What are the responsibilities and job description for the President & CEO position at Smith & Wilkinson?
Smith & Wilkinson has been retained by The Bank of Bennington to lead the search for its next President & Chief Executive Officer as part of the planned retirement of longtime President & CEO Jim Brown in Spring 2027.
About the Bank
Headquartered in Bennington, Vermont, The Bank of Bennington is an independent, mutually owned community bank with approximately $662MM in assets and five banking offices serving communities across southwestern Vermont. With a history spanning more than a century, the Bank has built a strong reputation for personalized service, local decision-making, and longstanding relationships with the individuals, families, and businesses it serves. The Bank is in excellent financial condition, with strong capital, sound asset quality, and consistent profitability. Its relationship-focused approach, commitment to employees, and deep community roots have positioned the organization for continued success.
About the Role
Reporting to and serving on the Board of Directors, the President & CEO will provide overall leadership and strategic direction for The Bank of Bennington. Building upon the Bank's strong financial foundation and established market presence, this executive will work collaboratively with the Board to shape and execute its next strategic plan, identify opportunities for sustainable growth, strengthen core deposit and lending relationships, and evaluate opportunities for market expansion and continued modernization. A particularly important priority will be developing the next generation of leadership, including recruiting and mentoring senior executives, strengthening succession planning, and building a high-performing management team. The CEO will be expected to preserve the Bank's distinctive mutual culture and commitment to relationship banking while bringing fresh perspectives and a forward-thinking approach to its next chapter.
The ideal candidate will be an accomplished, well-rounded community banking executive with strong financial and balance sheet management expertise, a demonstrated record of profitable organic growth, and the ability to develop and lead talented teams. We are seeking a collaborative, approachable, and strategically minded leader who can balance sound risk management with thoughtful growth, work effectively with an engaged Board, and build upon the Bank's longstanding reputation. The successful candidate will have a genuine appreciation for the mutual banking model and a commitment to becoming an active, visible member of the southern Vermont community.
For additional information or to arrange a confidential conversation about this executive leadership opportunity, please contact Cameron Boyd, Managing Partner, or Julia Crouter, Consultant, at Smith & Wilkinson.