April Monthly Roundup

Founded in 1800, Washington Trust has a rich and unique history as the oldest community bank in the U.S., the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in the Rhode Island, and one of the regions the premier financial institutions. The Bank has approximately $6.9B in total assets, manages $7.1B in wealth assets under administration, has $5.1B in deposits, and a $5.1B in loan portfolio. Washington Trust serves customers across established business lines in commercial and mortgage lending and wealth management, creating diverse income sources, and operates 28 retail locations in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The bank is publicly traded (NASDAQ – WASH) and in outstanding financial condition. For the most recent reporting period, the bank had a return on equity (ROE) of 8.99%, return on assets of 0.60%, outstanding asset quality metrics, and is well capitalized.

The Director of Cash Management and Treasury Services will manage the various cash management needs and functions of Washington Trust’s commercial (C&I, Business Banking and CRE), and municipal clients. Most importantly this individual will provide leadership, mentorship, and direction to the Bank’s successful cash management team to drive the Bank’s deposit gathering and fee income objectives. The successful candidate will have experience developing key metrics and sales strategies to ensure the team delivers on the goals of the organization, as well as driving growth and retention of client relationships. To learn more and for a confidential conversation, please reach out to Moriah Maron, Director of Recruiting, (mmaron@smithandwilkinson.com) or Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com).

Due to the planned retirement of its Chair of the Board, President & CEO, Lisa Oliver, S&W has been retained by The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod (“TCBCC”) to manage the search and selection process for the Bank’s next President & CEO. TCBCC is a $1.6 billion mutual community bank, founded in 1921 and headquartered in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

The Bank seeks a dynamic and strategic leader to drive financial growth, operational excellence, and technological innovation – while preserving the Bank’s independence and strong community focus. The next CEO must possess the expertise to strengthen TCBCC’s competitive edge, improve financial performance, and enhance customer and employee engagement – while ensuring that the Bank remains the best financial partner for Cape Cod businesses and residents.

For more information about this unique community bank leadership role, please contact a member of the S&W Search Team: Moriah Maron, Partner & Director of Recruiting, Financial Services (mmaron@smithandwilkinson.com) or Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, Financial Services (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com).

S&W has been retained by Washington Trust to manage the search and selection process for the bank’s Chief Commercial Banking Officer.

Washington Trust has a rich and unique history dating back to the Bank’s founding in1800. Headquartered in Westerly, Rhode Island, Washington Trust is the oldest community bank in the U.S., the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in the Rhode Island, and one of the regions the premier financial institutions. The Bank has approximately $6.9B in total assets, manages $7.1B in wealth assets under administration, has $5.1B in deposits, and a $5.1B in loan portfolio. Washington Trust serves customers across established business lines in commercial and mortgage lending and wealth management, creating diverse income sources, and operates 28 retail locations in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The bank is publicly traded (NASDAQ – WASH) and in outstanding financial condition. Based on the Bank’s most recently published investor relations information, the Bank had a return on equity (ROE) of 8.99%, return on assets of 0.60%, outstanding asset quality metrics, and is well capitalized.

Reporting directly to the bank’s Chairman and CEO, the Chief Commercial Banking Officer will serve as a key division executive and member of executive leadership, responsible for the overall success of this critical business unit. We are seeking highly accomplished commercial banking executives for this visible public company leadership role. For additional information, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, Financial Services (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com) or Carll Wilkinson, President & CEO (cwilkinson@smithandwilkinson.com).

Bristol County Savings Bank has selected S&W to lead the search and selection process for its next Director of Information Technology. Founded in 1846 and headquartered in Taunton, Massachusetts, BCSB is a 159-year-old, mutual community bank that embodies the best of what a community bank can be. For generations the bank has served consumer and business customers throughout southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island and beyond, having been a source of financial stability for customers and the communities it serves through good times and bad.

Reporting to the EVP/CIO, this critical leadership role will oversee the bank’s IT operations, infrastructure, network security, telecommunications, and business continuity planning while managing a team of six IT professionals. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of network management experience in a multi-site environment, including at least 5 years of managing technical staff. A strong background in VMware, Active Directory, Office 365, and firewall/network security is essential, with experience in financial services or other highly regulated industries preferred. Familiarity with Fiserv DNA or COCC Insight is a plus. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the technology strategy of a strong, community-focused institution.

