Chief Executive Officer

Maine Credit Union League; Maine; On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

NorState Federal Credit Union in Maine is seeking a strategic leader for the Chief Executive Officer role. This position is crucial as part of a planned leadership transition to maintain financial strength and member service excellence.

Successful candidates will have experience in leading complex organizations, robust financial acumen, and a commitment to collaborative culture. The role involves driving organizational goals while enhancing community engagement and member relationships.

NorState FCU values relationships and accountability, offering a chance to lead a respected financial institution into its next chapter.

Qualifications

• Progressive executive leadership experience leading a complex organization.
• Strong financial management and business acumen.
• Experience in organizational growth or strategic transformation.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with operational execution.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the credit union.
• Lead strategic planning and execution of organizational goals.
• Ensure sound financial management and sustainability.
• Foster a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Financial management

Leadership skills

Relationship-building

Operational execution

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

NorState FCU is seeking an experienced, strategic, and people-focused leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer.

This opportunity arises as part of NorState’s planned leadership succession process following the announced retirement of its current Chief Executive Officer. The Board of Directors is committed to a thoughtful and deliberate transition that preserves the credit union’s strong culture, financial strength, and commitment to member service.

Headquartered in Madawaska, Maine, NorState Federal Credit Union is a member‑owned financial cooperative serving communities throughout Northern Maine. Established in 1941, NorState serves more than 14,500 members through six branch locations and employs approximately 80 team members. With assets exceeding $250 million, NorState has built a strong reputation for financial strength, member service, employee development, and community involvement.

Guided by its mission, Working Together To Improve Our Members’ Financial Lives, NorState is seeking a CEO who will build upon the credit union’s success while positioning the organization for continued growth, innovation, and long‑term sustainability.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, financial performance, and operational success of the organization.

The CEO reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for implementing Board‑approved strategic objectives while providing leadership and oversight for all credit union operations.

Working closely with the Board, leadership team, employees, members, and community stakeholders, the CEO will advance NorState’s mission while maintaining a strong focus on financial stewardship, operational excellence, employee development, and member service.

The successful candidate will help guide the organization through its next chapter by balancing strategic vision with practical execution, preserving NorState’s strong culture while embracing opportunities for growth and innovation.

Responsibilities

The Chief Executive Officer will:

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the credit union.
• Lead strategic planning and execution of organizational goals.
• Ensure sound financial management and long‑term financial sustainability.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and service excellence.
• Support employee engagement, leadership development, and succession planning.
• Maintain strong relationships with members, employees, regulators, community leaders, and business partners.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and governance requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to establish and achieve strategic objectives.
• Serve as an ambassador for NorState within the communities it serves.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Progressive executive or senior leadership experience leading a complex organization with responsibility for strategic planning, financial performance, operations, and personnel management.
• Strong financial management and business acumen.
• Experience leading organizational growth, operational improvement, or strategic transformation initiatives.
• Strategic thinking and long‑range planning capabilities.
• Strong communication, relationship‑building, and leadership skills.
• Experience working effectively with governing boards, executive leadership teams, and key stakeholders.
• A commitment to employee development, organizational culture, and member service excellence.
• The ability to balance strategic leadership with operational execution.

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience is required. Advanced degrees and relevant professional certifications are preferred.

Experience within a credit union or financial institution is preferred but not required. Experience leading within a regulated environment is desirable.

The Board is seeking a leader interested in making a long‑term commitment to NorState FCU and the communities it serves.

Why NorState?

NorState FCU has a proud history of serving the people and communities of Northern Maine. The next CEO will have the opportunity to lead a financially strong organization with a dedicated workforce, strong membership, and a clear commitment to cooperative values.

The Board is seeking a leader who values relationships, embraces accountability, and understands the importance of balancing organizational growth with the personalized service members expect from a community‑based financial institution.

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on employees, members, and communities while helping shape the future of a respected regional financial institution.

The planned nature of this transition provides the successful candidate with the opportunity to assume leadership through an orderly succession process designed to support continuity, knowledge transfer, and long‑term organizational success.

Compensation

NorState FCU offers a competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience.

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover letter outlining their interest in the opportunity
• Resume

References may be requested from finalist candidates during later stages of the search process.

Applications will be accepted immediately.

The CEO Search Committee will conduct an initial review of applications received through July 31, 2026, and may begin interviewing qualified candidates at that time.

Applications will continue to be accepted through August 31, 2026. Additional qualified candidates received during August will receive full consideration by the Committee.

Following the close of the application period, the Committee will evaluate the overall candidate pool and determine next steps, including finalist interviews and any additional recruitment efforts that may be warranted.

The Board of Directors is conducting a comprehensive search and welcomes applications from candidates who share NorState’s commitment to service, financial strength, employee development, and community engagement.

NorState FCU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates interested in leading the organization into its next chapter of success.