Smith & Wilkinson has been retained by Newtown Savings Bank to manage the search for a Senior Credit Analyst.

Headquartered in Newtown, Connecticut, Newtown Savings Bank is an approximately $1.8B, 168-year-old, mutually chartered community bank. The bank’s Commercial and Small Business portfolio consists of C&I, CRE, and Construction lending. They also have a unique business line of Condo Association loans, as well as SBA and Quick Credit Loans. NSB is a Preferred Small Business Administration (SBA) lender.

Under the direction of the Chief Credit Officer, the Senior Credit Analyst is responsible for the independent management of robust reporting that effectively and efficiently monitors the risk profile of the Commercial Lending and Small Business Lending portfolios. This individual analyzes said reporting and recommends appropriate action to protect the Bank from credit risk. Responsible for maintaining the risk ratings of Branch assigned small business loans in accordance with loan policy. Assigns risk ratings to new loans and reviews existing risk ratings for accuracy. Underwrites the Bank’s most complex loan requests. Provides recommendations to Accounts Officers. Provides credit investigation for the Bank’s most complex loan requests and/or workouts for use by Account Officers and committees. Assures conformity to Bank policies and procedures. Provides additional analysis and assists with projects as needed/assigned.

For additional information, or to arrange a confidential conversation, please contact Moriah Maron, Consultant, Financial Services (mmaron@smithandwilkinson.com).

East Cambridge Savings Bank, a $1.6B mutual bank serving greater Boston, is currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Banking Officer to join the Bank’s executive team. Reporting to the President and CEO, the Chief Banking Officer will be tasked with overseeing Retail, Marketing, and Commercial and Residential Lending for the institution, creating a span of control that will allow this key executive to drive a significant portion of the Bank’s strategy over the coming years. East Cambridge has a rock-solid business model and balance sheet, and yet there is a significant near-term opportunity to transform certain aspects of the Bank’s customer experience across channels. The successful candidate will lead the development of new products and services, and innovate delivery channels and customer journeys. We’re looking for a smart banker with diverse experience across various lines of business. This person doesn’t need to be an expert in each subordinate area of their responsibility, rather we’re looking for broad expertise, mature executive leadership capabilities, and strategic vision for the future of the industry.

Please contact Cameron Boyd or Darcy Flaherty for a confidential conversation.

Due to planned internal promotions, S&W has been retained by The Washington Trust Company ("Washington Trust," washtrust.com) to lead the search for an experienced Commercial Real Estate Lender (CRE) to join their growing team.

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 has almost $7B in total assets and serves customers across established business lines in commercial and mortgage lending and wealth management and operates 27 retail locations in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The bank is publicly traded (NASDAQ - WASH) and maintains consistent outstanding financial performance.

The CRE Lender will join a tenured team of lending professionals supporting an approximately $1.7B commercial real estate portfolio. The successful candidate will inherit a meaningful book of customers and credits and will be supported by an experienced team of Portfolio Managers and Commercial Loan Assistants (CLAs). We are seeking established commercial real estate lending talent with proven credit underwriting experience and a track record of new business generation for this outstanding opportunity. For additional information, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, Financial Services (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com) or William Wegener, Associate, Financial Services (wwegener@smithandwilkinson.com).

Smith & Wilkinson has been retained by Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) to manage the search for the credit union’s newly created VP, Retail Banking. Founded in 1955, MVCU has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the five largest credit unions in Massachusetts. With the recent merger between MVCU and RTN FCU they now sit at nearly $2.4B in assets with over 116,000 members spread across nearly 30 locations.

Reporting to the EVP, Chief Retail & People Officer, the VP, Retail Banking will be responsible for the implementation of the overall strategic direction and performance of the retail branches in accordance with the credit union’s strategic plan. They will be accountable for the leadership, management, coaching and administration of all sales, service and operations of the Branch Offices, and Branch Operations departments while formulating and recommending changes to improve overall operating efficiencies. The VP, Retail Banking will manage the overall implementation and effectiveness of retail branch initiatives related to the delivery of exceptional member service, market expansion, and diversification strategies. They will be expected to actively participate in achieving all sales and operational goals, while maintaining a positive member and employee experience.

For a confidential conversation and additional information, please reach out to Nathan Townsend.

S&W has been retained by Gouverneur Savings & Loan Association (“GS&L,” gouverneurbank.com) to manage the search and selection process for the bank’s next President & CEO.

