Modern Talent Solutions for a Traditional Industry

Smith and Wilkinson is pleased to announce the search for the next President and CEO of the Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN), based in St. Paul. The MnCUN and it's 94 financial cooperatives have risen to new heights under Mark Cummins, who will retire as President and CEO of the network after more than a decade of service in 2023. The MnCUN is in strong financial condition that employs a senior and accomplished team and has a stellar reputation amongst it's key constitutes. In addition to advocacy at both the state and national levels, the MnCUN owns Network Services Corporation that provides various levels of products, services and support to credit unions and their members.

The next President & CEO of the MnCUN will be responsible for the ongoing continued success of this organization. We are seeking proven leaders who demonstrate the ability to successfully lead the MnCUN and work collaboratively with it's member organization, the Board of Directors, the MnCUN team, state and federal lawmakers and other key constitutes.

For a confidential conversation, please reach out to Nick Hayes or Moriah Maron

Due to the planned retirement of the bank's longtime Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, S&W has been retained by Norway Savings Bank ("NSB," norwaysavings.bank) to manage the search and selection process for its Chief Information Officer ("CIO").

Established in 1866, NSB is a 156-year-old, $1.7B state chartered mutual bank. The bank has over 320 full-time employees and at its asset size is the 7th largest bank headquartered in the state of Maine. NSB offers a breadth of both loan and deposit solutions for consumer and business banking customers as well as investment and trust services through its asset management group and operates 24 branch locations in western and southern Maine. While the bank's growth has been primarily organic, NSB also acquired Portland-based Coastal Bank in 2001. NSB is in strong financial condition, notably with over 12% Tier 1 capital, and has an approximately $1.1B loan portfolio, with over $1B secured by real estate. As a mutual bank, the bank is owned and governed by its depositors (there are no shareholders), allowing the bank to take a long-term view of success based on customers, community, employees, and strength of balance sheet. A fantastic corporate citizen, NSB awarded over $1MM to Maine nonprofits in 2021.

Joining a tenured and collaborative senior management team, the CIO will play a key leadership role in shaping the future of technology for this storied community banking franchise. Specifically, the CIO is responsible for leading, developing, and motivating a strong team to provide information systems and technology (IS&T) support and solutions for all of the bank's business functions. This includes vision, leadership, and oversight of the IS&T environment, infrastructure, information security and cybersecurity, mainframe, enterprise data management, business application management, systems administration and integration, IS&T project management, vendor relationships and contracts, and budget and expense management.

For additional information about this unique community bank executive role, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, Financial Services (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com) or Nathan Townsend, Partner & Consultant (ntownsend@smithandwilkinson.com).

S&W has been retained by Kennebec Savings Bank ("KSB," www.kennebecsavings.bank) to manage the search for the bank’s Chief Retail Banking Officer.

Founded in 1870 and headquartered in Augusta, Maine, Kennebec Savings Bank is an exceptionally well-run, mutually held savings bank serving consumer and business customers throughout the state of Maine. KSB serves the financial needs of its customers through a comprehensive suite of personal, business, and investment products and services and differentiates itself in a crowded marketplace through exceptional customer service and a steadfast commitment to its communities. The bank has approximately $1.5B in total assets, operates 7 retail locations, and complements its offerings with competitive mobile and online solutions. In 2021, KSB’s financial results were excellent, with growth in the following key areas: assets (+16.4%), loans (+15%), deposits (+24%), income (+8%), capital (+19%), and Charitable Foundation (+30%). The bank is an outstanding corporate citizen, and as a mutually held savings bank, "takes pride in giving back in meaningful ways to the neighborhoods in which we work and raise our families." In 2020, through its Community Dividends program, the bank donated almost $1.1MM across 35 communities and KSB employees put in over 9,000 volunteer hours.

