Trustee

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Trustee

DEPARTMENT: Board of Trustees

ACCOUNTABILITY: The Depositors of The North Country Savings Bank, New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Date Last Revised: June 18, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY

Trustees serve as fiduciaries and stewards of The North Country Savings Bank’s mutual mission, long-term sustainability, and strategic direction. The Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the safety, soundness, governance, and performance of the Bank while preserving its mutual charter and commitment to customers, employees, and communities throughout the North Country.

Trustees provide independent oversight of management, establish strategic direction, monitor organizational performance, oversee enterprise risk, and ensure the Bank remains positioned for responsible growth and long-term success. Trustees are expected to exercise sound judgment, maintain the highest ethical standards, and contribute actively to the advancement of the Bank’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and fiduciary responsibility.

• Commitment to the Bank’s mutual mission and community-focused values.

• Ability to think strategically and evaluate long-term opportunities and risks.

• Independence and willingness to provide constructive challenge.

• Business, financial, legal, technology, risk management, community leadership, or related experience.

• Understanding of corporate governance principles and regulatory expectations.

• Commitment to ongoing Board education and development.

• Ability to represent the interests of depositors, customers, employees, and communities served by the Bank.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Governance and Fiduciary Oversight

• Administer the affairs of the Bank as a fiduciary with integrity, prudence, diligence, loyalty, and care.

• Ensure the Bank operates in a safe, sound, ethical, and compliant manner.

• Establish and periodically review governance practices, policies, and Board effectiveness.

• Maintain independence of judgment while supporting constructive engagement with management.

• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory expectations.

Strategic Leadership

• Approve, monitor, and periodically review the Bank’s strategic plan.

• Provide oversight of progress toward long-term strategic objectives and financial targets.

• Evaluate strategic opportunities that strengthen the Bank’s market position, mutual mission, and long-term viability.

• Support responsible growth initiatives, diversification efforts, and investments that improve customer value and operational effectiveness.

• Monitor management’s execution of strategic initiatives and hold leadership accountable for results.

Chief Executive Officer Oversight

• Select, support, evaluate, and, when necessary, replace the President & Chief Executive Officer.

• Establish performance expectations and succession plans for the CEO.

• Maintain open, candid, and constructive communication with the CEO.

• Provide guidance and feedback while respecting management’s operational responsibilities.

Risk Management and Financial Stewardship

• Oversee enterprise risk management, capital adequacy, liquidity, cybersecurity, compliance, and operational resilience.

• Review the Bank’s financial performance and condition on a regular basis.

• Ensure risks are appropriately identified, measured, monitored, and controlled.

• Balance growth objectives with the preservation of long-term financial strength.

Talent and Succession Oversight

• Oversee executive succession planning and leadership development efforts.

• Monitor management’s effectiveness in attracting, developing, and retaining talent.

• Support the development of future leaders capable of sustaining the Bank’s mission and strategy.

Community and Mutual Mission

• Serve as ambassadors for the Bank within the communities it serves.

• Promote the Bank’s reputation, values, and commitment to community development.

• Advocate for decisions that support customers, employees, communities, and the long-term interests of the mutual institution.

• Encourage meaningful community engagement and financial education initiatives.

Board Effectiveness

• Attend and actively participate in Board meetings, committee meetings, strategic planning sessions, and educational programs.

• Prepare for meetings through thoughtful review of materials and reports.

• Engage respectfully in discussion, challenge assumptions appropriately, and contribute to informed decision-making.

• Participate in Board self-assessments and continuing education programs.

Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

• Avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest.

• Maintain confidentiality of Board discussions and sensitive information.

• Refrain from advancing personal, professional, or financial interests at the expense of the Bank.

• Adhere to all applicable ethics, confidentiality, and governance standards.

NCSB Board Responsibility: Exercises authority collectively as a Board. Through established governance processes, the Board appoints and evaluates the President & Chief Executive Officer, approves executive succession plans, and ratifies the appointment of officers as required by applicable law, regulation, and Bank policy.

NCSB Board Competencies:

• Banking and finance

• Commercial business leadership

• Technology and cybersecurity

• Risk management

• Human capital and succession planning

• Community leadership

• Legal and regulatory matters

• Marketing and customer experience

Attendance and Dependability: The trustee can be depended upon to attend meetings and strives to keep absences minimal. The trustee can be depended upon to complete board work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner, and is conscientious about assignments.

Communication and Contact: The trustee communicates effectively both verbally and in writing with fellow trustees, management, auditors, consultants, and individuals outside of the Bank.