HBT Financial names new president, CEO

A leadership succession plan is underway at Bloomington, Ill.-based HBT Financial. .Effective May 24, Heartland Bank Chair and CEO Fred Drake will transition to executive chair of both the bank and its holding company, HBT Financial, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer J. Lance Carter will become president and CEO of both $4.1 billion HBT Financial and Heartland Bank. ."[Carter] has demonstrated the capability to lead HBT into the future," Drake said. "Over his 22-year career with us, he has gained experience with overall bank management, including credit administration, mergers/acquisitions and overseeing a public company. Just as important, he has the trust and respect of our board, executive team and the bank officers and staff."