Senior Credit Officer

BASIC PURPOSE OF POSITION Serves as a key leader within the bank’s Second Line of Defense, directing the evaluation, structuring, and approval of complex commercial lending relationships. Maintains credit discipline and portfolio quality by serving on executive loan committees, enforcing risk policy, and actively mentoring production lending staff to elevate credit analysis, risk identification, and underwriting standards across the organization.

DUTIES OF POSITION Credit Approval & Portfolio Oversight: Exercise delegated lending authority to evaluate, structure, and approve complex loan requests; serve as a voting member on the Executive Loan Committee for relationships exceeding individual authority limits. Risk Rating & CECL Integration: Ensure portfolio risk rating accuracy aligned with Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL) methodology; partner with lenders and Special Assets to execute proactive workout and exit strategies for deteriorating credits.

Policy Exception Management: Review and approve commercial loan policy exceptions, verifying that key mitigating factors are fully documented, tracked, and aligned with overall risk appetite parameters. Lender Mentorship & Capacity Building: Collaborate directly with commercial lenders during pre-flight and deal-structuring stages to refine credit package quality, cash flow analysis, and deal mechanics prior to formal credit submission.

Credit Culture & Training: Develop and lead internal training programs on credit fundamentals, collateral valuation, and loan structuring, shifting credit administration from a traditional "policing" function to a strategic partnership without compromising risk standards. Regulatory Compliance & Policy Refinement: Ensure strict adherence to internal Loan Policy, Federal Reserve guidelines, and MS/AL DBCF regulations; assist the Chief Credit Officer (CCO) in refining policies to address emerging concentration risks and evolving market conditions.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS Education Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related business discipline required. Graduation from a recognized Graduate School of Banking (e.g., LSU, Barret, Stonier) preferred. Experience 12+ years of progressive commercial credit and lending experience, including 5+ years in a senior credit approval role with substantial delegated authority at a peer or larger financial institution.

Deep, proven expertise in underwriting complex Commercial Real Estate (CRE) and Commercial & Industrial (C&I) transactions. Experience with Agricultural Lending and SBA (7a/504) or FSA programs preferred. Technical & Professional Skills Comprehensive knowledge of Federal Reserve and MS/AL DBCF commercial banking regulations.

Direct expertise in CRE concentration risk management, stress testing, and CECL frameworks. Advanced credit analysis, deal negotiation, and talent development capabilities. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to deliver firm credit decisions with tact and diplomacy while maintaining a supportive, developmental approach with production Bank.

First is an EO employer

• M/F/Veteran/Disability