CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Heartland Credit Union

$500M Assets

Springfield, IL

Heartland Credit Union is seeking a visionary, strategic, and people-focused Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our next chapter of growth while honoring the strong, member-first culture that defines us.

Since its humble beginnings in 1946 with 27 charter members, Heartland Credit Union proudly serves more than 30,000 members throughout Springfield, Illinois, and its surrounding communities. Recognized as the Best Credit Union in the Springfield Community’s Choice Awards for 2024, we are more than a financial institution, we are a trusted hometown partner dedicated to meeting the financial needs of our members. We are deeply rooted in Midwestern values and believe in improving lives through service, respect, and community focus.

The next CEO must honor Heartland’s collaborative, family-like culture, where long-tenured employees thrive in an environment of trust and open communication. This cultural foundation must be upheld and celebrated, while the CEO brings fresh ideas to sustain growth and innovation, without disrupting the core values of improving members’ lives and the communities we serve.

The ideal candidate will inspire innovation and evolution, positioning the credit union to exceed member expectations, drive higher member retention, and capitalize on emerging market trends and technologies. They will guide the organization into its next phase of development, preserve its strong member-first culture, and collaborate with the board to implement and oversee strategic initiatives that align with Heartland’s mission and values. With a strong focus on community engagement, the next CEO will build meaningful relationships, enhance the credit union’s reputation and impact, and ideally bring connections to the Midwest, embracing the region’s values and demonstrating a deep commitment to the local community.

The CEO will provide members with the most up-to-date products and services, ensuring that the credit union continues to be a trusted financial partner. Leading by example, the CEO will foster a productive, innovative, and collaborative culture that reflects Heartland’s commitment to its members’ financial wellness. Guided by this commitment, the CEO will anticipate needs, deliver value, and position Heartland for a successful and sustainable future.

Key Focus Areas and Strategic Trajectory:

Long-Term Strategy Development: Bring a big-picture, forward-thinking vision to set a clear course for Heartland’s continued success.
Talent Retention and Employee Engagement: Address growing competition for talent by prioritizing competitive compensation, development opportunities, and a culture where employees feel valued, heard, and engaged.
Growth and Market Expansion: Lead smart, organic growth through improved investment strategies and efforts to attract younger demographics. Evaluate strategic mergers and acquisitions, and explore expansion into new fields of membership to remain competitive with community banks.
Technology and Digital Trends: Champion innovation by leveraging technology to enhance member experience, increase efficiency, and mitigate cybersecurity and fraud risks.
Community and Member Focused: Maintain and grow Heartland’s strong community presence through authentic engagement, relationship-building, and alignment with local values.
Regulatory and Financial Management: Navigate regulatory shifts and economic uncertainty with a firm grasp of financial strategy, margin management, and investment planning.

Desired Leadership Characteristics and Competencies:

Strategic and Visionary Thinker: Ability to set a clear direction, anticipate future challenges and opportunities, and drive long-term growth.
Collaborative Leadership: Fosters teamwork, values input from all levels, and builds trust across the organization.
Strong Communication Skills: Open, transparent, and authentic in engaging with employees, members, and stakeholders.
Integrity and Accountability: A leader who makes ethical decisions and is authentic, honest, and trustworthy.
Adaptability and Innovation: Embraces change, leverages new technologies, and seeks creative solutions.
Community and Member-Focused: Deeply committed to member service and maintaining strong community engagement.
Financial Acumen: Skilled in financial oversight, lending, and strategic investment planning.
Inspire and Motivate Others: Ability to energize and engage employees, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
Creative Problem Solver: Brings fresh ideas and outside-the-box thinking to challenges and growth opportunities.
Well-Respected, Internally and Externally: Earns trust and credibility among various stakeholders including employees, members, and the broader community.

Qualifications and Leadership Experience:

Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree strongly preferred. Ongoing education, leadership development, and relevant industry certifications are highly valued.
Ten to 15 years of proven executive or senior leadership experience in a financial institution of similar size and complexity relative to Heartland.
Demonstrated ability to lead executive-level teams, foster high-performing cultures, and drive strategic organizational growth.
Strong financial acumen with expertise in lending, investment strategy, and navigating regulatory and economic shifts.
Track record of innovation, employee engagement, and community involvement, with a commitment to service excellence and long-term sustainability.

Base Salary: $300,000-$350,000

Benefits Eligibility

Full-time employees are eligible to participate in the following:

Paid Personal Leave
Paid Sick Leave (if conversion elected)
Elective Insurance (Health, Dental, Ancillary Products)
Insurance Coverage (Life, LTD, STD, Group Accident and AD&D)
Profit Sharing Plan and 401k*
Paid Holidays
Year-End Bonus Program
Cafeteria Plan
Community Service Leave

*Special eligibility requirements apply. For eligibility and effective date information, please contact the CAO or Benefits Administrator.

ABOUT DDJ MYERS

DDJ Myers, an ALM First Company, is the executive search consultant for this organization and is conducting this search. Our expertise is in supporting leadership teams in sustainable practices for high-performing organizations through succession planning, leadership development programs, executive coaching, board governance and renewal, and executive search. Please learn more about us at www.ddjmyers.com.

Heartland Credit Union - Springfield, IL

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