Community Reinvestment Act; CRA Officer

Description

First Farmers Bank & Trust has been proudly serving families, farms, and businesses since 1885, building relationships rooted in trust and community. With over 140 years of experience, we’ve grown to become one of the largest community banks in Indiana and Illinois, offering a full range of financial services—from personal and business banking to agricultural lending and mortgage solutions.

Our mission is simple: deliver personalized financial services while fostering strong relationships that help our communities thrive. We believe in combining today’s digital banking convenience with the traditional values of integrity, perseverance, and customer care.

With 37 branches in Indiana and Illinois, we remain deeply committed to the communities we serve. Through initiatives like financial education programs, scholarships, volunteerism, and local partnerships, we invest in what matters most—people.

At First Farmers, we also invest in our employees. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a culture that values collaboration and community engagement. When you join our team, you’re not just starting a job—you’re joining a company built on heart and grit.

The CRA Officer is responsible for overseeing and administering First Farmers Bank & Trust’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Program in accordance with Regulation BB (12 CFR Part 228). This role ensures the Bank effectively meets the credit needs of its assessment areas, including low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals and geographies, while maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations and supporting safe and sound operations.

The CRA Officer serves as the primary advisor to management and business lines on CRA performance, exam readiness, and community development opportunities.

• Administer and maintain the Bank’s CRA program, including policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Provide regular reporting to executive management and the Board/Audit Committee on CRA performance, trends, and risk.
• Ensure alignment with related regulatory areas, including Fair Lending (ECOA/Reg
  
  B) and HMDA, while maintaining clear program distinction.

• Monitor CRA performance across lending, investment, and service activities.
• Conduct periodic assessment area analysis and recommend changes as appropriate.
• Identify performance gaps and partner with business lines to support improvement.

• Oversee the collection, validation, and analysis of CRA-related data.
• Utilize CRA systems and mapping tools (e.g., RATA) to monitor performance and identify opportunities.
• Prepare management reports, dashboards, and exam support documentation.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for CRA examinations and regulatory inquiries.
• Coordinate data requests, submissions, and documentation to ensure complete and accurate exam readiness.
• Support internal audit and independent reviews; track and remediate findings.

• Provide guidance to lending and retail teams on CRA expectations within the Bank’s assessment areas.
• Deliver targeted training on CRA requirements and performance objectives.
• Supply market and demographic insights to help business lines identify opportunities within LMI areas.

• Support the Bank’s efforts to develop and maintain relationships with nonprofit and community development organizations.
• Assist in identifying and evaluating qualified CRA loans, investments, and services.
• Represent the Bank in community meetings or initiatives, as needed.

All other job duties as assigned

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience partnering with nonprofit and community development organizations that serve low- and moderate-income (LMI) or underserved individuals, supporting CRA-related activities and outreach
• Strong knowledge of CRA (Regulation BB – 12 CFR Part 228) and related regulations
• Familiarity with…