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).