Chief Execuitve Officer

Wipfli - Talent Management Consulting; Marshfield (WI); On-site; USD 230,000 - 340,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

HSA contributions

401(k) plan with match

ESOP participation

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Partners Bank of Wisconsin, headquartered in Marshfield, Wisconsin, seeks a Chief Executive Officer to lead a long‑standing, independent community bank. The CEO will report to the Board of Directors, shape strategy, ensure regulatory soundness, and promote a customer‑focused culture across locations in Marshfield, Spencer, and Stratford.

The ideal candidate brings 15–20 years in banking with 5–10 years in senior leadership, deep expertise in lending, risk management, asset/liability planning,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced banking education preferred.
• 15–20 years progressive banking experience, including 5–10 years in senior executive leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of commercial/retail banking, lending, risk management, and strategic planning.
• Strong regulatory knowledge and relationships with FDIC, OCC, and Federal Reserve.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic growth, profitability, and overall performance in alignment with the board's vision.
• Drive business development and cultivate customer relationships in the community.
• Provide executive leadership and guidance to bank departments for accountability and service excellence.
• Oversee lending operations, portfolio quality, and risk management for long‑term success.
• Partner with the Board to develop and execute strategic initiatives and long‑range plans.
• Represent the bank in the community and industry associations to enhance visibility.
• Lead, mentor, and develop staff, focusing on talent acquisition and performance.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Regulatory knowledge

Relationship building

Community banking

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/finance/economics

MBA or Graduate School of Banking preferred

Job description

Wipfli is assisting our client, Partners Bank of Wisconsin, with the recruitment of a Chief Executive Officer. This is a unique opportunity to lead a well‑established, independent community bank with more than a century of service to Central Wisconsin. Headquartered in Marshfield with locations in Spencer and Stratford, Partners Bank is known for its strong local presence, relationship‑based banking philosophy, and commitment to the communities it serves.

The Chief Executive Officer will report to the Board of Directors and provide strategic leadership and overall direction for the organization, ensuring the bank’s continued financial strength, regulatory soundness, and customer‑focused culture. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this role will play a critical part in guiding long‑term growth while preserving the values and community‑bank focus that have defined Partners Bank for generations.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the strategic growth, profitability, and overall performance of the bank in alignment with the Board of Directors’ vision and goals.
• Drive business development initiatives by cultivating customer relationships, identifying new market opportunities, and expanding the bank’s presence within the community.
• Provide executive leadership and guidance to bank departments, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and exceptional customer service.
• Oversee lending operations, portfolio quality, and risk management to ensure the safety, soundness, and long‑term success of the organization.
• Partner with the Board of Directors and leadership team to develop and execute strategic initiatives and long‑range business plans.
• Represent the bank within the community, industry organizations, and professional associations to strengthen relationships and enhance visibility
• Lead, mentor, and develop team members, supporting talent acquisition, performance management, and professional growth.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while promoting operational excellence and continuous improvement across the organization.
• Monitor key financial and operational metrics, proactively identifying opportunities and challenges to achieve organizational objectives
• Serve on and support key committees, contributing to strategic decision-making and organizational success.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field required; MBA, Graduate School of Banking, or other advanced education preferred.
• Minimum of 15-20 years of progressive banking experience, including 5-10 years in senior executive leadership roles with demonstrated responsibility for organizational performance and growth.
• Extensive knowledge of commercial and retail banking, lending, credit administration, financial management, asset/liability management, and strategic planning.
• Strong understanding of banking regulations, risk management practices, compliance requirements, and regulatory relationships with agencies such as the FDIC, OCC, and Federal Reserve.
• Exceptional communication, relationship‑building, and business development abilities, with a track record of successfully working with boards of directors, community stakeholders, customers, regulators, and business leaders.
• High degree of integrity, sound judgment, professionalism, and confidentiality, with the ability to foster a culture of accountability, compliance, and exceptional customer service.

About

This position is based on‑site in Marshfield, Wisconsin, the headquarters of Partners Bank and a thriving regional hub in the heart of Central Wisconsin. Known for its strong sense of community, outstanding quality of life, and family‑friendly atmosphere, Marshfield offers the perfect balance of professional opportunity and small‑town charm. Residents enjoy excellent schools, affordable housing, a vibrant local business community, and access to high‑quality healthcare, recreation, and cultural amenities. Located within easy driving distance of larger metropolitan areas while maintaining its close‑knit community feel, Marshfield provides an ideal environment for individuals seeking both personal and professional fulfillment.

Benefits

• At Partners Bank, they invest in their employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, financial well‑being, work‑life balance, and professional growth. Eligible employees may enjoy:
• Health insurance with employer premium contributions for fulltime employees and family coverage options
• Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions to help manage healthcare expenses.
• Dental insurance with employer‑paid premium support
• Employer‑paid life and AD&D insurance coverage
• Employer‑paid long‑term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan featuring employer contributions, profit sharing, and matching opportunities
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) participation
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Wellness reimbursement for eligible fitness‑related expenses
• Tuition reimbursement and support for education, seminars, and professional development
• Paid time for blood donation and volunteer incentive opportunities
• Employee banking benefits, including free checking and savings accounts, safe deposit box, money orders, and loan discount opportunities

Partners Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer