Executive Director - Bank Insurance & Securities Association

Smithbucklin is seeking an Executive Director to lead the Bank Insurance & Securities Association (BISA). The Executive Director will serve as BISA’s senior association executive, strategic partner to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and a visible ambassador to the financial services industry.

The Executive Director will translate BISA’s strategic priorities into measurable outcomes, member value, and sustainable organizational growth. The role requires an executive who can lead through influence, activate volunteer leaders and committees, mobilize Smithbucklin resources, and bring disciplined accountability to strategy execution.

The successful candidate will understand the evolving needs of Wealth Management Program Leadership teams responsible for growth, governance, operations, compliance, risk management, technology, marketing, and the strategic direction. The role may be located in Smithbucklin’s Chicago or Washington, D.C. office.

Lead BISA’s strategic transformation and strengthen its position as the premier association serving Program Leadership across bank and credit union wealth management.

BISA is the leading financial services industry association serving firms and leaders involved in delivering investment, insurance, advisory, retirement, technology, and related wealth management solutions through banks and credit unions. Its membership includes financial institutions of all sizes, broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, third-party program managers, asset managers, product manufacturers, technology providers, and other strategic partners.

BISA creates value through executive relationships, education, industry thought leadership, events, research, benchmarking, digital content, and opportunities for leaders to collaborate on the issues shaping the future of wealth management.

• Lead execution of BISA’s Strategic Transformation Plan in partnership with the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, committee leadership, and Smithbucklin resources.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operating plans, milestones, ownership, measurable outcomes, and Board-level reporting.
• Develop and maintain organizational KPIs, scorecards, and dashboards that measure strategic progress, member value, organizational health, operational performance, and financial sustainability.
• Anticipate industry developments and provide forward-looking recommendations that strengthen BISA’s relevance and long‑term position.

• Advise the Executive Committee and Board of Directors on bylaws, board structure, policies, succession planning, volunteer recruitment, governance practices, and organizational effectiveness.
• Partner with committee chairs to establish clear charters, annual objectives, accountability measures, and work plans aligned with BISA’s strategic priorities.
• Build a culture of engaged, inclusive, and accountable volunteer leadership through effective recruitment, orientation, communication, recognition, and succession planning.
• Ensure Executive Committee, Board materials are concise, consistent, decision‑oriented, and delivered with sufficient context and recommendations.

• Position BISA as the premier community for Wealth Program Leadership, with differentiated value for large, midsize, and small financial institutions and their strategic partners.
• Drive membership growth, retention, engagement, sponsorship value, and diversification of organizational revenue.
• Lead the continued evolution of BISA’s Spring Conference, Regulatory & Compliance Summit, education, content, and community offerings to deliver measurable…