Chief Lending Officer (CLO)

Pathway Bank•Grand Island, NE

50d

About The Position

Pathway Bank is a $350 million and growing community bank where decisions are made locally and relationships drive results. We’re seeking a Chief Lending Officer (CLO) to lead all areas of lending — agricultural, commercial, consumer, and mortgage — while ensuring sound credit practices and long-term growth. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the CLO will help shape the Bank’s lending strategy, develop high-performing teams, and strengthen portfolio quality across our markets. This role offers loan incentives, semi-annual bonus potential, and the opportunity to earn a company vehicle. The position may be based at any of our branch locations: Grand Island, Cairo, Ord, Burwell, or Lexington.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Agri-Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
Preferred 10+ years of progressive experience leading lending operations, including credit policy, underwriting, and portfolio management with significant experience in agricultural, agribusiness and commercial lending required.
Supervisory experience strongly preferred, demonstrating proven ability to lead teams, coach staff, and achieve strategic lending goals.
Advanced banking education through ABA, NBA, or Graduate Schools of Banking preferred.
Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
Deep knowledge of agricultural, commercial, consumer, and mortgage lending.
Highly skilled in financial statement analysis, cash flow evaluation, and credit underwriting.
Experience with loan pricing, profitability analysis, and portfolio risk management.
Working knowledge of lending software and Microsoft Office Suite.
Excellent analytical, strategic, and communication skills.
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with customers, regulators, community partners and internal teams.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Agri-Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
Preferred 10+ years of progressive experience leading lending operations, including credit policy, underwriting, and portfolio management with significant experience in agricultural, agribusiness and commercial lending required.
Supervisory experience strongly preferred, demonstrating proven ability to lead teams, coach staff, and achieve strategic lending goals.
Advanced banking education through ABA, NBA, or Graduate Schools of Banking preferred.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute long-term lending strategies that support the Bank’s goals for growth, profitability, and credit quality.
Portfolio Management: Oversee the performance and risk profile of the loan portfolio; monitor asset quality, identify emerging risks, and ensure effective mitigation strategies.
Credit Policy and Governance: Establish, maintain, and continuously improve prudent lending standards, underwriting guidelines, and risk-rating systems. Regularly review and update loan policies and procedures to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements, internal controls, and industry best practices.
Profitability and Growth: Analyze market trends, develop loan products and promotions, and implement initiatives to expand market share and lending volume.
Compliance and Risk Management: Stay abreast of regulatory changes, economic trends, and industry developments; ensure adherence to all laws, regulations, and internal controls.
Reporting: Prepare comprehensive reports for Senior Management and the Board of Directors, including portfolio performance, problem loan analysis, and risk assessments.
Executive Collaboration: Partner with the executive leadership team on strategic planning, budgeting, and process improvement initiatives to advance organizational objectives.
Lead, manage, and supervise the Lending Department, including direct supervisor of approximately 10 full-time loan officers.
Establish clear performance expectations and provide regular coaching, feedback, and evaluations.
Foster a collaborative and accountable team culture focused on customer service, compliance, and results.
Recruit, train, and develop lending personnel to support succession planning and professional growth.
Promote open communication, teamwork, and cross-departmental collaboration to ensure operational efficiency and exceptional customer experience.