The Vice President of Credit - USDA will serve as the senior credit authority for Peachtree Group's USDA OneRD lending platform. This individual will oversee the full credit lifecycle - from underwriting through closing - and will play a central role in shaping credit policy, managing risk, and driving the growth of the USDA lending business. The role requires deep, hands-on expertise in USDA OneRD programs and a demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced lending environment.
POSITION OVERVIEW Credit & Underwriting- Lead the underwriting and credit approval process for USDA OneRD loan transactions, including Business & Industry (B&I), Community Facilities (CF), and Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) loans
- Conduct thorough credit analysis, including cash flow modeling, collateral evaluation, borrower financial assessment, and risk rating
- Author and present credit memoranda to senior leadership and credit committees
- Establish and maintain credit underwriting standards consistent with USDA program guidelines and internal risk appetite
Loan Closing & Execution- Oversee the closing process for USDA OneRD transactions, coordinating with legal counsel, borrowers, and USDA agency contacts to ensure timely and compliant closings
- Review and approve loan documentation, conditions precedent, and closing checklists
- Manage relationships with USDA state and national offices throughout the approval and closing process
Portfolio & Risk Management- Monitor the performance of the USDA loan portfolio, identifying emerging credit risks and recommending remediation strategies
- Ensure ongoing compliance with USDA program requirements, lender agreements, and internal credit policies
- Prepare and present portfolio reporting to senior management
Leadership & Team Development- Manage and mentor a team of credit analysts and underwriters
- Collaborate with originations, legal, compliance, and asset management teams
- Contribute to the strategic development of the USDA lending platform, including process improvements and product expansion
QUALIFICATIONS- Minimum 8-10 years of experience in USDA OneRD lending, with direct responsibility for credit underwriting, approval, and loan closing
- Deep familiarity with USDA OneRD programs (B&I, CF, REAP, or similar); working knowledge of USDA lender regulations, conditional commitments, and guarantee structures
- Strong financial modeling and credit analysis capabilities; experience presenting to credit committees
- Demonstrated experience managing underwriting or credit teams
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Real Estate, Business, or a related field required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to manage relationships with government agencies, borrowers, and internal stakeholders
