President & Chief Executive Officer - CEO

Company Overview
Our client is a leading financial cooperative institution specializing in providing financing and financial solutions to Puerto Rico’s agricultural and rural sectors. As part of the Credit System, the organization supports the growth of farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities through financial products tailored to their unique needs.

The organization is seeking to identify a highly qualified professional for the position of President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Job Summary
Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) establishes the strategic and business goals of the association, ensuring the development and implementation of an effective business plan to achieve expected profitability and meet the organization’s strategic objectives. The CEO is ultimately accountable for achieving the goals and objectives outlined in the business plan.
The CEO directs, supervises, and monitors all association activities in accordance with the policies and standards established by the Board of Directors, ensuring compliance with applicable federal laws and regulations, as well as all agreements governing the cooperative’s operations.Responsibilities and Duties
Performs the following primary duties and responsibilities in conformance with legal and regulatory requirements and Association and Bank policies:
1. Board Activities

• Formulates and recommends the Association’s short-term and long-term goals, strategies, and policies.
• Monitors Association performance and prepares reports and executive summaries.
• Develops and maintains a strong business relationship with the Board through effective communication, reporting, and advisory support.
• Advises the Board on matters affecting the Association’s performance and operations.
• Provides timely, accurate, and meaningful information and recommendations to facilitate Board oversight responsibilities.
• Coordinates Board training programs to improve the effectiveness, understanding, and performance of new and existing directors.
• Ensures Board and committee meeting minutes are prepared accurately and distributed promptly to directors, the Bank, and regulatory agencies as required.
• Reports regularly on actions taken under authority delegated by the Board of Directors.
• Keeps the Board informed of any litigation involving the Association.

2. Credit Administration

• Oversees the management, administration, and credit quality of the Association in accordance with established policies and regulatory requirements.
• Manages the Association’s loan portfolio within approved underwriting standards and regulatory capital requirements.
• Directs loan servicing activities to ensure borrowers’ and members’ credit needs are addressed in a timely, constructive, and financially sound manner.
• Oversees the extension of credit, ensuring credit applications are processed efficiently and responsibly.
• Supervises all practices and procedures related to loan origination, servicing, and collection.
• Ensures adequate loan loss reserves are maintained at all times.

3. Finance and Operations

• Maintains custody and oversight of all Association records, funds, securities, and assets.
• Provides periodic financial and operational reports to the Board of Directors and stockholders.
• Manages the Board-approved budget and implements appropriate controls to ensure fiscal discipline.
• Recommends measurable performance standards for each business unit.
• Directs procurement and maintenance programs for facilities, vehicles, equipment, supplies, and other assets.
• Oversees accounting, financial reporting, operating budgets, and capital planning.
• Monitors funding costs, interest rate margins, market lending rates, and interest rate trends, making recommendations to the Board as appropriate.
• Ensures timely and accurate regulatory and financial reporting.
• Ensures all accounting records comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and that subsidiary records are properly reconciled.

4. Marketing, Business Development, and Financial Services

• Organizes and participates in member meetings, staff meetings, Board meetings, and annual stockholders’ meetings.
• Represents the cooperative within the community through marketing events, speaking engagements, and participation on committees and industry organizations.
• Directs business development initiatives to ensure financial products and services are accessible to eligible customers and members.
• Develops and implements a comprehensive marketing strategy focused on quality portfolio growth and value-added financial services.
• Oversees implementation of member service and financially related service programs approved by the Board.
• Ensures all employees providing regulated services receive the necessary training, certifications, and licenses.

5. Human Resource Management

• Ensures compliance with the Association’s Equal Employment Opportunity and diversity objectives.
• Attracts, motivates, and retains a high-performing professional workforce.
• Establishes performance standards and compensation practices linked to results and organizational goals.
• Directs all human resources activities, including workforce planning, recruitment, employee development, coaching, succession planning, and performance management.
• Maintains a capable workforce aligned with the strategic objectives of the Association.

6. Leadership and Organizational Control

• Oversees and safeguards the Association’s physical assets, ensuring they are properly maintained, protected, and recorded.
• Plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, and controls all business activities to ensure efficient and professional service delivery.
• Develops and monitors organizational structures, delegating authority and responsibilities appropriately, subject to Board approval.
• Maintains an organizational design that maximizes efficiency, accountability, workforce effectiveness, and leadership succession.
• Ensures employees are adequately trained and prepared to fulfill current and future responsibilities.
• Interprets and implements cooperative regulations, policies, and Board directives.
• Maintains awareness of economic trends, agricultural industry developments, and legislation affecting agricultural finance and lending.
• Operates in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and community standards established by the Board of Directors.

Qualifications and Skills

• Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including senior operational or executive leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing multiple departments, divisions, or business entities.
• Strong financial, strategic, and operational business acumen.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, coach, and hold senior leaders accountable for results.
• Experience establishing organizational structures, operational processes, KPIs, budgets, and performance management systems.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, decision-making, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of financial services, banking, agricultural lending, cooperative institutions, or related industries preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, Finance, Business Administration, or related field) preferred.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish highly desirable.
• Deep commitment to serving agricultural producers, agribusinesses, and rural communities.