Northwest Bank announced that Chad Ballard has joined the company as Chief Information Officer, effective May 18, 2026. Reporting directly to President and CEO Louis Torchio and serving as a member of the executive leadership team, Ballard will oversee the bank’s information technology strategy and operations.
In his new role, Ballard will lead technology initiatives designed to support Northwest Bank’s business priorities, improve operational efficiency, and enhance experiences for customers and employees across the institution’s footprint.
Ballard brings more than 25 years of technology leadership experience to the position. Most recently, he served as CIO for Shared Services Operations at Wells Fargo, where he developed a Know Your Customer (KYC) platform and deployed AI agents to improve operational efficiency. Prior to that, he held leadership positions at JPMorgan Chase and PNC, overseeing core banking, digital channel, and AI platform transformation initiatives.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Ballard will work closely with teams throughout Northwest Bank to modernize technology platforms and support the company’s continued growth strategy. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Northwest Bancshares is the holding company for Northwest Bank. Founded in 1896, the bank operates 151 full-service financial centers and 11 drive-up locations across Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and Indiana, offering business and personal banking, employee benefits, and wealth management services.
KEY QUOTES:
“Chad brings deep experience in technology leadership and a strong understanding of how technology supports growth, innovation and risk management in financial services. His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to invest in systems and capabilities that support our ongoing transformation and growth.”
Louis Torchio, President And CEO, Northwest Bank
“I’m looking forward to working with the team at Northwest Bank to enhance the technology foundation that supports our customers, associates and communities. Technology plays a critical role in how a bank operates every day. I’m excited to help advance secure, scalable initiatives to support the bank’s current momentum and meet our customers’ current and future needs.”
Chad Ballard, Chief Information Officer, Northwest Bank
