FNBO is building a dedicated ESOP lending practice and we’re looking for the right person to lead it. This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up inside one of the nation’s largest privately held banks—a 168-year-old institution with over $35 billion in assets, six generations of family leadership, and a culture rooted in doing the right thing for our customers, communities, and each other. Employee Stock Ownership Plans are one of the most powerful tools in American business—preserving local jobs, building employee wealth, and keeping privately held companies in the hands of the people who built them. At FNBO, ESOP lending isn’t a product line. It’s an extension of who we are. As a privately held institution, we understand the mindset of business owners considering employee ownership because it mirrors our own. That authenticity in shared values is the foundation of our competitive advantage in this space. We’re looking for a builder. Someone who has the experience to structure and close complex ESOP transactions, the vision to develop an industry-leading practice, and the relational skills to earn trust—with business owners, with ESOP advisory professionals, and with colleagues across FNBO. This person will own the vertical end-to-end: strategy, origination, credit quality, team development, ecosystem relationships, and financial performance. About This Role: Accountabilities. Build and lead FNBO’s ESOP lending practice from inception—establishing the strategy, infrastructure, team, and market presence required to develop a best-in-class program. Source, structure, and close ESOP financing transactions, partnering with regional Relationship Managers and Credit Risk leadership to deliver solutions that serve our clients and meet our credit standards. Develop and cultivate referral relationships across the ESOP ecosystem—trustees, valuation firms, attorneys, CPAs, and sell-side advisors who influence lender selection on new ESOP formations. Establish FNBO’s reputation in the ESOP industry through active participation in national organizations, conferences, educational programming, and thought leadership. Partner across FNBO’s platform—Wealth Management, Treasury, and regional banking teams—to deliver comprehensive solutions that deepen client relationships and drive cross-line-of-business value. Train and equip FNBO’s existing commercial banking teams to identify ESOP-eligible clients and engage in early-stage succession planning conversations. Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing team as the practice scales, fostering a culture of credit discipline, intellectual curiosity, and urgency. Own the financial performance of the vertical—origination pipeline, portfolio quality, revenue growth, and contribution to FNBO’s strategic objectives. The Ideal Candidate for This Role: Required Qualifications. Bachelor’s degree required. MBA preferred. Minimum 10 years of commercial banking experience with direct involvement in ESOP lending transactions—from origination and structuring through closing and ongoing portfolio management. Deep understanding of leveraged ESOP transaction mechanics, including seller financing structures, cash flow dynamics, ERISA and DOL compliance, independent trustee and valuation requirements, and repurchase obligation considerations. Demonstrated ability to build and manage referral networks with third-party professionals—trustees, valuation firms, attorneys, CPAs, and sell-side advisors. Strong credit analysis and presentation skills with experience presenting to senior credit committees. Proven track record as a player-coach: someone who can personally originate and close deals while simultaneously building infrastructure, developing a team, and executing a multi-year growth strategy. Values alignment with FNBO’s culture of passion, integrity, and respect. You believe that how you do business matters as much as the business you do. Preferred Qualifications. Existing relationships within the ESOP advisory ecosystem—particularly in the Midwest and Plains states. Active membership or leadership in NCEO, The ESOP Association (TEA), or ESCA. Experience building a new business line, lending vertical, or specialty practice from inception. Background in a relationship-driven community or regional banking environment. Familiarity with middle-market commercial clients in manufacturing, construction, professional services, wholesale distribution, and related industries. Candidates must possess unrestricted work authorization and not require future sponsorship. Compensation: Compensation range (base pay): $158,696.00-$269,783.00 This role may have a specific starting pay within this range. Final compensation offer to candidate may vary from posted hiring range based upon work experience, education, and/or skill level.