Paula A. Hughes Joins Heartland Bank as Chief Credit Officer

WHITEHALL, Ohio, Sept. 26, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heartland BancCorp (OTCQB: HLAN), parent company of Heartland Bank, today announced the appointment of Paula A. Hughes as Chief Credit Officer.  In her new role, Ms. Hughes will have oversight over Heartland’s credit functions, including credit administration, credit approval process, loan policies and procedures, and will work to ensure the overall quality of the bank’s loan portfolio.

“Paula adds vast experience and expertise, which is welcomed as Heartland continues to expand its asset base, product set, and business lines,” said G. Scott McComb, CEO of Heartland Bank.  “Her no-nonsense, hands-on approach fits perfectly with our culture of selfless service to our shareholders, associates, clients and communities.”

With a long and distinguished career as an executive level credit officer, Ms. Hughes has considerable experience in the credit and lending functions across retail, mortgage, commercial and small business lines.  “I am very thrilled to join the Heartland Bank team, and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the bank’s long-standing commitment to the growth and well-being of individuals and businesses in our communities,” said Hughes.

About Heartland BancCorp

Heartland BancCorp is a registered Ohio bank holding company and the parent of Heartland Bank, which operates 15 full-service banking offices. Heartland Bank, founded in 1911, provides full-service commercial, small business, and consumer banking services; professional financial planning services; and other financial products and services. Heartland Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve, a member of the FDIC, and an Equal Housing Lender. Heartland BancCorp is currently quoted on the OTC Markets (OTCQB) under the symbol HLAN. Learn more about Heartland Bank at Heartland.Bank.

In May 2018, Heartland was ranked #37 on the American Banker magazine's list of Top 200 Publicly Traded Community Banks and Thrifts based on three-year average return on equity ("ROE") as of 12/31/17.

Safe Harbor Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current views of future events and operations. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company as of the date of this release.  It is important to note that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the ability of the Company to implement its strategy and expand its lending operations.

Contacts:    

G. Scott McComb, Chairman, President & CEO                                                                          

Heartland BancCorp  614-337-4600