Chief Operations Officer

Summary

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) is a key member of the Senior Management Team responsible for planning, organizing, and controlling all day‑to‑day operational activities of the bank. This role requires a proven leader at the intersection of customer experience, technology, and industry transformation. The COO will provide strategic leadership to ensure operational effectiveness, sustainability, and efficiency across both traditional banking functions and our fintech partnerships, ensuring all operations operate in a safe, sound, and compliant manner.

• Strategic Planning:
  Collaborate with the CEO and Senior Management Team to translate the bank’s vision and strategy into actionable operational plans, with a specific focus on Making Business Banking Easy and integrating Fintech initiatives into the core business model.
• Operations Management:
  Oversee and optimize all core banking operations, including deposit and loan operations, payment processing (ACH, wire), and general ledger reconciliations.
• Fintech & BaaS Partnerships Oversight:
  Manage the operational aspects of the bank’s BaaS partnership(s). This includes vendor underwriting, SLA negotiation, and ensuring operational controls are effective for all partner programs.
• Regulatory Compliance &
  
  Risk Management:
  
  Manage the existing compliance teams to ensure strict adherence to all local and federal banking laws and regulations (BSA/AML, OFAC, etc.) across all operations and third‑party vendor relationships.
• Technology & Innovation:
  Oversee the integration and implementation of new technologies, ensuring existing processes align with strategic digital goals. This includes leveraging technology to automate processes and improve productivity.
• Process Improvement:
  Analyze internal operations and identify opportunities for improvement, driving end‑to‑end solutions that enhance operational efficiency and the customer experience.
• Financial Oversight:
  Work closely with the CFO to manage operational budgets, monitor performance against targets, and contribute to financial reporting to ensure strong financial health.
• Team Leadership:
  Provide visionary and strategic leadership to the Operations, Fintech, and Compliance teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Manage and mentor staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
• Professional Development:
  Actively invest in professional growth and external networks, maintaining relevant industry relationships, peer forums, and leadership development opportunities to stay current on best practices and bring forward‑thinking ideas back to the organization.

• Member of the IT Steering Committee
• Member of the Asset Liability Committee
• Member of the Compliance Committee
• Chair of the Fintech Committee

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. An MBA or a related Master’s degree is preferred.

• 5+ years of progressive experience in senior management within community banking operations is required.
• Demonstrated experience managing fintech partnerships is a significant advantage.
• Proven track record of managing operational scale, strategic transformations, and leading large, cross‑functional teams.

• Exceptional strategic thinking, operational management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Deep understanding of community bank compliance requirements and risk management principles.
• Strong technical skills, with knowledge of banking applications, data analysis, and project management software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present information to the Board of Directors, staff, and external partners.

• Strategic thinker with a strong hands‑on execution capability.
• High ethical standards, personal integrity, and commitment to operational excellence.
• Ability to foster positive internal and external relationships, including strong board relations.
• Deep understanding of the banking industry’s regulatory environment and operational risk dynamics.
• A leadership style that inspires…