Chief Executive Officer

Wipfli is assisting our client, Security Savings Bank, a long‑standing, community‑focused financial institution, with the recruitment and selection of its next Chief Executive Officer. Located in Monmouth, Illinois, Security Savings Bank has proudly served its customers and local communities for more than 140 years, building trusted relationships grounded in integrity, service, and community reinvestment.Security Savings Bank is seeking a relationship‑focused leader who values community engagement and understands the important role a local bank plays in supporting individuals, businesses, and agricultural customers. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a financially sound institution with deep historical roots, guide its continued evolution, and serve as a visible ambassador for the Bank within the community it proudly calls home.Location:Security Savings Bank is headquartered in Monmouth, Illinois, a west‑central Illinois community that offers the benefits of small‑town living with access to regional amenities. Monmouth is a close‑knit, affordable community known for its strong civic pride, short commutes, and high quality of life. It is home to Monmouth College and features a historic downtown square with locally owned businesses, community events, and recreational amenities.Security Savings Bank serves customers through a second location in Stronghurst, Illinois, extending the Bank’s reach and relationships throughout the surrounding rural and agricultural communities. Together, these locations allow the Bank to maintain a strong local presence while supporting individuals, families, and businesses across the region.Principal Duties and Responsibilities:Provides overall executive leadership for the Bank’s short‑ and long‑term financial performance, ensuring safety, soundness, and alignment with Board‑approved financial objectives. Oversees financial reporting, monitors results and variances to plan, and plays an active role in annual budgeting, credit quality oversight, asset‑liability management, and stewardship of the Bank’s investment portfolio.Partners proactively and collaboratively with the Board of Directors, serving as an active Inside Director and trusted advisor. Keeps the Board informed on key matters including financial performance, balance sheet composition, capital position, organizational structure, new products and services, community impact, and operating budgets. Maintains transparent, ongoing communication to support the Board’s effective fulfillment of its fiduciary responsibilities and serves as the primary liaison between the Board, management, and Bank committees.Leads the development, execution, and ongoing refinement of the Bank’s strategic plan, fostering a culture of strategic thinking and accountability across the management team. Champions and communicates the Bank’s vision, mission, and values; ensures organizational decisions align with strategic priorities; and provides regular strategic updates to the Board. Ensures the Bank’s organizational structure, leadership capacity, and succession planning are positioned to meet both current and future needs.Develops, coaches, and leads the management team and employees, promoting a culture of teamwork, engagement, and high performance. Establishes clear goals, evaluates performance of direct reports, supports career development, and ensures effective communication of goals, priorities, and results across all regions, markets, and locations.Serves as a visible leader and ambassador for the Bank, actively supporting business development and cultivating a strong relationship‑based sales culture. Participates in civic and community activities consistent with the Bank’s mission and market presence, and encourages appropriate community and relationship involvement by other officers and employees.Provides leadership for key enterprise initiatives, including capital planning, oversight of outsourced professional services (such as auditors and strategic advisors), and evaluation of new business entities or initiatives. Establishes and maintains effective performance controls to assess profitability, asset utilization, growth, and market penetration.Oversees the strategic and effective use of information technology, ensuring systems and platforms support operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, data security, and a positive customer experience. Ensures the Bank remains competitive with peers through appropriate adoption of technology and digital capabilities.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, banking or equivalent combination of education and experience; graduate-level banking school preferred10+ years of senior executive or leadership experience, preferably in banking or a regulated financial environmentExperience in agricultural banking and lending, including tailored credit, loan, and banking solutions for farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses preferredProven strategic, visionary leadership with strong judgment and problem‑solving skillsExcellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage boards, customers, employees, regulators, and community leadersDemonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate high‑performing teamsWorking knowledge and understanding of business support functions and their contribution to organizational success including human resources, information technology, accounting, finance and operations supportThorough knowledge/understanding of legal and regulatory matters and industry trendsPay and Benefits:The anticipated salary range for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) role is $205,000 – $250,000. Actual base salary offered within the stated range will be determined based on the selected candidate’s individual experience, qualifications, leadership background, skills, internal equity, and other permissible organizational factors consistent with applicable law.In addition to base salary, the CEO may be eligible for incentive compensation, which is contingent upon organizational performance and the achievement of established goals.The CEO is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k, holidays, vacation, and more aligned with the Bank’s executive benefits programs.The ranges disclosed represent the compensation the organization reasonably believes it may pay for this role at the time of posting, in compliance with Illinois pay transparency requirements.If you are an enthusiastic leader who takes pride in building lasting relationships, serving the community, and delivering exceptional customer service, we invite you to learn more about this opportunity and submit your resume through our client application portal.Security Savings Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer