Chief Credit Officer

The Chief Credit Officer (CCO) position is to lead the bank’s credit function and ensure the integrity, quality, and growth of its lending portfolio. The CCO will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of credit risk management, including underwriting standards, portfolio performance, policy development, and regulatory compliance. This executive-level role will provide leadership and direction to the credit team, ensuring sound credit decisions that align with the bank’s risk appetite and strategic objectives.

The Chief Credit Officer plays a critical role in shaping credit strategy, maintaining asset quality, and supporting business development across commercial lending products. The CCO will possess deep expertise in credit analysis, risk mitigation, and regulatory frameworks, along with strong leadership and communication skills. The CCO is required to collaborate across departments, including sales, operations, compliance, and executive leadership, and will involve regular reporting to the Board of Directors and shareholders.

Role is based in Salt Lake City, UT. Open to remote, but willingness to travel frequently to Salt Lake City.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide strategic oversight of the Bank’s Credit Risk Management framework.
• Own and manage the Bank’s credit policy ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and business goals.
• Oversee portfolio performance and reporting, including credit quality, concentration risk, and emerging trends. Chair and lead Credit Committee meetings.
• Chair of the Bank Loan Committee
• Review all deals that go to the Bank Loan Committee, or that need additional review.
• Establish and maintain underwriting standards for all Bank products.
• Oversight of risk/loan grading for all loans to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Oversee modeling and analysis of default risk and probability of default loan calculations.
• Management of underwriters in conjunction with business unit leaders, where applicable.
• Oversight of Legal work as it relates to workout loans.
• Ensures regulatory compliance in the credit function of the Bank.
• Oversight of credit risk management for the Bank
• Provide board-level reporting on credit risk exposure and portfolio health.
• Support business unit leaders with screening and structuring of new credit opportunities.
• Assist with monitoring of Third-Party Originators (TPO’s) related to leasing to ensure adherence to Bank Standards.
• Management and oversight of the Bank’s Watch List, including escalation protocols and resolution strategies.
• Oversight of relationships and partners who help the Bank manage credit exposure.
• Assist Chief Financial Officer in preparation of the Allowance for Credit Losses and adequacy of reserves.
• Development and oversight of portfolio stress testing.
• Oversight of disposition strategies for other Real Estate Owned (OREO) and Other Asset Owned (OAO).
• Work with Operations and Business Unit Leaders in establishing standard file conventions and ensure that systems support the credit operations.
• Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on credit-related matters, contributing to strategic planning and growth initiatives.
• Lead Safety and Soundness regulatory exams related to the Bank’s loan book
• Ensure alignment of credit practices with the Bank’s overall risk appetite and business objectives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement within the credit organization.
• Provide mentorship and leadership development for credit team members, promoting succession planning and talent retention.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Extensive experience in commercial lending, including equipment finance, asset-based lending (ABL), Small Business Administration (SBA), real estate, and working capital solutions.
• Proven expertise in credit risk management, loan grading, portfolio stress testing, and default probability modeling.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance standards applicable to credit and lending functions (e.g., OCC, FDIC, FRB).
• Advanced…