Wildfire Credit Union is more than just a local credit union - we're a team driven by purpose, passion, and people. Since 1937, we've grown from a small spark into a bright star for our members. With four branches in the Great Lakes Bay Region, two school branches, and a business office in Mt. Pleasant, we proudly serve the entire state of Michigan. As a member-owned and community-focused organization, we believe in putting people first - our members, our employees and our community. With over $1.1 billion in assets and a team of more than 200 dedicated employees, Wildfire Credit Union is built on a strong foundation of service, integrity, and community impact. We’re committed to creating a workplace where you can thrive professionally while making a difference locally. Our employees bring our mission to life by building meaningful relationships, delivering outstanding service, and supporting causes that strengthen the places we call home. We believe in the power of the human spirit - that inner fire that drives ambition and fuels dreams. If you're looking for a rewarding career where your work matters and your voice is heard, come join the Wildfire team and help us blaze a trail to a brighter future together!
Summary
We are seeking a knowledgeable and strategic Chief Technology & Information Officer to provide executive leadership over technology infrastructure, digital platforms, core banking systems, and information security, while serving as a strategic partner to business leaders to advance innovation, operational excellence, and outstanding member experiences. Your leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission of service excellence while balancing the immediate operational needs with the long-term strategic direction of the credit union along the way!
Responsibilities
This position is responsible for the strategy, architecture, security, and execution of all technology functions across the credit union. This executive leader owns the design and evolution of the organization’s technology environment, ensuring it is secure, resilient, scalable, and aligned with the credit union’s long-term objectives. The CTIO will collaborate with other executive team members to drive digital transformation, streamline operations, and ensure a secure, efficient, and scalable technology environment.
Qualifications
Education/Certification:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, or related field or equivalent experience.
- Master’s degree in business administration or related preferred.
Required Knowledge:
- Deep understanding of banking operations, financial systems, and regulatory requirements.
- Strong experience in cybersecurity, data protection, and risk management.
- Hands-on experience with core banking platforms, mobile banking apps, and digital payments systems.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Proven ownership of information security and cybersecurity programs, including regulatory examinations and incident response.
- Strong working knowledge of cloud and hybrid architectures (e.g., Microsoft Azure, AWS).
- Strong understanding of the credit union’s regulatory environment, including NCUA, DIFS, cybersecurity, and vendor oversight.
Experience required:
- Proven experience (12+ years) in technology leadership roles, with at least 5 years in a senior management position, ideally within a financial services or credit union environment.
- Supervisory experience required.
Skills/Abilities:
- Demonstrates the capacity to analyze complex problems and align technology initiatives with broader organizational goals.
- Skilled at balancing the immediate operational needs with the long-term strategic direction of the credit union.
- Proven ability to oversee project timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure successful, on-time project delivery.
- Skilled at managing cross-functional teams, mitigating risks, and navigating challenges throughout the lifecycle of a project.
- In-depth understanding of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud) and how they can drive costs savings, scalability, and flexibility for the credit union.
- Excellent communication skills, able to effectively articulate the need for change and technology-driven solutions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Strong change management capabilities, ensuring smooth transitions during technology implementation and the integration of new processes or systems.
If you’re ready to blaze your own trail with a career at a credit union and make a strategic difference, we’d love to hear from you - join us at Wildfire Credit Union where your dedication fuels our collective success!
