Artisans Bank Selects Matthew McGonigal as SVP, Chief Operation Officer
March 2026 – Smith & Wilkinson was retained by Artisans’ Bank to lead the executive search for its next SVP, Chief Operating Officer.
Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO is a key member of the senior management team, overseeing deposit and loan operations, information technology, systems, customer experience, marketing, facilities, and vendor management. The role is central to driving operational excellence, advancing digital capabilities, strengthening risk and compliance practices, and ensuring a seamless, high-quality customer experience across all delivery channels.
Smith & Wilkinson conducted a targeted search focused on senior banking leaders with broad operational expertise, strong digital and technology acumen, and a demonstrated ability to lead through growth and change in community banking environments. Following a comprehensive and competitive process, Matthew McGonigal was selected for the role.
McGonigal joins Artisans’ Bank from 1st Colonial Community Bank, where he served as SVP, Director of Digital Experience & Operations. Over the course of his career, he has built and led high-performing teams across deposit and loan operations, digital banking, IT, and facilities, while playing a key role in strategic planning and enterprise transformation initiatives.
He brings deep experience in driving process improvement, implementing digital banking solutions, managing vendor relationships, and enhancing operational infrastructure to support growth. Known for his steady leadership style and ability to take on expanded responsibilities, McGonigal has successfully led complex initiatives, including core system enhancements, online banking platform implementations, and large-scale operational and facilities projects.
A respected and trusted leader, he is recognized for his collaborative approach, strong execution, and ability to navigate complex regulatory and operational environments while maintaining a focus on customer experience and organizational performance. His broad, hands-on experience across operations and technology positions him well to support Artisans’ Bank’s continued growth and modernization.
The Artisans’ Bank SVP, Chief Operating Officer search was led by Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, and Darcy Flaherty, Consultant, Financial Services.
About Artisan’s Bank
Founded in 1861, Artisans’ Bank is a $716MM mutual institution and Delaware’s only community-focused mutual bank, with a strong legacy of local decision-making and customer-centric service. As the Bank continues to evolve and modernize, it sought an experienced operations executive to lead enterprise-wide functions, enhance efficiency, and align operations with long-term strategic goals.
About Smith & Wilkinson
For over 25 years, Smith & Wilkinson has been a trusted executive search and talent advisory partner. Our Financial Services team serves banks, credit unions, service providers, associations, nonbank lenders, financial technology companies, community and economic development organizations, and government-sponsored enterprises in attracting, promoting, and retaining senior leaders who drive long-term business success.
Our financial services executive search work includes Board, C-suite, and Director level engagements across executive leadership, strategy, risk, finance, operations, lending, technology, and wealth management, and more. With industry-leading market insight and a consultative approach, we provide both clients and candidates with exceptional visibility into today’s evolving talent landscape.
Looking to fill a leadership role similar to this position? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to learn more about partnering with Smith & Wilkinson’s Financial Services executive search team to attract, promote, and retain the talent your organization needs to grow and compete.