Full-Time
Vice President Head of Enterprise Risk Management
SF Fire Credit Union
51-200 employees
Not-for-profit credit union for firefighters
Compensation Overview
$156k - $234k/yr
San Francisco, CA, USA
Remote
Bachelor's, Master's
 Finance & Banking (1) |
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- A bachelor's degree is required.
- 12–15+ years of progressive experience in risk management, compliance, or related fields within financial services is required.
- 10–15 years of experience in senior leadership roles is required.
- Deep knowledge of enterprise risk management frameworks, including the COSO Enterprise Risk Management Framework.
- Strong understanding of National Credit Union Administration regulations and supervisory expectations.
- Demonstrated expertise in Risk Appetite Frameworks and Key Risk Indicators, Risk and Control Self-Assessment Programs and Enterprise Risk Assessments, and risk governance and reporting.
- Ability to build and mature risk programs within a dynamic environment.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
- High integrity and sound judgment.
- Ability to sit for extended periods, use hands to handle objects and operate a computer, and communicate verbally and hear effectively.
- Close vision and the ability to adjust focus are required.
- Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing enhancement of a formal Enterprise Risk Management framework aligned with regulatory expectations and industry standards.
- Establish a holistic risk management approach that integrates risk awareness into strategic planning and operational decision-making.
- Provide enterprise-wide oversight of risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and monitoring activities.
- Maintain oversight across all seven National Credit Union Administration risk categories: Credit Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Liquidity Risk, Operational Risk, Compliance Risk, Strategic Risk, and Reputation Risk.
- Ensure risks are effectively assessed, documented, and managed across all business units.
- Design and oversee the Enterprise Risk Assessment program to identify emerging and top organizational risks.
- Lead the implementation and ongoing enhancement of Risk and Control Self-Assessments across the organization.
- Ensure consistency, quality, and reliability of risk assessments across business lines.
- Partner with business leaders to strengthen control environments and risk mitigation strategies.
- Develop, refine, and maintain the organization’s Risk Appetite Framework in alignment with strategic objectives and board expectations.
- Establish and monitor Key Risk Indicators and thresholds to proactively manage risk exposure.
- Provide actionable insights and early warning signals to executive leadership.
- Deliver comprehensive, timely, and insightful risk reporting to executive management.
- Establish risk governance structures, including policies, committees, and escalation protocols.
- Ensure transparency and clarity regarding risk exposure, trends, and emerging risks.
- Oversee the Compliance function and ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance.
- Maintain regulatory relationships and support regulatory examinations and audits.
- Ensure integration of compliance risk into the broader Enterprise Risk Management framework.
- Provide executive oversight of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery programs.
- Ensure organizational resilience through continuity planning, testing, and response capabilities.
- Oversee crisis management frameworks and incident response coordination.
- Oversee the Third-Party and Vendor Risk Management program, including due diligence, risk assessment, and ongoing monitoring.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory expectations related to third-party risk management.
- Evaluate concentration risk, critical vendor dependencies, and operational resilience risks.
- Oversee technology-related risks, including cybersecurity risk, information security, data privacy and governance, and cloud and third-party technology risks.
- Partner with Information Technology and Information Security leadership to ensure robust risk identification and mitigation practices.
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory guidance and frameworks, including Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council guidance and National Credit Union Administration expectations.
- Translate complex technical risks into clear business and executive-level insights.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a multifunctional risk team spanning Enterprise Risk Management, Compliance, Business Continuity Planning, and Vendor Risk Management.
- Foster a strong risk culture through training, communication, and leadership.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on risk-related matters.
- Collaborate with Finance, Information Technology, Internal Audit, and business units.
- An advanced degree, such as a Master of Science in Risk Management or a related field, is preferred.
- Credit union or banking experience is strongly preferred.
- Strategic thinking with strong execution capabilities.
- Exceptional communication and relationship management skills.
SF Fire Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that serves firefighters and people who live, work, or study in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin counties. Its products include savings, checking, loans, and online banking, and services are delivered through branches and digital channels with a focus on member needs. The credit union is owned by its members, so profits go back to members through better rates, fewer fees, and improved services, rather than to external shareholders. Its goals are to protect members’ financial security, help them achieve financial success, and expand access to local financial services while prioritizing community engagement and public safety.
Company Size
51-200
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Santa Cruz, California
Founded
1951
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- 2025 earnings reached $8.2 million, showing stronger profitability entering 2026.
- Kassab joined in 2022 and strengthened the balance sheet before becoming CEO.
- SF Fire Credit Union keeps investing in personalized digital experiences through Finalytics.ai.
What critics are saying
- Mint Plaza closes February 28, reducing physical access in San Francisco.
