Chief Technology & Innovation Officer

Position Summary

The Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO) will lead the Bank's digital transformation and technology-driven growth strategy. The incumbent will be responsible for identifying, evaluating, and implementing emerging technologies including AI, automation, and digital banking platforms that enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and position us as a leader in innovative financial services.

Key Responsibilities

Innovation Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive innovation and technology roadmap aligned with the Bank's strategic goals
• Identify emerging trends in fintech, AI, and digital banking that create competitive advantage
• Serve as an internal champion for innovation, fostering a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement across the organization

Technology & Digital Transformation

• Lead evaluation, selection, and implementation of new banking technologies, platforms, and digital tools
• Partner with IT, Operations, and Product teams to modernize core banking systems and customer-facing platforms
• Oversee the integration of AI and automation

Data & Analytics

• Champion the use of data analytics and AI-driven insights to improve decision-making across lending, risk, and customer engagement
• Partner with the Chief Information Officer to ensure innovation initiatives align with the Bank's data governance and security standards

Project & Program Management

• Own the enterprise innovation and technology project portfolio, establishing governance, prioritization, and intake frameworks for new initiatives
• Build and lead a project/program management office (PMO) function to standardize delivery methodology, reporting, and resource allocation across innovation initiatives
• Define and track key project metrics (scope, budget, timeline, risk) and provide regular status reporting to executive leadership and the Board
• Manage dependencies and sequencing across concurrent innovation initiatives to ensure coordinated delivery
• Drive change management and stakeholder communication plans for each major initiative, ensuring smooth adoption across business lines
• Establish post-implementation review processes to capture lessons learned and measure ROI on completed initiatives

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Credit, Lending (SBA, Ag, Mortgage), Retail Banking, Marketing, and Operations leadership to identify pain points and innovation opportunities
• Partner with Compliance, Risk, and Legal to ensure new technologies meet regulatory, security, and governance requirements
• Present innovation initiatives, technology investments, and ROI projections to executive leadership and the Board

Team Leadership

• Build and lead an innovation/technology team, including hiring, mentoring, and developing talent
• Manage budget and resource allocation for innovation initiatives and technology investments

Specifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, or related field, Master's degree preferred
• 10+ years of progressive experience in technology, innovation, or digital transformation roles, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership capacity
• Proven experience in banking, financial services, or fintech, with a strong understanding of regulatory requirements
• Demonstrated success leading digital transformation initiatives, including AI/automation adoption
• Demonstrated experience building and running project/program management functions, including PMO governance frameworks
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership and/or a Board

Preferred:

• PMP certification or equivalent project/program management credential
• Experience with AI/ML implementation in a regulated industry
• Familiarity with lending technology platforms, core banking systems, digital banking platforms, and fintech partnerships
• Background in change management and organizational transformation