Chief Risk Officer – Kentucky/Tennessee Market

Christian Wyatt Group is a leading nationwide executive search firm that specializes in Community & Super Community Banks all over the Country.  That’s what we do, that’s all we do.  We are representing a new client in the Kentucky/Tennessee Corridor, which is a high-performing community bank and they are looking for a strong Chief Risk Officer (CRO) to join their leadership team.

This CRO position is a senior role where you'll maintain, enhance, further build and run our client’s enterprise-wide risk management program, giving independent oversight on all the big risks, and help keep the bank safe and sound while they continue to grow.   You'll work directly with executive leadership and the Board as a strategic advisor, making sure risk governance stays separate from day-to-day operations.

Key responsibilities include leading the bank's overall risk management framework and providing independent oversight across all major risk areas (credit, operational, compliance, etc.)   You will supervise the Risk Management team, oversee loan review, ensuring objective assessments of credit quality, concentrations, trends, and key credit metrics are adhered to.

You’ll prepare and/or review quarterly loan review reports for leadership and the Board while providing oversight of the audit function, model risk, stress testing, and capital implications.  You also manage business continuity, disaster recovery, vendor management, information security, and incident response.

Handling regulatory exam responses, tracking corrective actions, and staying on top of changing regulations all while helping develop and update risk-related policies and procedures and serving as the main point of contact with auditors and examiners is a key job function as well.

This is a new client for our firm, but they have a cool culture.  People like and respect each other, they are well run with no drama.  You too will also be looked to contribute to this positive team culture—being collaborative, supporting goals, and helping develop your direct reports.  This is a great opportunity to join a solid leadership in a high-performing bank where you can make a real impact on the bank’s risk strategy and long-term success.

What do they need in a candidate?  At least eight years of solid experience in banking, public accounting, or a bank examiner.  A combination of a big bank/small bank background is ideal as you will have to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty.   You will need to possess a hands-on background in risk management and leading risk teams, strong leadership skills, be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to juggle multiple priorities under pressure.  Ultimately, being a good communicator who works well independently and with a team while bringing the executive presence will be key.

If this sounds like a fit, please inquire in confidence.  Banking/Public/Examiner expertise is a must.