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 executive bios on each CEO
DAVID VLAHOS
Michigan
Email David
Interests:
- Mentoring of “new to the role” executive
- Interim CEO or COO
- Board consultation related to corporate governance matters and strategy
- Board membership
- Strategic planning
- Balance sheet risk management, including capital planning
- M&A strategy and execution
- Organizational Transformation Support
Expertise:
- Board and Executive Team Advisory Services
- Capital and Strategic Planning
- Talent Development and Succession Planning
- Risk Management
- Merger and Acquisition Analysis/Execution
- Digital Banking
- Asset/Liability Management
- Credit Administration and Commercial Lending
- Regulatory Relations
- Investment Portfolio Management
- Budgeting/Profitability Analysis
SIMON VINCENT
Calgary, CA
Email Simon
Interests:
- Executive coaching – high potential, newly promoted executives, high performing leaders, transitioning leaders
- Strategic planning and strategic map development
- Team coaching – team leadership; alignment for high performance
- Competitive positioning and market analysis
- Organizational transformation support
- Corporate Brand and industry positioning
- Corporate Board membership
- Board and Executive team advisory services
- Executive search
- M&A strategy; newco plan implementation
Expertise:
- Corporate strategy development
- Competitive positioning and brand differentiation
- Executive and team coaching (Hudson; TCS methodologies)
- Board directorship and governance
- CEO advisory services
- Digital and corporate transformation
- New technology business startup
- Market growth strategy
- Financial & Telecom technology services planning
- Brand positioning strategy
WAYNE F. PATENAUDE
Boston, Massachusetts
Email Wayne
Interests:
- Mentoring of “new to the role” executive
- Interim CEO (or COO or CFO)
- Board consultation related to corporate governance matters and strategy
- Board membership
- Strategic planning
- Balance sheet risk management, including capital planning
- M&A strategy and execution
Expertise:
- Capital and Strategic Planning
- Talent Development and Succession Planning
- Risk Management
- Merger and Acquisition Analysis/Execution
- Digital Banking
- Asset/Liability Management
- Credit administration
- Regulatory Relations
- Investment Portfolio Management
- Budgeting/Profitability Analysis
DAVID VLAHOS
Michigan
Three-decade career in banking, including as a senior loan officer and 14 years as president and CEO of a community bank. Managed and led our community bank through a bank acquisition and two integration. Leading our bank as it grew from under $500 million in assets to over $1 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
BA (Hons), Economics/Political Science, Queen’s University, MBA, University of Calgary, i.ICD, Rotman School of Business, Executive Coaching Certification, Hudson Coaching Institute, Team Coaching Certificate, Team Coaching Studios.
As co-founder and CEO of Acclaro Consulting Solutions, Simon provides executive teams in the global technology sector with strategic path and business development advisory 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.
Simon has dedicated many years in community and not-for-profit board activities, including past Chair of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, and Board roles with Innovate Calgary, JDRF, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and Canadian Hearing Services (CHS) as well as a member of the Queen’s University Faculty of Arts & Science Dean’s Business Advisory Council.
Simon is married and lives with Katherine in their home in Fernie, British Columbia.
WAYNE F. PATENAUDE, CFA
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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