President & CEO

Who we are:

WBA is a 135-year-old organization representing the banking industry throughout Washington State. Everyone who works here, no matter how long, becomes part of a story that stretches back to the beginning of Washington State. At our core, WBA is a small, agile organization that operates more like a start-up than a legacy employer.

That means every team member wears multiple hats, and job descriptions are fluid. No one on our team, from CEO to front-line staff, is "above" doing anything. We are here to serve our members.

Job Summary:

This position is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, management, and operational success of the organization, representing and advancing the interests of member banks and financial institutions, and ensuring the association's financial health and long-term sustainability.This includes advocating for the banking industry with policymakers, the media, and the public, as well as providing compliance education, marketing, and other services to member banks, while fostering a strong network of connections within the communities they serve.

Additionally, this position is relied upon to serve as the principal representative, managing executive, spokesperson, and ambassador for the Washington Bankers' Association (WBA), leveraging expertise in political matters to advocate for policies that support fair, equitable, and transparent financial practices across institutions. Assists member banks in navigating regulatory demands and managing risks effectively.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities:

1. Develops and maintains an effective and collaborative relationship with the association's Board of Directors (BOD). Advises and consults with the BOD regarding issues of strategic direction and policy, and keeps the BOD informed regarding ongoing operations and progress on business goals and objectives, as well as material risk events.

2. Develops and implements the association's long-term strategic/tactical plans, ensuring the organization remains relevant and successful in a changing industry and environment.

3. Provides regular and ongoing updates to the Board of Directors (BOD) on the association's performance. Seeks guidance on strategic initiatives and decisions, as needed and/or required.

4. Oversees the day-to-day operations of the association, including staff management, operating/capital budgets management, financial planning/reporting, ensuring the organization's financial stability, and that appropriate controls are in place, in compliance with all relevant laws and regulatory requirements.

5. Ensure financial integrity through sound fiscal management, fundraising strategies, and revenue development (e.g., dues, sponsorships, events).

6. Provides direct reports with proper tools and authority to execute their assigned functions independently and develops skills of staff through goal-setting, coaching, problem resolution, delegation, training, counseling, and performance management.

7. Proactively represents the WBA and the banking industry on legislative, regulatory, and public policy issues, working with government officials to promote the industry's interests.

8. Builds and fosters strong and trusted relationships with member banks, industry partners, and community stakeholders to enhance the association's reputation and influence, and proactively develops prospective member outreach programs.

9. Promotes membership growth and engagement through value-added services, networking opportunities, and timely communications.

10. Develops and implements programs to support member banks, provide educational resources, and foster professional development within the industry.

11. Builds and maintains strong relationships with federal and state policymakers, regulators, and allied organizations.

12. Stays ahead of trends impacting the banking industry and recommends appropriate association responses.

Qualifications: (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

* Provides an exceptional level of quality service for internal/external constituents; responds to their needs, questions and concerns in an accurate, effective, and timely manner.

* Highly developed communication / interpersonal skills, which includes effective questioning strategies, and presentation skills, combined with the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively, in a variety of settings, formats, and audiences (i.e., bank leaders/members, media, regulators, legislators), and across business lines at all levels, and influence diverse stakeholders, manage political dynamics, and drive consensus, oftentimes on controversial or complex topics to the BOD.

* Advanced leadership and managerial skills are required to manage, motivate, and develop teams, to include oversight and management of employees in remote locations, to ensure transparency. Employee development, performance management, training and employee counseling skills required.

* Demonstrated expertise in budget and financial oversight, fundraising, and strategic planning.

* Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals, while understanding organization's strengths and weaknesses, demonstrating advanced knowledge analyzing the market and competition.

* Demonstrates advanced management and operational skills to effectively manage and lead a large complex, multi-disciplinary organization, with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of financial management and wider management principles and techniques.

* Sound business acumen with astute financial and regulatory knowledge and ability to proactively shift strategic direction in anticipation of and/or response to key economic or regulatory events.

* Creates short and long-term strategies in the service of the public interest based on the organization's strategies and insights.

* Holds others accountable for broadening their expertise based on new data, policies and regulations.

* Creates and maintains an environment in which others can proactively deliver insightful analyses and practical solutions that advance the organizations strategic priorities.

* Thoroughly understands and applies principles, procedures, requirements, regulations, and policies related to all areas of oversight, to include strong understanding of industry trends, economic environment and challenges facing financial institutions.

* Actively supports the organizations diversity (or belonging) initiatives and holds self and others accountable for creating an inclusive workplace.