It is with mixed emotions that the RAEDC shares recent news that Steve Ward has been promoted by Heartland Financial USA to become President of Centennial Bank and Trust in Denver, Colorado.
Steve has been President and CEO of Illinois Bank & Trust for the past eight years. Under Steve’s leadership the bank grew organically and through acquisition by 182 percent in total loans and by 219 percent in total deposits.
Jeff Hultman will succeed Steve as President and CEO of Illinois Bank and Trust.
Steve has been extremely active with the RAEDC, taking on leadership roles with the launch of Rockforward! Steve began as the Co-Chairman of the Leadership Council from 2008 through 2011. He then became Chairman of the Leadership Council from 2012 through 2014. More recently Steve has served as the Vice-Chairman of the RAEDC Board of Directors since January 2015.
Caption Left to Right: Mike Nicholas, President; Steve Ward, Vice Chair / Treasurer; Sagar Patel, Chairman of the Board