- Q1 2026 net income was only $959,000, limiting technology and branch investment.
- Fintechs and megabanks keep stealing deposits, compressing pricing power by 2027.
What makes SF Fire Credit Union unique
- Founded in 1951, SF Fire Credit Union serves firefighters and Bay Area residents.
- Robert Kassab, former CFO, became CEO on June 25, 2026.
- Local cooperative ties and member ownership anchor its brand against big banks.
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Benefits
401(k) Company Match
Health Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Life Insurance
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation
Performance Bonus
Tuition Reimbursement
Professional Development Budget
Training Programs
Wellness Program
Gym Membership
Company News
SF Fire Credit Union names new CEO following Kathy Duvall's retirement. The $1.6 billion California credit union turns to its former finance chief after longtime leader Kathy Duvall stepped down, as the institution looks to build on decades of steady growth and community service. San Francisco Fire Credit Union has named Robert Kassab its new president and chief executive officer, formalizing a leadership transition that follows the retirement of longtime CEO Kathy Duvall. The announcement places Kassab, who joined the credit union as chief financial officer in 2022 and most recently served as interim CEO, at the helm of a financial cooperative with approximately $1.6 billion in assets. His appointment comes three months after Duvall concluded a 30-year career in the credit union industry, including nine years leading SF Fire Credit Union. In a LinkedIn post announcing her retirement, Duvall described serving as CEO as "one of the greatest honors of my career" and said she was proud of what the organization had accomplished alongside its employees, members and community partners. Founded in 1951 by San Francisco firefighters seeking a member-owned financial institution, SF Fire Credit Union has evolved into a full-service credit union serving residents throughout San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties while maintaining ties to its public-service origins. According to American Share Insurance data, the institution today serves roughly 73,000 members. The board's decision to elevate Kassab follows a period in which he played a central role in strengthening the organization's finances and helping shape its long-term strategy. As chief financial officer and later interim CEO, he worked closely with directors on initiatives intended to position the credit union for future expansion while maintaining its cooperative mission. "SF Fire Credit Union was built on the idea that people who serve their community deserve a financial institution that serves them back," Board Chair Brook Baker said in announcing the appointment. Story continued below... Free pamphlet. Red Shoe IQ: nFinia Business customer statistics report. For years, financial institutions assumed retail and business users were simply variations of the same digital persona. But a full year of behavioral data tells a different story. Insights from Tyfone Red Shoe IQ reveal that business users don't just use digital banking more, they use it differently. Download the full report to see what the data means for your digital strategy. "Robert embodies that commitment," Baker said. "He came into this organization, assessed what needed to be done, and delivered a transformational financial position that has strengthened every member's confidence in this institution." Kassab said his focus will be on building upon the groundwork established over the past several years rather than changing course. "SF Fire Credit Union has a 75-year legacy of doing right by its members, and I take that responsibility seriously," he said. "We've spent the last several years building a financial foundation that allows us to grow and serve our members in even more meaningful ways. Now we get to build on it. I'm proud of what this team has accomplished, and I'm excited about what will come next." SF Fire Credit Union's recent financial performance illustrates both the opportunities and challenges facing midsize cooperatives. The institution reported net income of approximately $959,000 during the first quarter of 2026. That followed full-year 2025 earnings of $8.2 million, reflecting a period in which management sought to reinforce the credit union's financial footing while continuing to invest in member services. For Duvall, the transition marks the close of a career spent largely within the cooperative financial sector. In her retirement announcement, she reflected on the relationships and shared sense of purpose that defined her time in the industry, writing that the experiences had shaped her both professionally and personally and expressing gratitude to those who had supported her journey. The succession also highlights a broader trend among community financial institutions, many of which are choosing experienced internal leaders to guide organizations through an increasingly competitive landscape rather than pursuing outside executives. "[Kassab] has earned the trust of this board and the respect of this organization, and we have no doubt that he is the right leader to carry SF Fire Credit Union into its next 75 years and beyond." - Brook Baker Board Chair San Francisco Fire Credit Union Ken McCarthy is manager of marketing communications at Tyfone, where he monitors the credit union industry and contributes to conversations shaping its future. He previously covered credit unions and community banking for American Banker and S&P Global Market Intelligence. He holds a journalism degree from Point Park University and has more than 15 years of experience covering financial services. He is also the author of three literary fiction novels.
Facing competition from larger banks, SF Fire Credit Union partnered with Noble Digital to differentiate and grow their customer base.
SF Fire Credit Union in San Francisco partnered with Bay Area fintech Finalytics.ai to create personalized digital experiences.
On February 28th, SF Fire Credit Union will be closing its Mint Plaza location.