Due to the ongoing growth of the bank, KSB has created a new leadership role of Chief Retail Banking Officer. Reporting to the bank’s EVP & Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Retail Banking Officer will join a collaborative senior management team and will be responsible for the growth of the bank's deposits. This strategic and hands-on leadership role will help to shape the growth of deposits across all of the bank's customer channels, including but not limited to retail, commercial, and wealth management. We are seeking exceptional banking talent for this unique leadership opportunity.

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

Due to an internal promotion, S&W has been retained by the Massachusetts Bankers Association ("MBA," www.massbankers.org) to manage the search for the organization's next Vice President of Government Affairs.

The MBA is a 118-year-old, diversified trade association that serves approximately 130 banks in Massachusetts, as well as dozens of Associate members. The association's primary purpose is to provide advocacy at the state and federal level to its members, as well as quality products and services that enhance the interests of those members, ranging from its group insurance trust to educational seminars. In terms of its size, diversity of offerings, and overall reputation, the MBA is widely regarded as one of the top state banking associations in the country. The MBA's revenues come primarily from membership dues, educational conferences and seminars, and affiliate offerings. As a non-profit, the association is governed by a board of directors with elected board officers.

The Vice President of Government Affairs is a member of the Association’s public policy team, working to execute the state and federal legislative and regulatory program, managing the design and development of professional development programs, serving as co-manager and assistant treasurer of Massachusetts Bankers PAC, and directing the Association’s financial education outreach programs. We are seeking skilled legislative professionals with experience working on Beacon Hill and a superb ability to communicate effectively and build consensus with industry and political leaders. For additional information, or to arrange a confidential conversation, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, Financial Services (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com) or Moriah Maron, Senior Associate, Financial Services (mmaron@smithandwilkinson.com).

This position reports to the VP – Product Management and Analytics and is responsible for managing key marketing information systems including but not limited to Pathfinder. Accountable for the reporting of business results, customer analytics, marketing programs, the marketing budget, and the competitive marketplace. This person will also be responsible for creating and maintaining timely reports and analytics of key functional metrics that will drive strategic promotional decisions while understanding the customer journey.

The Digital Business Analyst will act as the expert in the assigned functionality aspects of Digital Banking including Online Banking, Money Movement, Online Account Opening and other features as included in digital banking. This person is expected to research leading digital banking experiences and make/prioritize recommendations to enhance customer engagement. They will implement approved new features and changes to the product suite; and act as liaison between solution providers, customer facing channels, marketing and other internal teams to ensure that the Liberty Bank is consistently prepared to deliver exceptional digital experiences to customers.

Pathfinder Bank has been serving the Central New York community for over 160 years. Their main goal is to provide the members of their communities with the excellent customer service that they deserve and have grown to expect. Their culture is built upon strong values, teamwork, commitment and service and it is the reason why clients and customers choose to trust Pathfinder Bank with their finances.

The Financial Reporting Accountant will be responsible for accurately recording and the timely reporting of financial activity to Senior Management, the Board of Directors, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This position will provide analytical support to other departments of the Company in addition to the Chief Financial Officer.

S&W has been retained to lead the search and selection process for the next Senior Vice President, Information Technology for Watertown Savings Bank ("WSB," watertownsavings.com).

While the needs of its customers have evolved over the past 153 years, Watertown Savings Bank has stayed true to its Mission to "be a safe and secure, independent mutual bank committed to being a leader in delivering superior personal service, quality products, and banking convenience to customers and local communities." Established in 1870, WSB is an approximately $1.48B state chartered mutual bank that operates 10 retail locations in the Massachusetts communities of Watertown, Belmont, Waltham, Arlington, and Lexington. The bank's primary business model is to safeguard the deposits of area consumers and small businesses and to use those funds to support the growth of the communities it serves through a comprehensive suite of loan products. WSB is in sound financial condition with good earnings, efficiency ratio, asset quality, and capital. For the most recent reporting period the bank had a pretax ROA of 0.45, an efficiency ratio of 79.57, noncurrent loans to loans of 0.22, and core capital of 9.55. The bank is primarily regulated by the Federal Reserve Board and the Massachusetts Division of Banks. WSB is a fantastic corporate citizen and in addition to the financial support of area non-profits, contributes on average 1,800 volunteer hours across 350 community events in support of over 250 organizations.

