The boards overseeing Bank of North Dakota, Heritage Financial in the Northwest, Hustisford State Bank in Wisconsin, Merchants National Bank in Ohio and First Kentucky Bank all announced key leadership hires in the final weeks of June. In this periodic roundup of C-suite changes, American Banker provides a rundown of the latest.
Bank of North Dakota on the hunt for new leader
Bank of North Dakota is searching for a new CEO.
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Steinwand guided "the bank to new records for assets, loans and net income, and always with a focus on North Dakota farmers, ranchers, students and businesses," the state's Industrial Commission, which oversees the bank, said in a press release.
Rob Pfennig, the bank's chief financial officer, was named interim president and CEO, while the commission searches for a permanent replacement.
Heritage Financial cements succession plan
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McDonald has been Heritage Bank's president and chief operating officer since 2018. The bank operates 50 branches throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
"Taking a methodical and thoughtful approach to this transition is important to us. We want to ensure that our customers, our shareholders and our dedicated employees do not experience any notable day-to-day changes in the direction of the bank," Deuel said in the release.
Hustisford State Bank in Wisconsin names CEO
Hustisford State Bank in Wisconsin said it promoted an insider to fill its chief executive role.
The $80 million-asset bank said in a press release that Tanya Ewert had assumed the top job. She will also remain the company's chief financial officer.
Ewert's promotion "to the helm of the organization is a testament to her unwavering passion for our town and its residents," the bank said in the release.
There were 27 bank acquisitions worth $5.45 billion announced in the second quarter as of mid-June. That was more than the $5.2 billion combined value of deals announced over the previous five quarters.
Ewert, who has worked for the eastern Wisconsin bank for nearly 30 years, "has demonstrated dedication, leadership and a deep commitment to serving the financial needs of our community," the bank added.
Merchants National in Ohio looks within to find president
Merchants National Bank in Hillsboro, Ohio, said its chief operating officer had assumed the additional role of president.
The $1.3 billion-asset bank said in a press release that Denise Fauber had been promoted into the role and succeeded Paul Pence, who remains chairman and CEO.
Fauber had served in various leadership roles over the past eight years at Merchants.
"Denise's leadership and guidance to translate strategy into actionable steps for growth are key factors in the bank's asset size doubling since she joined the team in 2016," Pence said in the release.
First Kentucky Bank taps insider to take the helm
Will Hayden, who has been president of First Kentucky Bank in Mayfield since late 2023, will also assume the role of CEO, effective July 1, the company said in a press release.
Hayden joined the $575 million-asset First Kentucky Bank in 2016 and has 24 years of banking experience, according to the release. First Kentucky is a subsidiary of Exchange Bancshares.
"It is quite unique to have the opportunity to lead an organization that is celebrating its 125th anniversary as a staple in the community that has also been my home my entire life," Hayden said.