If you are interested in learning more or know someone who might be a good fit, please reach out to Nathan Townsend or anyone on our financial services team.

Smith & Wilkinson has been retained by Harvard Federal Credit Union (Harvard FCU) to lead the search for its first-ever Chief Information Officer (CIO). Harvard FCU, a $1.2B federally chartered credit union headquartered in Cambridge, MA, is embarking on this transformative leadership journey to drive innovation and growth.

With a membership of over 56,000 members and a rich history of serving Harvard University affiliates, Harvard FCU has grown to serve the broader Greater Boston area and is expanding into underserved regions. This credit union is committed to providing exceptional financial solutions, personalized service, and cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving needs of its diverse membership.

As the inaugural CIO at Harvard FCU, the successful candidate will play a pivotal leadership role by:

– Defining and driving the organization’s technology vision and strategy

– Leading digital transformation initiatives across the organization

– Overseeing the operations of IT, Digital Banking, Data Analytics, Card Services, and Business Applications

– Collaborating with a dynamic executive team to advancing Harvard FCU’s mission of delivering outstanding member experiences

This key leadership role demands a strategic thinker and seasoned technology executive capable of leading a large, diverse team while advancing the credit union’s mission of delivering outstanding member experiences.

To learn more contact Darcy Flaherty or Cameron Boyd for details on this exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking and collaborative team.

Darcy Flaherty

dflaherty@smithandwilkinson.com

Cameron Boyd

cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com

Smith and Wilkinson is currently retained on a search for a Director, Internal Audit for Municipal Credit Union. This is a highly visible role reporting directly to the Supervisory Committee and administratively to the General Counsel, and will oversee both a small internal team as well as manage an important outside vendor relationship. The incumbent will be responsible for developing, executing upon and also continuingly improving a proven risk-based internal audit plan for the credit union. This person should be capable of both designing a process and the strategy component of that and being “hands on” and performing ad-hoc audit work as needed by the institution.

Smith & Wilkinson has been retained by HRCU to manage the search and selection for the Credit Union’s first Chief Retail Officer.

Founded in 1962, HRCU is a state-chartered and federally insured credit union with approximately $450 million in assets. Headquartered in Rochester, New Hampshire, HRCU was originally established to serve the French-Canadian members of the Holy Rosary Parish, operating for much of its history under the name Holy Rosary Credit Union. Over time, HRCU expanded its charter to become a community credit union, broadening its field of membership to include residents, family members and businesses in New Hampshire and York County, Maine.

Today, HRCU serves approximately 24,000 members, offering a full suite of consumer and small business products and services through a traditional branch network as well as online and mobile platforms. With the recent addition of its newest branch in Greenland, New Hampshire, HRCU now operates five retail locations. Backed by consistently strong earnings, the credit union is well-positioned for continued growth. As a mission driven community financial institution, HRCU remains dedicated to continually improving its technology and service offerings to better serve its members, while staying true to its founding principle of “Neighbors helping Neighbors.”

Reporting to the Credit Union’s President & CEO and serving as a key member of the Executive Management Team, the Chief Retail Officer (CRO) will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Retail Banking, including Digital Banking and the ITM/ATM Network, Business Services, Member Support, and Wealth Management. The CRO will drive the development and execution of both short- and long-term strategic plans and goals in alignment with the mission and culture of this member focused organization.

We are seeking an exceptional, service-minded executive with demonstrated expertise in retail banking, leadership, coaching and strategic planning. Contact William Wegener or Cameron Boyd to learn more!

Granite Edvance (formerly the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation, or the NHHEAF Network) has been helping New Hampshire families plan and pay for higher education for over 60 years. They are a capable and trusted provider of student loan products. As a leading non-profit organization, Granite Edvance provides students, families, and schools with expertise and support on all parts of college and career planning. They are laser-focused on one thing – helping the students and families of New Hampshire.

Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the organization’s marketing campaigns in support of the mission, with a particular focus on Granite Edvance’s lending programs. Build and oversee all aspects of a marketing analytics framework, providing reporting, analysis, and other findings as requested in support of evaluating the effectiveness of both the Communications Team and organizational goals and objectives. Collaborate across business units to align marketing efforts with strategic initiatives and organizational goals. Utilize key technologies and best practices to support and lead critical functions and projects of the Communications team.