Headquartered in Gouverneur, New York, GS&L is a 131-year-old, approximately $205MM community bank serving communities along the Saint Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. The bank provides a range of deposit and lending services to individuals, families, and businesses within its North Country footprint. In 2022, GS&L completed the acquisition of Citizens Bank of Cape Vincent, expanding the bank’s footprint into Jefferson County and allowing GS&L to continue to serve their customers with a high level of personal service across the bank’s expanded five branch network. Following the acquisition, GS&L established a subsidiary limited-purpose municipal bank to service the deposit needs of the area’s municipalities, which is owned and operated by the bank's holding company. GS&L is in strong financial condition; for the period ending on March 31st, 2023, the bank had $205MM in total assets, total deposits of $179MM, total stockholders’ equity of $26MM, and a core capital ratio of 10.73%. Pursuant to the bank’s mission to “invest in, support, and nurture the communities [they] serve,” the bank’s parent company, Cambray Mutual Holding Company announced that Gouverneur Bancorp, Inc (OTC Pink: GOVB) adopted a Plan of Conversion and Reorganization and will reorganize into a fully public stock holding company, anticipating regulatory approval by the third calendar quarter of 2023. The additional capital raised through the conversion will allow the bank to execute upon a regulator-approved plan to expand its geographic footprint and service offerings. GS&L is regulated by the FDIC and New York Division of Banks.

The President and CEO of GS&L will be responsible for providing strategic leadership, driving operational excellence, and ensuring the growth and success of this community-focused bank. We are seeking an exceptional well-rounded banking executive to lead the bank into its next chapter. For additional information, or to arrange a confidential conversation, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Moriah Maron, Consultant, Financial Services (mmaron@smithandwilkinson.com) or Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, Financial Services (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com). 

Smith & Wilkinson has been retained by Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) to manage the search for the credit union’s newly created VP, PMO (Program Management Office). Founded in 1955, MVCU has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the five largest credit unions in Massachusetts. With the recent merger between MVCU and RTN FCU they now sit at nearly $2.4B in assets with over 116,000 members spread across nearly 30 locations.

The VP, PMO will lead organizational change and project management as a discipline at MVCU and will partner closely with Executive and Senior Management, project stakeholders, and all lines of business to direct strategic projects and organizational direction. This position will report to the CFO/COO and be responsible for all aspects of change management and project management from inception to conclusion.

For a confidential conversation and additional information, please reach out to Nathan Townsend or Darcy Flaherty.

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 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. For a confidential discussion on this role please contact Stephen Peary or Darcy Flaherty.

Due to the planned retirement of the bank's President & CEO, S&W has been retained by Stafford Savings Bank (www.staffordsavingsbank.com) to manage the search for its next chief executive.

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 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. What makes Stafford Savings Bank unique compared to many of its peers is that the bank maintains a sizable legacy investment portfolio that serves as a hedge against future liquidity or capital needs. The success of this strategy is measured not only by the bank's continued independence as a mutually owned and governed community financial institution, but also by the strength of its balance sheet. Stafford Savings Bank today is approximately $389MM in total assets and as measured by core capital ratio is the most capitalized bank headquartered in the State of Connecticut. Additionally, the bank was recently recognized by Independent Banker magazine as one of the top 25 (#13) most profitable banks in the country in the $300MM-$1B category as measured by ROA.

We are seeking well-rounded banking talent for this CEO role with proven expertise across a wide range of fundamental technical competencies. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a sincere understanding of the importance this community bank plays in the financial lives of its customers and in the community of Stafford, as well as a willingness to embrace a long-term view of success that will extend well beyond his or her tenure as chief executive. For additional information about this incredibly unique community bank CEO role, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Moriah Maron, Consultant (mmaron@smithandwilkinson.com) or Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com).

Due to the planned retirement of the bank’s President and CEO, Maureen Frank, S&W has been retained by New Haven Bank (“NHB,” newhavenbank.com) to manage the search and selection process for the bank’s next chief executive.

Headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut, New Haven Bank is an approximately $185MM CFDI bank. Designated in 2010, NHB is the only Community Development Financial institution (CDFI) bank in the State of Connecticut and is driven by its mission of supporting economically underserved communities within the Greater New Haven area. The bank provides a range of deposit and lending services to the people, businesses, and communities in their footprint and recently invested in new technology to further allow their customers to bank digitally. Continuing to grow and provide “face-to-face service quality and execution with excellence,” in accordance with their mission, NHB is opening a second branch in West Haven. The West Haven branch epitomizes the bank’s goal of providing banking services in areas currently not adequately represented by community-centric lending and relationship banking. NHB operates under a nonprofit holding company, First City Fund Corporation, a charitable nonprofit foundation whose charter mandates the formation of a locally based community bank to assist in the economic development and progress of the City of New Haven. The bank maintains excellent capital and asset quality. NHB is regulated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and the Connecticut Department of Banking.

