S&W has been retained by Northern Bank to manage the search and selection process for the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) position. Founded in 1960, Northern Bank is an approximately $3.1B, privately held and family-run bank. From its roots in Woburn, Massachusetts, the bank has grown to serve a national customer base and into one of the best run banks in the country, serving over 32,000 clients nationally, operating 12 retail locations, and employing approximately 300 dedicated professionals. During the 10-year period of 2013-2023 the bank achieved a 3X increase in assets, a 4X+ increase in capital, and grew its employee headcount by 83%. The bank is primarily a commercial lender, with approximately $1.2B of its $2.7B loan portfolio in C&I. The bank has a large specialty lending expertise, focused largely on QSR's nationally, distinguishing itself through its expertise, creative dealmaking, cutting edge analytics, and white glove service. Northern's outstanding financial performance speaks to the success of its model; for the period ending 3/31/24 Northern Bank had a NIM of 4.41, ROA of 1.64, ROE of 11.84, Efficiency Ratio of 43.75, and Core Capital of 14.40. In 2023, the bank launched Northern Digital Solutions (NDS), with the aim of developing proprietary digital products and solutions both for the benefit of existing Northern Bank customers as well as to be sold to other financial institutions. A generous corporate citizen, the bank donates to a wide array of area nonprofits through both grants from the Northern Bank Charitable Foundation and through donations.

Reporting to the bank's President & CEO, James Mawn, the Chief Financial Officer will lead all aspects the bank's finance and accounting functions and be a collaborative member of executive leadership. We are seeking exceptional bank finance executives for this unique, growth-oriented leadership role. Successful candidates will have demonstrated expertise across a wide spectrum of finance, accounting, reporting, and analytics functions, strong leadership skills directing an exceptional team of professionals, and will have thrived within entrepreneurial work environments.

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 Darcy Flaherty, Senior Associate (dflaherty@smithandwilkinson.com).

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.

In conjunction with the VP, Chief Financial Officer, the VP, Controller will be responsible for leading and supporting efforts designed to position the organization for ongoing growth, financial strength and stability. This person will oversee and direct accounting operations, financial reporting, budgeting, payment processing, and reconciliation activities to include external/GAAP financial reporting, management reporting, audit and treasury operations.

Smith & Wilkinson has been retained by Rockland Federal Credit Union to lead the search for their next Controller. Established in 1922, Rockland FCU is a federally chartered, member-owned credit union that has grown to over $3.2 billion in assets by providing a comprehensive suite of personal and business banking solutions to its members.

The Controller will play a critical role in overseeing financial operations and ensuring the credit union’s continued financial strength and stability. This is an exciting opportunity for a finance and accounting leader to step into a high-impact role within a well-established institution. The Controller will be responsible for financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and asset/liability management, while also contributing to strategic decision-making and process improvements. This individual will oversee general ledger structure and accounting processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP, while also leading a team and mentoring junior staff.

The ideal candidate will bring at least five years of financial management experience, preferably within a credit union or banking environment, along with a proven ability to analyze data, solve complex financial challenges, and communicate effectively across all levels of an organization.

If you or someone in your network would be a great fit, reach out to Nathan Townsend!

S&W has been retained by the Massachusetts Bankers Association (“Mass Bankers” or “MBA”) to manage the search and selection process for the organization’s next SVP, Chief Financial Officer.

Mass Bankers is a 120-year-old diversified trade association that serves approximately 120 banks in Massachusetts, as well as dozens of Associate members. The association's primary purpose is to provide advocacy at the state and federal levels to its members, along with offering quality products and services that enhance the interests of those members - ranging from its insurance trust to educational seminars. In terms of size, diversity of offerings, and overall reputation, Mass Bankers is widely regarded as one of the top state banking associations in the country. The association’s revenue comes 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.

Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) will join a collaborative leadership team and play a key role in the ongoing evolution of this important and multifaceted trade group. In addition to the overall financial management of the association, the CFO will oversee the finance and accounting functions of the association’s subsidiaries and charitable foundation, as well as those of other state associations. The role will involve presenting to, and collaborating with, the Board of Directors on a regular basis and liaising with key external partners, including but, not limited to, audit and law firms and the financial advisor responsible for Mass Bankers’ investment portfolio.

