About the role
Lendesca is seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Credit Officer (CCO) to lead the Company's credit function and overall lending risk management strategy. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing underwriting, loan servicing, and portfolio management, ensuring the quality, performance, and compliance of the Company's lending platform while supporting sustainable growth. The CCO will provide leadership and direction across the full credit lifecycle, including the development and implementation of credit policies, procedures, and governance frameworks aligned with SBA program requirements and applicable regulatory standards.
What you'll do
- Lead and oversee the overall credit function, including portfolio quality, risk management, and reserve adequacy across the Company's lending platform
- Maintain and evolve the Company's credit strategy, ensuring alignment with SBA program requirements, internal risk tolerance, and broader business objectives
- Exercise credit authority, as assigned, on complex transactions, and guide final credit decisions through collaboration with executive leadership and/or credit committees
- Establish and manage credit authority frameworks across the team, ensuring consistency, discipline, and accountability in credit decisioning
- Own and continuously enhance credit policies, procedures, and internal standards, including periodic reviews and updates based on audit findings, regulatory changes, and portfolio performance
- Ensure all lending activity is compliant with applicable regulatory requirements, SBA program guidelines, and internal policies
- Provide leadership and oversight to credit and servicing teams, including performance management, coaching, and development of team members
- Monitor portfolio performance, including risk ratings, concentration levels, and credit trends, and proactively identify areas of concern or opportunity
- Collaborate with executive leadership and board-level stakeholders on credit strategy, portfolio performance, and key risk decisions
- Support the end-to-end credit lifecycle — underwriting, approval, closing, and servicing — ensuring alignment and continuity across all stages
- Drive operational efficiency within the credit function, ensuring processes are scalable, well-coordinated, and aligned with the Company's growth trajectory
- Represent Lendesca externally with partners, lenders, and industry participants, supporting relationship development and market presence
What you'll bring
- 10+ years of experience in commercial credit, with significant exposure to SBA lending and government-guaranteed loan programs
- Demonstrated leadership experience within a credit or lending organization, including team management and development
- Deep understanding of credit analysis, underwriting, and risk management principles, with the ability to evaluate and structure complex transactions
- Strong working knowledge of SBA programs (7(a), 504, Express, etc.) and applicable regulatory requirements
- Proven ability to balance risk management with business growth objectives in a dynamic environment
- Experience managing credit policy, procedures, and internal governance frameworks
- Ability to communicate complex credit concepts clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate, and drive alignment across teams
- Proficiency with core business tools and lending platforms
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience
Equal opportunity at Lendesca
Lendesca is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diverse perspectives and are committed to building a team where everyone can do their best work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
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