programs
- Strong knowledge of commercial credit underwriting and portfolio management
- Expertise in lending compliance, risk management, and regulatory requirements
- Strong strategic leadership and decision-making capabilities
- Mortgage lending leadership experience, including originations and/or operations
- Experience within a credit union or community financial institution
- Secondary market knowledge
- Professional certification such as CUNA or NAFCU
What We Do
Angott Search Group is a national, full-service executive search and recruiting firm that connects organizations with executives, managers, and other high-impact leaders. It supports boards, CEOs, and executive teams with leadership hiring, succession planning, talent assessment, and confidential replacements. Its sector expertise spans banking, credit unions, automotive, manufacturing, legal, energy, information technology, and professional services, with nationwide direct-hire placement for client organizations.