We are seeking an exceptional finance and accounting professional for this highly visible role, with demonstrated technical expertise, leadership abilities, and strategic vision. For a confidential conversation, please reach out to Moriah Maron, Partner & Director of Recruiting, Financial Services, (mmaron@smithandwilkinson.com) or Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, Financial Services (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com).

I’m excited to share that Smith & Wilkinson has been retained by Empeople Credit Union ($2.25B) to lead the search for their next Maine Market President, a key leadership role focused on driving market growth and deepening community relationships across the state.

Empeople Credit Union has a rich 90-year history of empowering its members on their financial journeys. Originally founded as Deere Employees Credit Union and later merging with Infinity Credit Union, their mission remains rooted in supporting its members through personalized financial services. As a member-owned institution, Empeople is committed to fostering growth, creating financial freedom, and building a trusted community. Their vision is centered on continuous improvement and providing thoughtful guidance to help members reach their lifelong goals.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a strategic, growth-oriented leader to shape the credit union’s presence in Maine. The ideal candidate will be responsible for expanding market share through business and community development, enhancing the member experience across all delivery channels, and leading branch operations with a strong focus on sales and service excellence. Additionally, they will drive loan and deposit growth, strengthen financial wellness initiatives, and build key relationships with businesses, community partners, and centers of influence.

We’re looking for a proven financial services leader with a track record of market expansion, community engagement, team leadership, and relationship-driven growth.

If you or someone in your network would be a great fit, please reach out to Nathan Townsend or Darcy Flaherty. 

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 is honored to be partnering with Webster Five to manage the search for the institution's next CFO & Treasurer.

Webster Five is a leading community bank committed to providing a seamless and convenient banking experience to customers across Massachusetts and Northeast Connecticut. Operating 7 branches in Central Massachusetts, Webster Five is an independent bank with a mutual capital structure, meaning no shareholders, and a mandate is to operate for the benefit of its customers. The Bank's primary business is driving deposit growth through new and existing customer relationships and using these funds to make loans to businesses and consumers. Webster Five has total assets of $1.3B and growing rapidly, with capital strength and earnings performance significantly superior to peers.

Webster Five is seeking a talented and strategic CFO to lead the Bank’s financial strategy. This opportunity comes as the CFO has transitioned to President/Elect, preparing to step into the President/CEO role upon retirement on July 1. It's a great chance to join a team that values growth and leadership development.

The CFO serves as a key member of the Leadership team, providing strategic input and financial insight to the CEO, Leadership team, and Board, and contributing to and championing bank-wide strategy. The CFO will play a key role in shaping the overall vision and strategy of the Bank, with direct oversight of all finance and accounting, including developing financial strategies, internal and external reporting of results, and the ongoing development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve the Bank’s assets and report accurate financial results. The CFO will serve as the Chair of the Bank’s Asset/Liability Committee, and be a member on Budget, Compliance, CRA, ERM and IT Steering Committees. The CFO must possess an impeccable professional reputation, sound judgment, true character, and the highest level of integrity.

For more information and a confidential conversation, please contact Carll Wilkinson, President & CEO, (cwilkinson@smithandwilkinson.com) or Julia Crouter, Senior Associate (jcrouter@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.

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).

Smith & Wilkinson has been retained by $13B OceanFirst Bank, a publicly traded and forward-thinking $13B institution, to lead the search and selection process for their Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The CISO will have the opportunity to shape the bank’s security posture, drive transformation, and contribute to the growth of this innovative organization.

Headquartered in Toms River, New Jersey, OceanFirst Bank has been a trusted financial partner for over 120 years, offering personalized banking solutions and exceptional service to businesses and individuals across the Mid-Atlantic region. Known for its community involvement, customer-centric approach, and commitment to innovation, OceanFirst Bank stands out in the banking industry. The bank's success is built on a foundation of trust, and its strategy for growth and expansion reflects its ability to stay ahead of industry trends.

