CTO

Overview

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.

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

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

• 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 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.

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