Reporting directly to the bank's President & CEO, the SVP-Information Technology will join a highly collaborative leadership team. As the bank's senior most technology executive, the primary responsibility of the role will be assuming the leadership of developing and implementing the strategic direction of IT in coordination with the bank's goals and objectives. This is a hands-on management role that will support, develop, and grow the existing IT team while also providing day-to-day support as the need arises. Additionally, the role will be responsible for presenting credibly to the bank's Board of Directors, regulators, and auditors. We are seeking well rounded technology leaders for this unique community bank leadership role. Experience operating within the environment of a community financial institution is preferred but not required. For additional information, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, Financial Services (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com) or Nathan Townsend, Partner, Financial Services (ntownsend@smithandwilkinson.com).

Position reports to FVP, Senior Product Development Manager (Marketing) and serves as the Marketing Analytics Manager for the Marketing department. The candidate will implement and use data segmentation and analytics tools to create customer segments and provide near real time personalized offers to customers. Partners to develop marketing offers for acquisition and retention as well as optimization strategies in collaboration with the Marketing, Digital, and Finance teams. Partners with Product lead and establishes digital and omni channel acquisition and retention capabilities. The candidate will provide insights for advancing the marketing investment optimization across products, channels, and programs. Requires a comprehensive understanding of multiple areas and topics across the bank including product acquisition, marketing, and how they interact in order to achieve the objectives of the function. Excellent communication skills required in order to negotiate internally, often at a senior level.

Our client is a $530MM mutual savings bank based in central New Hampshire.  The bank is very well capitalized and boasts a Tier 1 Leverage Ratio of 13.60%.   

The President and CEO is responsible for the overall performance of the Bank, including generating solid core earnings and maintaining a strong and liquid balance sheet. In addition, this person will manage the Bank for the long term to fulfill its mission to provide quality banking services within its core markets and to support its communities.

Our client is a $3B credit union based in Northern New England and boasts over 1,600 members and nearly 500 employees.

The Chief People Officer (CPO) will be responsible to develop increasing focus and capacity on culture transformation that not only aligns with our developing brand, values and purpose but elevates them. Concurrently, this role will lead the discovery and implementation of efficiencies in HR functions that are transactional in nature, facilitating potential alignments with other operational areas of the organization and/or external partnerships. The goal being to reinvest capacity and resource gains back into organizational development, reflecting culture as our key value differentiator and competitive advantage.

The CPO is responsible for the development and execution of HR and organizational development strategy in support of the business plan and strategic direction of the organization. The incumbent helps to create a competitive advantage by fostering the development of a company culture that allows employees to thrive in all aspects of the employee life cycle. Serves as an advisor to the CEO, board, and senior leadership peers.

Smith & Wilkinson has been retained by THE NHHEAF Network (www.nhheaf.org) to manage the search for the organization's first General Counsel. 

The New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF) Network has nearly 60 years of experience in helping New Hampshire families plan and pay for higher education. The NHHEAF Network aspires to be recognized as a capable, trusted, and innovative leader in educational loan services that enhance the promotion, advancement, and support of higher education for their state and region. As such, they provide K – 12 and postsecondary students and schools with expertise in every aspect of the student loan industry. 

The General Counsel will be a member of and key strategic advisor to the Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees, and will provide oversight and direction in the identification, assessment, and mitigation of legal risks associated with NHHELCO’s assets, reputation, and strategic objectives. We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative legal professional licensed in NH, preferably with experience addressing financial services or lender licensing-related activities. For a confidential discussion please contact Moriah Maron, Senior Associate, Financial Services (mmaron@smithandwilkinson.com) or Chris Kelley, Senior Partner, Financial Services (ckelley@smithandwilkinson.com).