The President and CEO of New Haven Bank is responsible for the overall leadership and stewardship of this important community financial institution. We are seeking exceptionally well-rounded, community-centric banking talent with a broad understanding of community banking, a proven track record of executive leadership, and shared values of the role New Haven Bank plays in the communities that it serves. For additional information, or to arrange a confidential conversation, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Moriah Maron, Consultant, Financial Services (mmaron@smithandwilkinson.com) or Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, Financial Services (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com).

S&W has been retained by Kennebec Savings Bank ("KSB," www.kennebecsavings.bank) to manage the search for the bank’s next Senior Commercial Credit 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 $1.7B in total assets, operates 8 retail locations, and complements its offerings with competitive mobile and online solutions. 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.

Reporting to the bank’s COO & CLO, the Senior Commercial Credit Officer is responsible for the Bank’s commercial credit function while directing the daily operations and staff of the commercial credit department; 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; actively participate in revisions to the Bank’s Loan Policy and recommend changes as needed to the loan approval process. This position requires strong commercial credit experience, effective communication and staff coaching, and solid leadership skills. We are seeking an exceptional commercial credit expert for this unique leadership opportunity.

Please contact Nathan Townsend for additional information and to schedule a confidential discussion about the opportunity. 

Smith and Wilkinson has been retained by Municipal Credit Union (“MCU”) on the search for a Digital Fraud Investigator. This newly created role will take the lead as the organization rolls out their real-time payments platform to better serve their member base. The role will work hand in hand with the risk team and financial crimes teams and monitor and manage alerts as well as handle exception processing and bringing issues to the management team when warranted. MCU is a progressive rapidly growing institution serving the everyday heroes of NYC by providing access to best-in-class financial services. Please contact Stephen Peary or Julia Crouter for a confidential discussion around the role.

In anticipation of the planned retirement of the bank's long-time head of commercial lending, Smith & Wilkinson has been retained by Cornerstone Bank (cornerstonebank.com) to manage the search and selection process for the bank's next Executive Vice President, Commercial Lending.

Headquartered in Spencer, Massachusetts, Cornerstone Bank is a thriving mutual community bank with assets totaling $1.5 billion. Established in 2017 through the merger of two area mutual banks, SpencerBANK and Southbridge Savings Bank, Cornerstone Bank operates a network of 10 retail branch locations in central Massachusetts and serves both consumer and commercial customers throughout the state and beyond. This local institution takes pride in its commitment to personalized customer service, catering to the unique needs of individuals, businesses, and community organizations.

As a member of the bank's collaborative executive team, the EVP, Commercial Lending is one of the most highly visible leadership roles in the bank and is responsible for the overall growth, profitability, and success of commercial lending. The primary responsibilities include managing the bank's Commercial Lenders, Commercial Loan Operations, and Commercial Services groups. The selected candidate will provide invaluable guidance and support to department heads, ensuring efficient management, supervision, and direction of all activities of these important teams. This role also demands active participation in Senior Management meetings, spanning ALCO (Asset and Liability Management Committee), Commercial Loan Review, and Strategic Planning sessions. Monthly reporting to the Bank's Board of Directors and Executive Committee will underscore the EVP's integral role in shaping the bank's strategic direction.

For additional information regarding this esteemed leadership opportunity or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Nathan Townsend, Partner & Consultant (ntownsend@smithandwilkinson.com), or Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com)

First Heritage Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered credit union that was founded in 1954 with a strong commitment to improving the communities it serves through monetary donations to local charities and volunteering efforts with non-profit organizations. Since then, they have grown to be the 28th largest credit union headquartered in New York with $685mm in assets and more than 44,000 members across eleven counties in New York and Pennsylvania. First Heritage Federal Credit Union offers a comprehensive member-centric digital banking experience with the goal of enhancing the financial well-being of its members by meeting the evolving needs of the industry.

The VP of Compliance will report directly to the CFO and be responsible for ensuring Credit Union compliance with all state and federal regulations and guidance. They will serve as the designated Credit Union Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) officer and be responsible for maintaining and administering the Credit Union’s BSA Program. This person will be responsible for maintaining and reviewing all Credit Union policies to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. They will also develop and maintain relationships with third-party compliance resources, perform reviews of all Credit Union contracts, and provide recommendations to mitigate legal and regulatory risks. Additionally, they will compile and issue reports that detail their conclusions and provide recommendations for improving compliance policies and practices across all segments of the organization. Finally, they will keep management informed of emerging compliance and regulatory risks to the organization.

For additional information about this leadership opportunity, or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact Nathan Townsend (ntownsend@smithandwilkinson.com) or any member of our team.

