Chief Risk Officer; CRO

Overview

Heritage Financial Credit Union is seeking a visionary Chief Risk Officer (CRO). This new executive role oversees Finance, Information Technology, Strategic Business Operations, and Risk/Compliance, serving as a central force in driving sustainable growth, operational excellence, and member trust. This position reports to the Executive Team and is based at Heritage Financial Credit Union’s headquarters.

• Enterprise Risk & Compliance:
  Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive enterprise risk management framework; oversee regulatory requirements, internal controls, and audit readiness; serve as executive liaison with regulators, auditors, and the Board of Directors; establish and monitor risk appetite and risk metrics with reporting for informed decision-making.
• Finance Oversight:
  Provide executive leadership of financial operations including asset/liability management, capital adequacy, budgeting, and forecasting; ensure accuracy and integrity of financial reporting; collaborate with the CEO, COO, and Board to develop financial strategies that support sustainable growth and member value.
• Information Technology & Security:
  Oversee IT operations, systems administration, and cybersecurity; drive digital transformation initiatives aligned with strategy; ensure data security, resilience, and business continuity planning.
• Strategic Business Operations:
  Provide executive-level oversight for departments within Strategic Business Operations (Branch Operations, Business Intelligence, Project Management, Core Systems Administration); ensure alignment of operational execution with strategic objectives and member experience goals; champion process optimization and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Leadership & Governance:
  Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, executive team, and Board of Directors; foster accountability and collaboration; develop and mentor senior leaders; represent the organization externally with regulators and industry peers.
• Other duties as assigned.

Salary: $190,000 - $225,000 per year (based on experience)

• Incentives and Merit Increases
• Paid Time Off & Paid Federal Holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts/HSA
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Educational Assistance
• Paid Time to Volunteer

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Risk Management, Business Administration, or related field required;
  Master’s degree (MBA, MS) preferred. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in financial services, including direct oversight of risk, compliance, finance, or operations.
• Professional certifications such as CPA, CFA, CIA, CISA, or CRCM preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading IT governance, cybersecurity oversight, or digital transformation initiatives.
• Exceptional strategic, analytical, and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
• Proven experience managing diverse teams and building strong cross-functional alignment.

• Deep knowledge of enterprise risk management, regulatory compliance (NCUA, CFPB, FFIEC, BSA/AML), and financial reporting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and lending systems; ability to leverage data and technology to drive strategy.
• Ability to balance risk mitigation with strategic growth initiatives; strong leadership presence with credibility across regulators, staff, and the Board.

Headquarters, KY

Salary

Description:

$190,000 - $225,000 (depending on experience)