Due to an upcoming retirement, Smith & Wilkinson is proud to partner with Lighthouse Credit Union on the search for their next VP, Finance.

About the company:

Founded in 1936 and federally chartered, Lighthouse Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative based in Dover, NH, serving over 165,000 members across New Hampshire and Maine. With total assets exceeding $1.9 billion, the credit union is committed to providing its members with accessible, member-focused financial services that foster both personal and community growth. Lighthouse offers a wide range of products, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and financial planning services.

Beyond banking, the credit union is deeply invested in its communities, supporting initiatives in affordable housing, health, and food security. With a strong financial foundation, boasting a net worth of $208 million and a capital ratio of 10.88%, Lighthouse continues to lead with a mission of making a meaningful impact through both member service and social responsibility.

About the Role:

Reporting to the CFO, the VP, Finance will lead and manage the Credit Union’s Accounting and Finance functions. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, overseeing general ledger reconciliations, accounting systems, monthly close procedures, daily cash position management, allowance for credit loss analysis, compliance with GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and strategic financial planning. This role is integral in partnering with leaders across the organization to provide insights and drive data-driven decision-making. The VP, Finance will lead the Accounting and FP&A teams and offer ongoing financial guidance to the leadership team.

If this opportunity is of interest, or if you know someone who may be a good fit, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Nathan Townsend or Darcy Flaherty for additional information.

S&W has been retained by Rhinebeck Bank to manage the search and selection process for the bank’s next President & CEO. Rhinebeck Bank, a $1.2B community bank serving New York’s Hudson Valley region, seeks a dynamic President & CEO to lead strategic growth, enhance shareholder value, and reinforce its reputation as a trusted local partner. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this executive will be responsible for driving long-term financial performance, operational excellence, and community engagement while navigating the demands of a publicly held financial institution.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic & Financial Leadership: Shape and execute the Bank’s vision, with a sharp focus on sustainable profitability, capital efficiency, and increasing shareholder value.
• Public Company Oversight: Ensure robust investor relations, transparent financial reporting, and SEC compliance in coordination with Board and regulatory stakeholders.
• Enterprise Risk & Governance: Lead a strong risk management framework aligned with public bank expectations and evolving regulatory requirements.
• Operational Excellence: Guide digital transformation and continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency and market competitiveness.
• Community & Customer Engagement: Balance stakeholder returns with the Bank’s mission-driven community involvement and customer-first culture.
• Talent Development & Culture: Promote a high-performance, inclusive work environment through leadership development and succession planning.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience in banking or financial services, including at least 5 years in a senior executive role.
• Experience leading, or serving in a senior executive position with, a publicly traded financial institution is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to increase shareholder value through sound strategic execution, operational discipline, and investor alignment.
• Proven financial acumen in capital planning, ALM, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong communicator and relationship-builder across shareholders, analysts, regulators, employees, and community leaders.
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred; relevant credentials (e.g., CPA, CFA) a plus.

Ideal Candidate
A results-oriented leader with a successful track record in public banking. The ideal candidate combines strategic foresight, operational rigor, and a deep understanding of capital markets with a commitment to community values. They will be skilled at aligning performance with purpose—delivering value for shareholders while strengthening customer and community relationships.

For additional information about this highly unique community banking leadership role, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Moriah Maron, Partner & Director of Recruiting (mmaron@smithandwilkinson.com), Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, Financial Services (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com), or Carll Wilkinson, President & CEO (cwilkinson@smithandwilkinson.com).

Due to the upcoming retirement of their longtime CEO, Smith & Wilkinson is proud to partner with Salal Credit Union ($1.2B) on the national search for their next President & Chief Executive Officer.

Salal Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1948, Salal has grown into a bold, forward-thinking organization serving more than 60,000 members nationwide with a full suite of personal and business banking services. With a commitment to innovation, community impact, and personalized service, Salal helps individuals and small businesses achieve financial wellness through lower fees, competitive rates, and a member-first approach. The credit union is now entering an exciting new chapter of strategic growth, innovation, and expanded community impact.

The next CEO will partner closely with the Board of Directors to execute a strategic vision centered on digital innovation, sustainable growth, financial empowerment, and organizational excellence. With a focus on independence, technology leadership, equity, and member engagement, this is a rare opportunity for a purpose-driven executive to lead a high-performing, mission-driven institution as it targets $2 billion in assets over the next five years.

