THE CEO EXCHANGE
The NBS Group is proud to sponsor, support, and collaborate with this distinguished network of former Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) who have dedicated decades to serving the community banking industry. Recently retired but still deeply committed, these seasoned leaders bring the drive, insight, and expertise to help their peers navigate complex challenges, address pressing issues, and overcome potential threats. Drawing on their firsthand experience in nearly every situation a bank CEO might face, they remain a trusted resource for today’s leaders.
We encourage you to reach out directly to any of the CEOs listed here or submit a request through our Connect with Us section below.
About the CEO Exchange
Founded by The NBS Group, the CEO Exchange serves as a collaborative hub and true “think tank” for experienced CEOs who have been in the trenches. This group is ready to offer independent, expert advice and consultation not only to current bank CEOs but also to industry organizations, regulators, and federal and state legislators.
Stay tuned—and be sure to sign up for our upcoming industry blog—to tap into their unparalleled insight and experience.
The NBS Group, Your Trusted Partner to Transform Banking with a
Tailored Combination of Strategy, Technology, and Performance Improvement Services.
Click the headshot to open to more information on each CEO
David Vlahos
Michigan
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Simon Vincent
Calgary, CA
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Wayne F. Patenaude
Boston, Massachusetts
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DAVID VLAHOS
Michigan
Three-decade career in banking, including as a senior loan officer and 16 years as president and CEO of a community bank. Managed and led our community bank through two bank acquisitions and integration. Leading our bank as it grew from under $200 million in assets to over $1.2 billion. Results-oriented executive leading and growing organizations. Proven track record of building teams, improving asset quality, increasing revenues, successfully expanding into new markets, managing and supporting a community bank Board of Directors, modernizing and enhancing Board governance and oversight, and over two decades working with and responding to Federal and state regulatory examiners.
Simon Vincent
Calgary, CA
Simon brings over 40 years of executive, team management, consulting and coaching experience in complex industries such as telecommunications, technology, and financial services to his consulting and coaching practice.
As co-founder and CEO of Acclaro Consulting Solutions, Simon provides executive teams in the global financial services and technology sectors strategic path and business development advisory and executive coaching services.
Drawing on his deep strategic and vertical industry knowledge, as well as an extensive network of global relationships, he brings a passion for assisting organizations in developing and delivering on ambitious strategic goals. Over 40 years of leadership experience in the global telecom, energy and fintech sectors have equipped Simon with a deep understanding of global markets, technology trends, people leadership and corporate strategy.
His extensive background includes working effectively with executive leadership teams and corporate and nonprofit boards, leading them through numerous large-scale transformations. Simon’s practical knowledge and firsthand experience provide him with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by high-performing leaders and executive teams. His experience includes working with technology and financial firms to expand their North American market reach , with market analysis, targeted market and portfolio evolution strategy development in the Credit Union, banking and telecom sectors in Canada and the US.
Recent roles included Executive Vice President of Banking & Omnichannel Solutions for a national financial technology services firm focused on the Credit Union market and advising a European Digital Banking solution provider on their North American financial market growth strategy and US FI market study. Simon also spent 12 years on the Board of a regional Innovation start up organization, adding to his understanding of tech firm market growth challenges.
In addition to his professional career, Simon has been actively involved in community service and nonprofit board activities. He holds a degree in economics, an MBA, and certification from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.C). Simon has a certificate in Team Coaching from the Team Coaching Studio (TCS – UK) and his executive coaching certification from the Hudson Institute of Coaching in Santa Barbara, CA.
Acclaro Consulting Solutions is specialized marketing strategy and coaching firm, based in western Canada.
Wayne F. Patenaude
Boston, Massachusetts
Wayne F. Patenaude, CFA, is a seasoned financial services executive and board director with over 30 years of leadership experience in banking and strategic finance. As the former President and CEO of Cambridge Financial Group and Cambridge Savings Bank—a $7 billion institution—he spearheaded three strategic plans that delivered a 21% compounded annual earnings growth rate over more than a decade. His leadership encompassed the successful launch of Ivy Bank, a national digital bank that generated $850 million in deposits since 2020, the acquisition and integration of a market expanding community bank, and the creation of an Asset-Based Lending division, which exceeded $200 million in loans within three years. At Cambridge Savings Bank, Wayne also implemented a robust succession planning framework that promoted organizational resilience and internal talent advancement. With deep experience in capital planning, M&A, regulatory compliance, and enterprise-wide financial strategy, Wayne consistently drove innovation, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.
Wayne’s board service is grounded in his core values-driven approach and deep governance expertise, with a strong focus on leadership development, risk oversight, and community impact. He has held numerous nonprofit and civic board roles, including with the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, and the American Red Cross of Berkshire County. He also developed and led the Concord-Carlisle travel basketball program, reflecting his commitment to youth development and community engagement.
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