Maine Federal Credit Union Selects Kaj Johansen as the next Vice President of Lending
March 2026 – Smith & Wilkinson was retained by Maine Family Federal Credit Union to lead the search for its next Vice President of Lending.
Reporting to executive leadership, the Vice President of Lending plays a key role in strategic planning, loan administration, and compliance across consumer, mortgage, and consumer lending. The position is responsible for driving loan growth, managing risk, developing teams, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, while supporting a strong culture of service and accountability across the organization.
Smith & Wilkinson conducted a targeted search focused on senior credit union and community banking leaders with deep lending expertise, strong risk management capabilities, and a demonstrated ability to balance growth with sound underwriting. Following a comprehensive and competitive process, Kaj Johansen was selected for the role.
Johansen joins Maine Family Federal Credit Union from TruChoice Federal Credit Union, where he served as Vice President of Lending and a key member of the senior leadership team. Over more than two decades in the credit union industry, he has led lending, collections, and risk management functions while driving strategic initiatives that support long-term growth and member engagement. He brings a proven track record of growing loan portfolios while maintaining strong credit quality, including leading significant portfolio expansion and developing modern mortgage and consumer lending programs. His experience includes implementing digital lending technologies, optimizing underwriting processes, and aligning lending strategies with broader organizational goals. Known for his thoughtful and steady leadership style, Johansen is recognized for his ability to balance member needs with sound risk management, foster strong team engagement, and lead through change.
A respected leader within the credit union community, Johansen combines deep technical expertise with a strong commitment to the credit union mission. His ability to align people, process, and technology positions him well to lead Maine Family Federal Credit Union’s lending function and support its continued growth and expansion.
The Maine Family Federal Credit Union Vice President of Lending search was led by Darcy Flaherty, Consultant, Financial Services.
About Maine Family Federal Credit Union
Maine Family Federal Credit Union is a long-standing, community-focused institution headquartered in Lewiston, Maine, with a history dating back to 1938. Following a recent field of membership expansion across 10 counties, the credit union sought a strategic lending leader to support continued growth, enhance lending operations, and ensure strong alignment with its member-first mission.
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.