S&W has been retained by our longtime client partner Newtown Savings Bank ("NSB," nsbonline.com) to manage the search for an experienced Commercial Loan Officer to join their established Commercial Lending team.

Headquartered in Newtown, Connecticut, NSB is an approximately $1.8B, 168-year-old, mutually chartered community bank that operates under the belief in "The Power of Local." More than a tagline, "The Power of Local," is at the core of everything that the bank does, from local decision making on credits, to hiring, and to giving back to the communities that the bank serves. The bank’s Commercial & SBA Lending team services a diverse customer base and is experienced across CRE, C&I, and Construction loans. NSB is also a Preferred Small Business Administration (SBA) lender.

Reporting to the bank’s FVP, Senior Commercial Lending Officer, the Commercial Loan Officer is responsible for the development of new commercial banking relationships, the management of a productive book of business, and adherence to the bank's credit quality and underwriting standards. We are seeking well-rounded commercial banking professionals with a proven track record of new business development and demonstratable commercial credit acumen. For additional information, or to arrange a confidential conversation, please contact a member of the S&W Search Team: Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com) or Julia Crouter, Associate (jcrouter@smithandwilkinson.com).

Due to the planned retirement of the credit union's longtime President & CEO, Tricorp Federal Credit Union (tricorp.org) has retained S&W to lead the search and selection process for its next chief executive.

Tricorp is a member owned, member controlled, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution that exists to serve other natural person credit unions. Tricorp, and the other 10 corporate credit unions in the US, are credit unions for credit unions. Corporate credit unions were formed in the 1970's as a solution to cashflow issues that credit unions were facing by aggregating their liquidity and creating a cooperative distribution system. While the suite of products and services has evolved over the ensuing years, the mission of these organizations remains the same, which is to add value to the nation's credit union system and to maximize its returns to members. Headquartered in Westbrook, Maine, Tricorp serves a membership base of dozens of natural person credit unions across New England through the primary offerings of payment services, investment and liquidity solutions, and strategic alliances. The credit union is approximately $300MM in assets, not including off balance sheet assets, is in strong financial condition, and has one of the highest capital ratios of any corporate credit union. Tricorp has differentiated itself through exceptional service and responsiveness to its members by its knowledgeable and tenured staff.

Reporting to Tricorp's Board of Directors, the President & CEO is responsible for the overall successful operation of the credit union. Success in the role of President & CEO will be measured against the deepening of relationships with existing members through the adoption of additional products and services, the retention of members and staff, and by identifying opportunities for growth through both the addition of new members and new solutions. This highly visible member of the credit union system should be recognized and respected by both members and nonmembers alike and by key constituents at the local, state, and national level. We are seeking well-rounded financial services executives who exhibit a strong member service orientation, financial and operational acumen across the key technical areas of Tricorp's business model, and a passion for both maintaining and growing the institution. For additional information about this unique credit union leadership role, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Moriah Maron, Consultant (mmaron@smithandwilkinson.com) or Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com). 

Due to the growth and evolution of the organization, Municipal Credit Union (MCU) has retained Smith and Wilkinson on the a search for the newly created role of Chief Risk Officer. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) is responsible for leading the Credit Union’s enterprise risk management program, with direct responsibility for credit, operational, and information security risk. The CRO will work closely with all department executives and the Supervisory Committee of the Board on risk-related issues, ensuring that the Credit Union achieves its financial and operational objectives while appropriately identifying and mitigating risk factors. Please contact Stephen Peary or Darcy Flaherty for a confidential discussion around the role. 

Under the general guidance of the Risk Management, Security & Information Security Officer and in accordance with established policies and procedures, the Bank’s Compliance Officer is responsible for managing all facets of regulatory compliance affecting bank operations, including marketing, deposits, lending and HMDA to ensure adherence to federal and state banking laws and regulations The Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance training efforts are conducted bank wide. The incumbent must be available as a subject matter expert and resource for compliance related questions, and will be responsible for inquiries from internal, state and federal audits.

As part of the continued growth of the bank and a recent promotion internally, Smith and Wilkinson has been retained by OceanFirst Bank on a search for their next Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The CISO is responsible for designing, establishing, maintaining, and enforcing a corporate-wide information security management program to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information owned, controlled, and processed by the institution. We are seeking a forward-thinking technology executive who can clearly communicate complex technical concepts into simple business terms and who can both ensure the organization is protected today as well as anticipate where the future is going in this field. This highly visible role is a great opportunity to be part of a growing, dynamic team at a premier publicly traded community bank in the New Jersey marketplace. Please contact Stephen Peary or Darcy Flaherty for a confidential discussion about the role.