S&W has been retained by East Cambridge Savings Bank ("ECSB," www.ecsb.com) to manage the search for the bank’s next Vice President, Loan Servicing Manager. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, ECSB has been serving the communities of greater Boston for 169 years. The bank is a mutually chartered community bank with $1.6 billion in total assets and operates 11 retail locations in Cambridge, Arlington, Chelsea, Somerville, Malden, Medford, Belmont, and Waltham. ECSB is in strong financial condition, notably with pristine asset quality and strong capital. The bank is primarily a real estate lender, with approximately 90% of its $1B portfolio in 1-4 family residential and commercial real estate. Under the guidance of the Chief Lending Officer, the VP Loan Servicing Manager plans, directs and oversees the loan servicing, and Bank-wide collections functions in accordance with established Bank policies, procedures, and strategic goals. This important management position will also have tremendous upside potential as the bank continues to evolve this critical lending support component. We are seeking well-rounded lending operations and servicing professionals for this growth opportunity.  For additional information, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, Financial Services (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com) or Nathan Townsend, Partner, Financial Services (ntownsend@smithandwilkinson.com). 

Like all traditional financial institutions, Webster Five is in the midst of reimagining its sales and service channels in the wake of rapid shifts in technology adoption and customer preferences, which has resulted in a continued decline in branch traffic, and a shift away from traditional consumer branch transactions. This seismic shift has prompted Webster Five to wholly reimagine the branch experience. Starting two years ago, the organization redesigned branch staffing, moving away from a universal banker model to a hybrid staffing approach, which focuses equally on cross training and subject matter expertise. They are currently mapping customer journeys across platforms, including in the branches, and seeking to achieve operational excellence for each customer journey.

 We are seeking an experienced SVP Branch Network Manager to take over the management and tactical execution of the new branch strategy. This role will oversee the totality of the Retail Banking team, provide tactical and operational leadership for the Retail Branch Network and Branch Administration, and contribute to the overall growth objectives of Webster Five through successful development and execution of branch sales and service programs.

S&W has been retained by DR Bank (drbank.com) to manage the search for the newly created role of Director - Consumer Loan Portfolio Analytics.

Since its founding as a de novo bank in 2006, DR Bank has evolved into a financial services company that is both a Connecticut-based community bank as well as a forward-looking financial technology platform. The bank’s current ownership acquired the bank in 2010, and in addition to online mortgage and consumer products, in 2013 launched a student loan refinance product that eventually rebranded as Laurel Road in 2017. Through the development of proprietary technology, the hiring of high caliber talent, and successful marketing, Laurel Road scaled from a fintech startup to a business line that originated over $4.5B in high-performing student loans. In 2019, KeyBank purchased the bank’s digital platform which included its online mortgage and student loan businesses and the bank rebranded to DR Bank. As a result of this successful and profitable proof of concept of its Laurel Road business, DR Bank’s leadership continues to explore new avenues to leverage its track record of scaling technology businesses and exceptional team of professionals. Under new executive leadership, DR Bank is an approximately $460MM, Connecticut chartered and FDIC-insured community. The bank serves a highly attractive customer base and offers consumer deposit products such as checking, savings, and CDS, as well as commercial loans and deposit products for small businesses. Through prudent underwriting and a stringent risk management culture, the bank maintains exceptional asset quality.

Reporting to the bank's Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, the Director - Consumer Loan Portfolio Analytics will lead the bank's credit and analytics efforts for its secured and unsecured consumer loan portfolio. The position will also be responsible for evaluating credit and portfolio analytics related to Lending-as-a-Service (LaaS) fintech initiatives. We are seeking forward-looking consumer underwriting professionals with a desire to grow this important function within a bank with a successful track record of scaling lending businesses. For additional information about this unique hybrid, individual contributor role, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, Financial Services (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com) or Moriah Maron, Senior Associate, Financial Services (mmaron@smithandwilkinson.com).

