Horizon Announces Promotions of Market Presidents With Integration of Peoples Federal Savings

horizon-promos-sept-2015Horizon Bank announces the promotion of several key market leaders as it works to complete the integration of Peoples Federal Savings Bank.

“We are pleased that many of the familiar faces that Peoples’ customers have come to know will remain with Horizon at their neighborhood branches, said Craig M. Dwight, Horizon Bank’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Horizon has a closely held belief to hire and retain local talent with strong commitments to their communities and strong personal values. We are excited to partner with this team of seasoned professionals that will be led by some very well-known community bankers,” continued Dwight.

Dwight is pleased to announce the promotions of established, local banking professionals from Peoples Federal Savings Bank: Jeff Gatton, has been appointed to Market President of Southern Michigan; Larry Kummer, has been appointed to Market President of Northeast Indiana; and Joe Walter, has been appointed to Market President of LaGrange County Indiana.

Gatton has devoted his career to the banking business for over 30 years. He consistently dedicates himself to customers’ financial success and growth within the local communities he serves. Gatton is excited about the merger and looks forward to being a part of a solid performing local bank that shares Peoples’ philosophy. He excels in leading his team of local business professionals and currently oversees the two Three Rivers Offices, Schoolcraft, and Union office within Southern Michigan.

Kummer began his agricultural banking career in 1979. He currently supervises the Agricultural Lending Group. His commitment to providing superior diversified lending products will expand with the robust loan product offerings of Horizon Bank. Kummer has won many state and national agricultural and community awards for his farming and his dedication to agriculture. He is a visible community leader and now manages the Northeast Indiana offices of Auburn, Avilla, Kendallville, Garrett, Columbia City, Waterloo and Woodburn.

Walter graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Agricultural Finance. Walter has extensive experience in family agribusiness and maintains an active role as Senior Agricultural Lending Officer who works closely with his offices always looking for opportunities to grow local business. He will be managing LaGrange County’s Howe, LaGrange, and Topeka offices.

In addition to this local leadership, Horizon is establishing a local advisory board with the goal to maintain the pulse of the local community and continue to share Horizon’s philosophy of providing exceptional service and commitment to communities it serves.

Horizon Bancorp is a locally owned, independent, commercial bank holding company serving Northern and Central Indiana and Southwest and Central Michigan through its commercial banking subsidiary Horizon Bank, NA. Horizon also offers mortgage-banking services throughout the Midwest. Horizon Bancorp may be reached online at www.horizonbank.com. Its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol HBNC.