Chief Credit Officer

Job Purpose: Manages and directs the lending function with a credit culture that meets the safe and sound desires of the Board of Directors. Works under minimal supervision of the President.

Essential Functions: Other duties may be assigned.

1. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include providing thorough training for employees; planning, assigning, and reviewing work; issuing oral instructions; addressing complaints and resolves problems; coaching and disciplining employees; and monitoring and evaluating performance.

1. Reviews overdrafts weekly; responsible for decisioning overdrafts of $10,000 or more on a daily basis and providing post maturity advance approvals when necessary.

1. Directs the Loan Committee function of the Bank including regular meetings and special meetings designed to meet the bank’s needs.

1. Reviews and makes approval decisions on loan requests from branches that are over the loan officer’s lending limit or needs special handling but within the CCO’s designated lending limits.

1. Communicates as needed with lending staff at all branches.

1. Analyzes applicant financial status, credit, and property evaluation to determine feasibility of granting loan; approves loans within established lending limits or refers and recommends acceptance to the Bank’s loan committee.

1. Performs a pre-review of loan documentation on loans of $1 million or more and all SBA loans to ensure that loans are processed according to the approved LAR, customer needs, and conform to Bank lending policies.

1. Prepares reports to meet the needs of Board. Presents reports at scheduled Board meetings.

1. Establishes and oversees lending and lending operation processes and procedures.

1. Compiles a list of recommended changes to the bank’s loan policy, real estate lending policy, appraisal, and documentation policy for Loan Policy Committee consideration and approval. Presents Loan Policy Committee approved changes to the Board for ratification or approval. Chairs Loan Policy Committee quarterly meetings.

1. Administers bank-wide loan review activities in accordance with established bank policies and regulatory requirements; strives to minimize portfolio losses; provides senior management with accurate assessment of loan portfolio; ensures loan grading and credit quality standards, legal and technical compliance procedures, and lending policy adherence are consistently practiced.

1. Conducts business development and customer retention officer calls as requested.

1. Manages and implements Business Development strategies for the bank.

1. Responsible for the development and training of lenders on new lending products being offered.

1. Tracks the lenders’ individual loan growth, fee income goals, past due percentages and technical exceptions, etc.

1. Provides reports to the Board of Directors outlining the lenders individual progress made in meeting their business development goals.

1. Represents the bank in the local community through active participation in community organizations.

Qualifications and Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, competency, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Bachelor’s Degree with emphasis in business administration, finance, or accounting; and at least ten years previous lending management experience; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

1. Advanced knowledge of agriculture, commercial, real estate, and consumer loan processing.

1. Advanced knowledge of related state and federal lending and compliance regulations.

1. Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate verbally in one-on one and group situations with management, co-workers, employees, customers, Board of Directors, accountant, correspondent bankers, and regulatory authorities, including the ability to give instructions; the ability to speak clearly, effectively, and professionally in positive or negative situations; listens to others without interrupting and gets clarification; and responds well to questions.

1. Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication, as well as, reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

1. Ability to define problems, collect data, establishes facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to deal with complex problems involving several abstract and concrete variables in non-standardized situations. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or mathematical form. Must be able to analyze many variables and choose the most effective course of action for the organization at any given point in time.

1. To perform this job successfully, an individual should have experience with Windows based software, bank application software program, and e-mail; and ability to operate a computer, calculator, telephone, and typewriter/keyboard.

1. Ability to interact in a positive and professional manner and to develop and maintain strong working relationships with customers, co-workers, employees and management; the ability to respond promptly to customer needs and requests for service and assistance; and ability to meet commitments.