MERRIAM, Kan., Sept. 27, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company announced today that Steven E. Ward has been named President and CEO. In addition to his role as bank president, Ward will have leadership responsibility for the Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Texas markets within Heartland Financial USA, Inc., a Dubuque, Iowa-based community bank holding company.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d24e8b74-22d5-4665-acfe-330571801cf5
A seasoned executive with 25 years commercial banking experience, Ward’s career with Heartland spans 9 years. During this time, he has led several Heartland banks, most recently Centennial Bank and Trust in Colorado where he served as President for nearly two years.
Kurt Saylor, Chairman of Morrill & Janes Bank said, “I’m excited to welcome Steve to the bank. His extensive experience and strength in building strong and responsive organizations will ensure we’re serving our customers’ financial needs. As a Midwesterner, he understands the unique dynamics of this region and cares deeply about the communities we serve. I also know Steve is looking forward to catching more of his son’s hockey games at the University of Missouri.”
“Steve has been instrumental in building Heartland’s largest market in Colorado,” said Bruce K. Lee, President, Heartland Financial USA, Inc. “His proven leadership helped guide the organization’s integration of Summit Bank & Trust and Centennial Bank in 2016. He most recently completed the acquisition of Citywide Banks, which formed a combined $2.2 billion community bank.”
“I am honored, yet humbled, to be a part of Morrill & Janes Bank, Kansas’ first state-chartered bank,” Ward said. “It is exciting in today’s digital world to have the opportunity to carry forward such a rich history. This is an institution that sincerely cares about the people and communities it serves. We have wonderful employees who make up the MJB team that truly enjoy contributing to their hometowns individually and through the bank’s involvement.”
Ward has held several leadership positions across Heartland including President of Centennial Bank and Trust and President and CEO of Illinois Bank & Trust, where he served for nearly eight years. He has a track record for building strong financial institutions.
Ward earned an MBA with concentrations in finance and marketing from DePaul University and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Illinois State University. Ward has served as a member of the Rockford Area Economic Development Council Board of Directors, the Rockford Local Development Corp. Board of Directors and the Illinois Bankers Association Board of Directors.
About Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust
Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust Company, a subsidiary of Heartland Financial USA, Inc., (NASDAQ:HTLF), has assets of more than $748 million and is dedicated to the principles of community banking, including community involvement, an active board of directors, local presidents and local decision-making. The first state-chartered bank in Kansas, Morrill & Janes Bank is based in Merriam, Kansas. In addition to a location in Dallas, Texas, the bank operates eight banking centers in Kansas City and Northeast Kansas. For more information, visit www.mjbtrc.com or call 877.280.1862. Morrill & Janes Bank and Trust is a member of the FDIC and is an Equal Housing Lender.
About Heartland Financial USA, Inc.
Heartland Financial USA, Inc. is a diversified financial services company with assets exceeding $9.5 billion. The company provides banking, mortgage, private client, investment, insurance and consumer finance services to individuals and businesses. Heartland currently has 121 banking locations serving 88 communities in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Arizona, Montana, Colorado, Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri, Texas and California. Additional information about Heartland Financial USA, Inc. is available at www.htlf.com.
CONTACT:
Laura J. Hughes
Chief Marketing Officer
563.589.2148
lhughes@htlf.com