Chief Banking Officer (CBO)

Western Illinois | $135,000–$165,000 Base Salary + Excellent Benefits

Our client is a well-respected, financially sound community bank seeking a Chief Banking Officer (CBO) to help lead the next phase of growth and expansion.

This is an onsite executive leadership position located in Western Illinois, approximately 2 hours west of downtown Chicago and less than an hour from the Iowa border. The bank operates a network of community-focused branches throughout Northwestern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin and has built a strong reputation for customer service, community involvement, and employee engagement.

This role reports directly to executive leadership and will have significant visibility with the executive team and Board of Directors. The successful candidate will help shape the future direction of the organization while leading retail banking, customer experience, deposit growth, treasury relationship development, and community engagement initiatives.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Highly visible executive leadership role

• Opportunity to help define and shape the future of the organization

• Direct interaction with executive leadership and Board members

• Strong community banking culture with local decision-making

• Established market presence with growth opportunities

• Leadership team committed to investing in people, technology, and customer experience

• Opportunity to make a measurable impact without the bureaucracy of a large national institution

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Develop and execute strategies to drive deposit growth across all customer segments

• Partner with executive leadership to establish annual goals, branch performance targets, and market expansion initiatives

• Identify opportunities for organic growth, customer acquisition, and market share expansion

• Evaluate competitive trends, customer needs, and market opportunities

Retail Banking Leadership

• Oversee all aspects of consumer banking, including branch operations, customer experience, sales performance, staffing, coaching, and electronic banking adoption

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Retail Banking leaders and future executives

• Foster a culture centered around accountability, relationship-building, teamwork, and exceptional customer service

Treasury, Wealth & Business Banking

• Partner with commercial banking leadership to deepen treasury management relationships and customer engagement

• Support and enhance private banking and wealth management offerings focused on business owners, high-net-worth individuals, and centers of influence

• Promote collaboration across all business lines to deliver a seamless customer experience

Community & Market Presence

• Serve as a visible ambassador for the bank throughout its markets

• Build relationships with local businesses, community organizations, and civic leaders

• Support initiatives that strengthen the bank's reputation as a trusted community partner

Compliance & Operational Excellence

• Maintain strong operational controls, reporting standards, and regulatory compliance

• Ensure adherence to bank policies and state and federal banking regulations

• Balance strategic leadership with disciplined execution

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, or related field required

• MBA or advanced degree preferred

• 10+ years of progressive banking leadership experience

• Proven success leading retail banking, branch networks, deposit growth, customer acquisition, or business development initiatives

• Experience participating in executive leadership discussions, strategic planning, ALCO, board presentations, or similar executive-level responsibilities preferred

• Strong understanding of banking regulations, compliance, risk management, and operational controls

• Demonstrated ability to build teams, develop talent, and drive organizational culture

Culture Fit

The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven banking executive who enjoys community involvement, mentoring teams, and building long-term customer relationships.

This opportunity is particularly attractive for leaders who enjoy the impact and visibility of community banking and who want the ability to influence strategy, drive growth, and make decisions locally rather than operating within a highly centralized corporate structure.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $135,000–$165,000 depending on experience

• Medical, Dental, Vision

• Life Insurance

• Short-Term Disability

• Long-Term Disability

• 401(k)

• Generous PTO package

This position is onsite and intended for a leader who wants to be actively involved in the bank, its employees, customers, and the communities it serves.