Overview

Civista BankDescription:Position Purpose:The Chief Credit Officer is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of the Bank's credit risk management framework. This position establishes and maintains credit policies, underwriting standards, portfolio risk management practices, and governance processes that support safe and sound lending activities while aligning with the Bank's strategic objectives and risk appetite. The Chief Credit Officer serves as a key member of executive management, partnering closely with lending, finance, risk management, compliance, and executive leadership teams to maintain asset quality, ensure regulatory compliance, and support profitable portfolio growth. The position also provides oversight of credit administration, loan review coordination, CECL methodology and reporting, and overall credit risk governance across the organization.Description of Duties, Responsibilities and ExpectationsCredit Risk Strategy and GovernanceDevelop, implement, and maintain the Bank's overall credit risk management strategy consistent with corporate objectives and risk tolerance. Establish and maintain loan policies, underwriting standards, approval authorities, procedures, and internal controls. Provide leadership and guidance to lending teams regarding credit risk management standards and expectations. Monitor industry trends, economic conditions, regulatory developments, and emerging credit risks that may impact portfolio performance.Promote a culture of prudent risk management while supporting responsible business growth.Loan Portfolio Quality and OversightMonitor the overall quality and performance of the Bank's loan portfolio. Oversee reporting and analysis of credit quality metrics, including delinquencies, criticized and classified assets, nonperforming loans, concentrations, and charge-offs. Identify emerging portfolio risks and direct corrective action plans to mitigate potential losses. Evaluate portfolio trends and recommend strategic initiatives to strengthen asset quality and portfolio performance.Ensure ongoing monitoring processes support timely identification and escalation of credit concerns.Credit Approval and Lending PartnershipOversee the Bank's credit approval process and ensure consistency in underwriting decisions. Serve as a trusted advisor to executive management and lending teams regarding significant credit relationships, complex transactions, and underwriting issues. Provide oversight and guidance regarding Commercial Leasing and Finance (CLF) credit management activities. Collaborate with business line leaders to balance growth objectives with sound credit administration practices.Promote consistency in credit decision-making across all lending functions.Allowance, Reporting, and Regulatory AccountabilityOversee the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) methodology, calculations, and supporting analysis. Prepare and present asset quality, portfolio performance, and credit risk reports to executive management and the Board of Directors. Coordinate activities involving regulators, external auditors, internal auditors, and independent loan review providers. Ensure timely and accurate reporting of credit risk metrics and portfolio information.Support regulatory examinations and audit processes by maintaining strong documentation and governance practices.Credit Administration LeadershipProvide leadership, coaching, and professional development for credit administration personnel. Establish departmental objectives, performance standards, and strategic priorities. Ensure systems, resources, and processes effectively support the credit risk management function. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.Support succession planning and talent development within the credit organization.Executive and Senior Management CollaborationParticipate actively in Senior Management and Line of Business leadership meetings, providing st