This critical leadership role will be responsible for creating, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive information security program that ensures the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of all critical data. The ideal candidate will be a strong leader, focused on fostering a culture of security awareness across the organization, setting strategic priorities, and driving innovation to protect the bank and its customers.

For more information or to arrange a confidential conversation, please contact:

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

Darcy Flaherty, Senior Associate, Financial Services at dflaherty@smithandwilkinson.com

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.

Responsible for the advancement and success of the organization’s student lending programs and portfolio with special attention to creating programs of benefit to New Hampshire residents. Within the context of a mission-oriented, not-for-profit lending organization, the VP, Lending will identify opportunities for new product development, innovation and implementation. In addition, this person will serve as a key external-facing leader for the organization’s business development activities, facilitating growth of the private loan program regionally and nationally.

Smith & Wilkinson is proud to partner with Municipal Credit Union (MCU) in the search for their next Director, Quality Control & Quality Assurance. This key strategic role, reporting to the Chief Risk Officer, is dedicated to ensuring operational excellence and regulatory compliance within the Risk Management team.

For over a century, MCU has served more than 600,000 members, delivering financial products and services with excellence and integrity. The Director, QC & QA will play a critical role in safeguarding MCU’s operational integrity by developing and overseeing comprehensive quality assurance and control frameworks. This leader will drive compliance, mitigate risk, and enhance efficiency across multiple business units - fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

This opportunity is ideal for a seasoned QA/QC professional with 7+ years of experience in financial services (preferably in credit unions or banking), a strong grasp of regulatory compliance, and a proven ability to lead quality assurance programs in high-volume environments.

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.

Smith & Wilkinson is proud to partner with Municipal Credit Union (MCU) in the search for their next VP, Real Estate—a key leadership role shaping the future of MCU’s residential lending strategy. For over 100 years, MCU has served 600,000+ members, delivering affordable financial products while honoring the credit union promise of “people helping people.”

Reporting directly to the Chief Lending Officer, the VP, Real Estate will lead portfolio management, secondary market sales, team development, and process optimization—ensuring MCU’s mortgage lending operation remains competitive, compliant, and member-focused.

Based in New York City, this opportunity is ideal for a mortgage lending executive with 10+ years of leadership experience and expertise in secondary market sales, compliance, and operational efficiency in a high-volume environment.

Does this look to be of interest, or do you know someone who could be a great fit? Let’s connect! Smith & Wilkinson specializes in executive search and leadership advisory for financial institutions, helping organizations find, retain, and develop top-tier talent.

Reach out today to learn more!

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).

Smith & Wilkinson is proud to partner with Municipal Credit Union (MCU) to lead the search for their next Manager, Human Resources Operations.

For over 100 years, MCU has upheld the credit union promise of “people helping people,” serving more than 600,000 members with affordable financial products and services. As one of the oldest and largest credit unions in New York, MCU remains dedicated to supporting its members and employee members alike.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Human Resources, the Manager, Human Resources Operations will lead a team of three and play a critical role in supporting senior HR leadership with the design and execution of comprehensive Total Rewards strategies. Additionally, the Manager will oversee the day-to-day administration of MCU’s compensation and benefits programs, ensuring they align with organizational goals and drive employee engagement.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the employee experience at a mission-driven, community-focused organization.

For a confidential conversation or additional information, please contact Nathan Townsend or William Wegener.

Smith & Wilkinson has been retained by Municipal Credit Union (MCU) to manage the search for their newly created role, Vice President of Strategic Insights. For over 100 years, MCU has proudly served more than 600,000 members, delivering affordable financial products and services while honoring the credit union promise of “people helping people.”

Reporting directly to the Chief Strategy Officer, the VP of Strategic Insights will lead MCU’s data strategy, focusing on delivering actionable insights that drive decision-making and organizational growth. This role will play a key part in growing membership, increasing loan volume, and strengthening member relationships by leveraging data analytics and cross-functional collaboration.

For additional information, please contact Nathan Townsend.

S&W has been retained by $13B OceanFirst Bank, a publicly traded bank with a reach from Boston to Washington, DC and headquartered in Toms River, New Jersey, to manage the search for their next Director of External Reporting and Tax.

