Vice President, Commercial Lending in Champaign

A well-capitalized, community-focused financial institution with a multi-branch presence in central Illinois is seeking a Vice President of Commercial Lending to help lead and expand its commercial banking presence in the Champaign / Bloomington market.

This is a strategic leadership role, not a producer-only position. The institution is taking a deliberate, disciplined approach to hiring and is seeking a commercial banking leader who can balance growth, credit quality, and long-term relationship banking.

The Role

The Vice President of Commercial Lending is responsible for driving sustainable commercial loan and deposit growth while maintaining strong credit discipline. This individual will work closely with senior market leadership to expand commercial and small-business relationships and strengthen the bank’s competitive position in central Illinois.

This role is 100% onsite and requires active engagement with the local business community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead commercial and small-business lending initiatives in the Champaign/Bloomington market

• Originate, structure, underwrite, and manage commercial loans, including C&I and owner-occupied CRE

• Develop and execute market-level lending strategies aligned with long-term growth goals

• Build strong relationships with business owners, COIs, and community organizations

• Partner with leadership to drive deposit growth alongside lending activity

• Maintain asset quality through disciplined underwriting and portfolio management

• Review delinquencies and stressed credits; communicate proactively with leadership

• Participate in loan committee and collaborate with credit and operations teams

• Represent the bank in community, civic, and economic development activities

Qualifications

• 7+ years of commercial or business lending experience

• Proven ability to underwrite and approve commercial loans

• Experience managing or mentoring lenders or credit staff

• Strong financial analysis and credit judgment skills

• Relationship-driven community banking mindset

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field

Compensation & Benefits (Illinois Disclosure)

• Base Salary: Up to $145,000, commensurate with experience, portfolio scope, and leadership background

• Incentive Compensation: Performance-based bonus opportunity tied to growth, credit quality, and overall performance

• Benefits Include: Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance; Life Insurance & AD&D; Long-Term Disability / Salary Continuance; 401(k) with Employer Match; Discretionary Profit-Sharing Plan; Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Paid Leave (Illinois compliant); Paid Holidays; Wellness/Fitness Program; Tuition Reimbursement (per policy); Bereavement Leave; Discretionary Stock Option Program (where applicable)

Why This Opportunity

• Leadership role with real market impact, not a siloed production seat

• Strong credit culture with a long-term view

• Visibility and partnership with senior leadership

• Ideal for a commercial lender ready to step into broader leadership

Interested?

This is a confidential search. Initial conversations will be handled discreetly.

Qualified professionals interested in learning more are encouraged to reach out directly for a confidential discussion.

Contact:
📧 crystal.fryers@gogpac.com