Commercial/ag lender

Commercial / Ag Lender – Southern Illinois Market

Confidential Search Managed Externally

A well-established, community-focused financial institution is expanding its commercial and agricultural lending presence across Southern Illinois. This is a rare opportunity to step into a stable, relationship-driven environment with the freedom to build and grow your own portfolio.

What You’ll Do

• Manage and grow a diverse portfolio of commercial, ag, and small business clients.

• 
  

  Develop new relationships through COIs, local networking, and community involvement.

• 
  

  Structure, underwrite, and present commercial credit requests for approval.

• 
  

  Cross-sell deposit, treasury, and business banking solutions.

• 
  

  Partner closely with senior leadership to help shape lending strategy and market growth.

What Makes This Role Stand Out

• Local decision-making: Direct access to credit and leadership – no layers of bureaucracy.

• 
  

  Community impact: You’ll work with business owners, farmers, and entrepreneurs who value trusted, local relationships.

• 
  

  Growth opportunity: The commercial portfolio is healthy and established, but there’s room for strategic expansion and fresh ideas.

• 
  

  Supportive culture: A leadership team that values autonomy, transparency, and long-term relationships over volume quotas.

What You’ll Bring

• 7 years of experience in commercial, ag, or business banking.

• 
  

  Strong credit acumen with experience structuring C&I, CRE, or ag deals.

• 
  

  Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort operating independently.

• 
  

  Solid COI network and desire to be visible in the community.

• 
  

  Familiarity with SBA, USDA, or FSA lending programs is a plus.

Next Step

This search is being managed confidentially by gpac on behalf of the hiring institution.
Qualified candidates will be contacted directly for an initial confidential conversation.

To apply or learn more, contact:
Crystal Fryers
Executive Recruiter | gpac

[email protected]

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.