The Chief Executive Officer position at Salal Credit Union offers a competitive base salary range of $440,000 to $550,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to base compensation, the role is eligible for an annual performance-based incentive, targeted at 20% of base salary, contingent on the achievement of individual and organizational goals.

Salal Credit Union provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, floating holidays, and paid holidays
• Deferred compensation plans, including 457(b) and 457(f) retirement programs

For more details about the benefits offered, please visit: https://www.salalcu.org/careers

We are honored to support Salal Credit Union during this important leadership transition.

For more information or to express confidential interest, please contact Nathan Townsend or Carll Wilkinson.

Smith & Wilkinson has been retained by OneLocal Bank, a well-capitalized and highly profitable $965MM mutual bank headquartered in Eastern Massachusetts, to lead the search for the bank’s Senior Vice President, Director of Operations.

Formed in 2022 through the merger of Norwood Bank and Foxboro Federal Savings, OneLocal is a growing, independent community bank dedicated to helping families, businesses, and communities thrive. With four full-service retail locations, a robust digital banking platform, and a personalized approach to service, OneLocal has remained committed to mutuality while performing at the top of its peer group, with capital levels near 14%.

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the SVP, Director of Operations will serve as a key member of the bank’s senior leadership team and play a critical role in shaping the future of its operational infrastructure. This individual will be responsible for the strategic and day-to-day oversight of the Deposit Servicing Division, Contact Center, and Consumer and Business Online and Mobile Banking. Additionally, they will act as the bank’s primary liaison and relationship manager with the core provider, overseeing all core banking operations and leading future core evaluations and vendor management efforts.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic, growing, and collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will bring a strategic mindset, operational depth, strong leadership skills, and experience managing in a highly regulated banking environment. This is a unique opportunity to join a financially sound, mission-driven institution and make a lasting impact.

For additional information, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Darcy Flaherty, Consultant, Financial Services (dflaherty@smithandwilkinson.com) or Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, Financial Services (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com).

Champlain National Bank’s history dates back to 1909 when Lake Champlain National Bank began operations in Westport, NY. In 1959 it merged with Essex County National Bank, based in Willsboro, NY, and dropped “Lake” from its name. Today Champlain National Bank has over $510MM in total assets and is a full-service financial institution offering consumer and commercial products and services. The Bank currently has retail branches in Elizabethtown, Crown Point, Keene, two in Plattsburgh, Champlain, Lake Placid, and Saranac Lake. The Bank’s Board of Directors and employees are proud of the Bank’s long history serving the people of Essex, Clinton, and Franklin counties as the area’s local, community-focused Bank.

Smith & Wilkinson has been retained to find Champlain National Bank’s next SVP Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer will develop, plan, coordinate, organize, manage and direct the overall activity of the Bank’s financial functions. This individual will be fully responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of all core Finance, Treasury, and Accounting operations. In keeping with the goals and objectives established in the Bank’s Strategic Plan, the CFO will plan, manage, and implement financial strategies and processes that will optimize the institution’s risk position, earnings performance, liquidity, interest rate risk and capital.

S&W has been retained by Gouverneur Savings & Loan Association (“GS&L”) to manage the search and selection process for the bank’s next President & CEO. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a respected, 133-year-old community bank into its next chapter of growth and impact.

Headquartered in Gouverneur, New York, GS&L is a publicly traded, approximately $200MM institution serving communities along the Saint Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. The bank provides a full range of deposit and lending services to individuals, families, and businesses across the North Country. In October 2023, GS&L completed a successful second-step mutual-to-stock conversion, further reinforcing its mission to “invest in, support, and nurture the communities [they] serve.”

This is a pivotal time for the organization, and the President & CEO role presents a unique opportunity for a visionary, community-focused leader to shape the future of a bank with deep local roots and strong momentum. We are seeking candidates with the leadership experience to guide a small, publicly traded bank and a genuine interest in living and engaging in the North Country.

Contact Moriah Maron or Cameron Boyd for a confidential conversation.

Headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Main Street Bank is an approximately $1.6B, mutually chartered community bank that serves both consumer and commercial customers in central and eastern Massachusetts and southern New

Hampshire by providing a full range of innovative products and services. The bank has six retail offices, a Commercial Banking Center in Boston, and an Operations Center in Marlborough.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Commercial Lending Officer (CCLO) is a key member of, and collaborates effectively with, the executive management team. The CCLO is responsible for achieving the bank’s strategic objectives and profitability targets through the effective management of a team of lenders, portfolio managers, and support staff in their efforts to originate and manage relationships with business owners and investors

Smith and Wilkinson is proud to partner with our longstanding client, Salem Five, in the search for the bank’s next Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).

Salem Five is a full-service financial services company offering commercial and consumer banking, wealth management and trust services, commercial and personal insurance, and mortgage banking. Founded in 1855 as a savings bank for the city of Salem, MA, the organization has grown into the fourth largest mutual bank in the country, with $8B in assets. Salem Five has steadily expanded its products, services, and team to meet the evolving needs of families and businesses throughout New England. Today, the Bank operates more than 30 retail branches, 10 insurance locations and 4 mortgage offices across the region. The future is bright. Salem Five is poised to continue expanding its market share by leveraging its successful recipe of experienced personnel, personal service, and strategic innovation.

The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and performance of the Marketing Division at Salem Five. This executive will lead a seasoned, collaborative team across brand strategy, advertising, digital marketing, CRM, customer insights, events, and community engagement.

We are looking to identify a strategic, innovative, and pragmatic leader with a proven ability to drive brand, customer and revenue growth, deepen customer engagement, and lead cross-functional initiatives – all within a resource-conscious culture. This is a highly visible leadership role, requiring strong collaboration across the bank’s business units and a direct impact on the institution’s continued evolution.

For a confidential conversation, please reach out to Moriah Maron or Cameron Boyd.

Due to the planned retirement of the VP, IT Operations, S&W has been retained by Stafford Savings Bank (www.staffordsavingsbank.com) to manage the search for its next AVP/VP, IT.

Established in 1872, Stafford Savings Bank is a mutual savings bank that exists to serve the financial needs of residents of Stafford, Connecticut and its surrounding communities and is truly a “hometown bank with hometown values.” The bank’s operating model and strategy are built around a long-term view of stability and prudent balance sheet management on behalf of the bank’s customers and employees. The bank’s core business model is quintessential community banking, safeguarding consumer deposits and using those deposits to fund consumer mortgages. With approximately $431MM and 3 branch locations in Stafford Springs, the bank lends to homeowners in its home market and in the contiguous communities of Ashford, Ellington, Somers, Tolland, Union, and Willington.

Stafford Savings Bank is seeking a talented IT professional to join a team of two providing full support for three branches, an in-house core system, hyper V server environment, vendor application, and security products.

Smith & Wilkinson is proud to partner with USALLIANCE Financial on the search for a Vice President, Real Estate Lending. Headquartered in Rye, NY, USALLIANCE is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution with over $3.2 billion in assets, serving more than 185,000 members nationwide. The credit union has built a reputation for innovation, exceptional service, and deep community commitment. The VP, Real Estate Lending will play a critical role in leading the residential and home equity lending functions, helping to drive strategic growth while ensuring a best-in-class member experience.

This is a compelling opportunity to join a forward-thinking and mission-driven organization at a pivotal moment of expansion. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of strategic vision and hands-on execution, with deep expertise in real estate lending and a passion for delivering value to members. We’re excited to support USALLIANCE in identifying a talented leader who will help shape the future of their lending operations.

For a confidential conversation, please reach out to Nathan Townsend or William Wegener. 

Smith & Wilkinson has been retained by Kennebec Savings Bank, (KSB) to manage the search for the bank’s next Senior Commercial Credit Officer.

Reporting to the bank’s COO, the Senior Commercial Credit Officer is responsible for overseeing the bank’s commercial credit function while directing the daily operations and staff of the commercial credit department. Responsibilities include managing the underwriting of the bank’s new and existing commercial credit portfolio in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner; driving strategy for effective portfolio management in an ever-changing environment; and actively participating in revisions to the bank’s Loan Policy, including recommending changes to the loan approval process as needed. This position requires strong commercial credit experience, effective communication and coaching skills, and solid leadership capabilities.

We are seeking an exceptional commercial credit expert for this unique leadership opportunity. For more information, please contact a member of the S&W search team:

William Wegener, Senior Associate, Financial Services | wwegener@smithandwilkinson.com

Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, Financial Services | cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com