Overview
Availa Bank, a $1.6 billion community bank located in Central and Western Iowa, is seeking a strategic and community-focused Chief Banking Officer (CBO) to lead all customer-facing lines of business. The CBO will oversee lending, retail banking, mortgage, and related growth initiatives while fostering a culture of accountability, service excellence, and local market responsiveness. This is an executive role, reporting directly to the CEO, and is responsible for aligning front-line execution with the bank’s long-term mission, values, and growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, execute, and communicate a cohesive strategy across all banking divisions to drive responsible growth and deepen client relationships.
- Oversee organizational design and effectiveness, assessing current structures and implementing future-ready solutions to support growth and operational excellence.
- Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to the overall strategic direction of the institution.
Commercial and Retail Banking Oversight
Lead all lending, deposit, and relationship banking efforts, with a particular focus on small business and middle-market segments.Ensure front-line teams are aligned in delivering a consistent, high-touch customer experience across all branches and markets.Oversee and enhance sales performance across business units, promoting cross-selling and integrated solutions to maximize client value and organizational growth.Operational Excellence & Risk Alignment
Collaborate closely with the Chief Credit Officer and Risk Officer to ensure risk-aware growth.Translate strategic objectives into measurable KPIs and operational performance targets.Talent Development & Culture
Attract, mentor, and retain strong banking talent across markets and disciplines.Build a performance-oriented culture rooted in integrity, service, and accountability.Business Development & Market Presence
Oversee the expansion of relationships in each market by ensuring bank staff remain visible in their respective communities and promote the Availa brand.Community-Centered Leadership
Deep commitment to relationship banking and community engagement.Proven success serving in leadership roles within a community or regional bank environment.Adept at building authentic relationships and fostering trust across diverse markets and communities.Broad knowledge of commercial lending, deposit growth strategies, treasury services, and retail banking.Track record of originating high-quality credit and driving profitable portfolio growth by emphasizing the importance of core deposit growth.Strategic Operator
Strong ability to align people, process, and systems to deliver results in a scalable and sustainable manner.Comfortable and skilled at leading organizations through growth, change, and market disruption.Operate and manage with a steady, decisive approach that aligns strategy, operations, and people to deliver results.People-Focused Leadership
Experienced team builder and mentor with a collaborative, hands-on leadership style.Known for developing internal talent and building high-performing, cross-functional teams.Lead with clarity and empathy during times of change while inspiring, engaging, and guiding teams with confidence and care through transition.Communication & Influence
Highly effective communicator with the ability to engage across all levels.Articulates banking strategies in a clear, actionable manner while building alignment across departments.Digital & Operational Awareness
Understands and supports technology-driven improvements in customer access, operational efficiency, and product delivery.Prioritizes practical, value-adding innovation without compromising personalized service.Integrity & Cultural Fit
Embodies the bank’s mission and values.Respected for sound judgment, high ethical standards, and credibility with internal and external stakeholders.Required Qualifications & Experience
Minimum of 10 years of experience in banking, with progressive leadership responsibility.Prior experience leading multi-line banking functions in a community or regional bank environment preferred.Bachelor\'s degree required.Application & Selection Process
Availa Bank has exclusively retained The QTI Group to lead the search for its Chief Banking Officer . The QTI group is a comprehensive human resources advisory services firm founded in 1957. QTI is headquartered in Madison, WI.
Target Start Date : January 7, 2026.
Compensation : This position offers a salary range of $240,000 - $280,000 based on experience and qualifications and includes a comprehensive total benefits package and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
Incentive Compensation : This position is eligible for incentive compensation (based on company, team, and individual performance goals – determined annually)
Eligible for 0-40% bonus of annual salary plus an additional deferred award equal to 50% of the initial annual award earned.#J-18808-Ljbffr
