(972) 393-4471
Sterling, CO, US
Emp Type: Full time / Direct Hire
2026-09-11
Location: Sterling, Colorado
The Chief Lending Officer (CLO) leads the lending and marketing functions, driving portfolio growth, exceptional member service, and sound credit quality. Reporting to the CEO and serving on the executive leadership team, the CLO oversees lending and marketing operations, including loan origination, servicing, portfolio management, and business development.
Working closely with the Chief Credit Officer and Credit Manager, the CLO partners to strengthen lending policies, credit processes, risk management, and staff development to support safe, sound, and constructive lending. This is an opportunity for an experienced lending executive to help shape the strategic direction of a financially strong cooperative while making a lasting impact on agriculture across northeast Colorado.
Lead the lending and business development strategy, driving profitable portfolio growth, strengthening member relationships, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing sales culture.
Oversee the administration, performance, and quality of the direct loan portfolio, ensuring balanced portfolio assignments and effective utilization of lending staff.
Partner with the Chief Credit Officer to monitor portfolio performance and continuously improve lending policies, servicing standards, credit controls, and risk management practices.
Ensure compliance applicable with our Administration regulations and organizational policies.
Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing lending team by establishing clear performance expectations, providing ongoing feedback, and fostering accountability and collaboration.
Partner with the Credit Manager to optimize credit workflows, support employee development, and ensure strong alignment between lending and credit support teams.
Provide strategic oversight of lending operations to ensure efficient credit delivery, consistent lending practices, and outstanding service to member-borrowers.
Contribute as an active member of the executive leadership team by participating in strategic planning, organizational initiatives, and key business decisions.
Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years of progressive lending experience, including significant experience in commercial and/or agricultural lending, with at least five years of leadership or management experience.
Demonstrated success leading lending teams, driving business growth, managing portfolio quality, and implementing strategic initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to lead strategic initiatives and influence outcomes across departments.
Proven leadership, relationship-building, communication, and decision-making skills with the ability to develop high-performing teams.
Strong knowledge of agricultural finance, commercial lending practices, credit analysis, loan structuring, and portfolio management.
Excellent communication, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Passion for serving agriculture and a strong understanding of the production agriculture industries and communities served by the organization.
High degree of integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to cooperative values.
Ability and willingness to travel throughout the organization's territory to support employees, customers, and business development activities.
Must reside within, or be willing to relocate to, the organization's territory or a neighboring community that provides convenient access to the territory.
Competitive executive compensation package with annual incentive opportunity.
Comprehensive benefits package including 401(k) matching and employer contributions.
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
Opportunity to help shape the future of a financially strong, member-owned agricultural lending cooperative committed to supporting agriculture and rural communities.
In Person - Sterling, Colorado
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