Our client is a $1.1B mutual community bank based in Northwestern Massachusetts and we have been retained on a search for their next Chief Financial Officer. Our client has an enviable Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 20.32% and a solid Return on Equity of 7.96%. The CFO will have strategic responsibility for the company’s financial plans and policies while overseeing the functions of accounting, budgeting, tax, treasury, and ALCO.

Due to a planned internal promotion, S&W has been retained by The Washington Trust Company ("Washington Trust," washtrust.com) to lead the search and selection process for the bank's next Executive Vice President, Chief Retail Lending Officer.

Founded in 1800 and headquartered in Westerly, Rhode Island, Washington Trust is the oldest community bank in the U.S and one of the premier financial institutions in the region. The bank is approximately $6.4B in total assets and serves customers across established business lines in commercial and mortgage lending and wealth management, operating 27 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 14.77%, efficiency ratio of 57.45%, and noncurrent loans to loans of 0.25%.

Supported by over 100 professionals, the Retail Lending division is a critical component of the bank's overall strategy. The division originated $1.7B in new loans in each of 2020 and 2021, and $1.2B in 2022. Reporting to the bank's President & COO, this EVP-level leadership role will be responsible for the overall growth and strategy of this meaningful division. We are seeking exceptional mortgage lending executives with well-rounded experience across sales, operations, and capital markets for this once-in-a-lifetime bank 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 Moriah Maron, Senior Associate, Financial Services (mmaron@smithandwilkinson.com).

Our client is a $1.1B mutual community bank based in Northwestern Massachusetts and we have been retained on a search for their next Chief Information Officer. Our client has an enviable Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 20.32% and a solid Return on Equity of 7.96%.  The CIO will oversee all aspects of the Bank's technology and information systems including the development and recommendation of technology objectives and policies, as well as long- and short-range strategic plans.

Northway Bank is seeking an experienced commercial banker to assist in the management of a $40MM mixed commercial portfolio in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Northway Bank is the largest independent commercial bank headquartered in New Hampshire, with nearly $1.3B in assets. The bank operates 16 full service banking centers throughout the state.

This role, reporting to the Chief Lender, is a great opportunity for an experienced commercial banker to live where they vacation, around beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee, one of the top destinations for leisure in New England, whether for skiing, biking, hiking, hunting, fishing, or camping.

The Lakes Region is a critical market for Northway Bank's commercial lending portfolio. We are looking to relocate an experienced commercial banker to assume responsibility for a significant loan portfolio, and be part of the bright future of this growing community bank.

For more information about this exciting role, please contact:

Carll Wilkinson

President & CEO

(207) 289-3128 | cwilkinson@smithandwilkinson.com

Due to the planned retirement of its current Chief Financial Officer, The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod ("The Coop," www.thecooperativebankofcapecod.com) has retained S&W to manage the search for its next CFO.

Headquartered in Hyannis, Massachusetts, The Coop is a mutual community bank that has been serving the financial needs of consumer and small business customers for 101 years. With a vision to be "positively different" in service to its customers, employees, and the communities it operates in, the bank offers a full suite of products and services to meet the needs of its customers both on Cape and beyond. Under the leadership of its current Chair of the Board, President & CEO, Lisa Oliver, The Coop has evolved significantly in recent years, nearly doubling its asset size to $1.4B, establishing The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod Charitable Foundation Trust, renovating its headquarters, and being recognized nationally for the diversity of its Board of Directors and senior leadership team. The bank is in strong financial condition with good earnings, efficiency ratio, asset quality, and capital.

Reporting to the bank's CEO, the CFO will play a key leadership role in the next chapter of the bank's evolution. Leveraging a data and analytics based approach to decision making and working collaboratively with the leadership team, the CFO will identify and explore areas for continued growth and efficiency. We are seeking forward-looking finance executives with a passion for community (and hopefully a connection to or an affinity for the Cape) for this unique leadership role. For additional information, or to arrange a confidential conversation, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, Financial Services (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com) or Moriah Maron, Senior Association, Financial Services (mmaron@smithandwilkinson.com).