CTO (Banking) #1508

Our client, a well-regarded and independently operated firm specializing in trust and estate administration out of Nashville, Tennessee, is seeking a senior technology executive to step into this critical leadership role. The successful candidate will be responsible for steering the full scope of the company's IT function — from infrastructure management and cybersecurity strategy to vendor relationships and the adoption of innovative technologies, all within a highly regulated financial services setting.

This role offers meaningful executive influence, including a close working relationship with the CEO, collaboration with a strong leadership team, and the opportunity to shape the technological direction of a growing organization.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Vision & Strategy

• Partner cross-functionally with Legal, Compliance, Data, and Operations teams to align technology initiatives with broader business needs
• Assess and deploy emerging technologies — including artificial intelligence — to enhance efficiency, support scalability, and strengthen market positioning
• Counsel the CEO and senior leadership team on technology direction, risk exposure, and capital allocation for IT investments
• Build and drive a comprehensive technology roadmap that supports the company's long-term growth trajectory

Systems, Infrastructure & Operations

• Oversee IT support functions to ensure responsive, high-quality service delivery across the organization
• Assess, select, and manage technology vendors, platforms, and software solutions
• Lead and mentor the internal IT team while managing relationships with outsourced managed service providers
• Take full ownership of the firm's IT backbone — including networking, cloud environments, hardware, and enterprise software

Security, Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance

• Collaborate closely with Compliance and Legal teams to satisfy audit requirements and meet regulatory obligations
• Proactively identify, assess, and address technology-related risks and lead incident response efforts
• Maintain compliance with state banking regulations and other standards applicable to a regulated financial institution
• Establish and maintain a strong cybersecurity framework and risk mitigation strategy across the enterprise

Requirements

Essential

• Demonstrated ability to navigate the balance between robust security practices and forward-thinking innovation that enables business growth
• Broad expertise spanning cloud platforms, data services, networking, API management, regulatory compliance, and risk management
• 15+ years of increasingly senior experience in IT leadership and management
• Deep knowledge of networking, hardware, software ecosystems, and security operations
• Professional background in financial services, banking, trust administration, or a similarly regulated sector
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a track record of advising C-suite executives and board members
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline (equivalent professional experience considered)

Preferred

• Prior experience overseeing outsourced managed service provider engagements
• Working knowledge of state banking regulations and related compliance frameworks

Benefits

• Base Compensation: $170,000–$200,000 depending on experience
• Incentive: Discretionary year-end bonus
• Time Off: Unlimited PTO policy
• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance fully covered by the employer from your start date
• Additional Perks: Generous HSA contribution, employer-funded life and disability coverage, Safe Harbor 401(k) plan

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.