OceanFirst Bank, established over 120 years ago, has consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation in delivering comprehensive banking solutions to individuals and businesses across New Jersey and beyond. With a strong emphasis on community involvement and customer satisfaction, OceanFirst Bank continues to expand its footprint while maintaining a customer-centric approach.

The Director of External Reporting & Tax at OceanFirst Bank plays a pivotal role in ensuring meticulous financial reporting in adherence to GAAP, SEC regulations, and internal policies. This strategic leadership position oversees the accurate and timely preparation of SEC filings, including 10-Q and 10-K reports, as well as regulatory filings such as FFIEC 041 and FR Y-9LP. The role also encompasses managing federal and state tax returns and provisions, contributing significantly to the bank’s fiscal health and regulatory compliance.

To arrange a confidential conversation or to obtain further information, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Darcy Flaherty, Senior Associate (dflaherty@smithandwilkinson.com) or Steve Peary, Partner (speary@smithandwilkinson.com).

Smith and Wilkinson has been retained by Kennebunk Savings Bank to lead the search and selection process for the Bank’s Chief Risk Officer. 

KSB is a purpose and innovation driven community bank that has been serving the financial needs of its consumer and small business customers since its founding in 1871. With over $1.8 billion in total assets, the bank is the 8th largest headquartered in Maine and offers a full suite of personal and business loan and deposit solutions. With a new corporate headquarters, a customer-first culture, and a planned leadership transition, KSB is poised to be the best of what a modern, local mutual bank can be.

The Chief Risk Officer is responsible for the organization’s enterprise-wide risk management program. As a member of the Bank’s senior management team, the incumbent shall ensure that risk management is properly considered and prioritized across all internal control structures, including but not limited to lending, compliance, operations, technology, finance and corporate audit. We are seeking accomplished risk professionals for this community bank leadership role, distinguished by exceptional leadership acumen, deep expertise in risk management, and a demonstrated capacity for strategic thinking and decision-making.

Reach out to Moriah Maron, Director of Recruiting (mmaron@smithandwilkinson.com) or Cameron Boyd, Managing Director of Financial Services (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com) for a confidential conversation and to learn more! 

Due to internal promotions, and the evolution of its organizational structure based on growth, Salem Five is seeking a talented Assistant Controller to oversee the daily management and operations of the accounting department. Reporting directly to the Controller, the Assistant Controller is responsible for all financial records of the Bank and monitoring the annual budgeting process while providing critical leadership to a team of seven direct reports.

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 5th largest mutual bank in the country, with more than $7.5B in assets. Products, services, and experienced staff have steadily been added to meet the complex needs of families and businesses throughout New England. The Bank now operates more than 30 retail branches,10 insurance locations and 4 mortgage offices across the region.

As an FDIC insured mutual bank, the bank is accountable to its customers, employees, and communities. Mutual banks are a stable influence in local markets because most customers, both commercial and consumer, live and do business in the community. Since Salem Five is not publicly held and has no stockholders, business decisions can be made with a long-term perspective, building mutually beneficial relationships and maintaining a great degree of flexibility. This charter of mutuality creates and nurtures a customer focused approach across the organization.

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.

For additional information about this leadership role, please contact a member of the S&W search team: Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner (cboyd@smithandwilkinson.com) or Julia Crouter, Senior Associate (jcrouter@smithandwilkinson.com)

Under the direction of the Chief Lending Officer, the VP, Senior Commercial Lender is responsible for prospecting and servicing a variety of commercial loans. The selected individual will interview applicants, obtain and review required financial information, build a highly visible reputation as a commercial loan expert, that will result in the generation of quality commercial loans that meet the criteria of Pathfinder Bank’s loan policies. Our client is seeking a seasoned Commercial Lender with a focus on Commercial and Industrial (C&I) lending to join a dynamic founding team. As a key player in the mission of Pathfinder Bank, this individual will contribute to building strong relationships, supporting small and medium sized businesses, and driving the success of entrepreneurs in the communities they serve. The position of VP, Senior Commercial Lender will also assist in attaining established Bank, region, and branch goals, and is expected to provide leadership, training and support to less experienced loan officers and other staff members.