Craig Dwight
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind.,—Horizon Bancorp, Inc. has announced that Craig Dwight, Chairman of Board, will retire from the Board of directors effective at the expiration of his current term on May 1, 2025.
The board of directors has elected Eric Blackhurst to serve as an Independent Chairperson, effective upon Dwight’s retirement. Blackhurst has served as a Company Director for over seven years during which time his leadership has been instrumental, notably as Chairperson of Corporate Governance and as a member of the Compensation Committee.
Blackhurst recently retired from a 35-year career at The Dow Chemical Company where he served as Associate General Counsel, Corporate Transactions and Latin America. He is currently interim president of Alma College. Additionally, with Horizon’s transition to an Independent Chairperson, the role of Independent Lead Director, currently held by Michele Magnuson, will be retired. Ms. Magnuson will remain on the Board and continue to serve on the Compensation and Governance Committees.
“On behalf of the Board of directors, Executive Leadership, and Horizon’s Advisors, it is my privilege to thank and congratulate Craig who will retire from the Board upon the expiration of his term in May. For more than 25 years Craig drove the success of Horizon by fostering a winning culture centered on placing client needs first, strengthening the communities Horizon calls home, and delivering significant value for Horizon’s shareholders. His legacy of servant leadership has positively impacted all who have had the pleasure to work with him. We wish Craig and his family the best as he enjoys this richly earned new chapter in life,” said Thomas Prame, Horizon’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “I am also pleased to announce the Board’s election of Eric Blackhurst to Independent Chairperson. Eric’s strategic vision, character and experience make him ideally suited to seamlessly transition into the role of Chairperson. I look forward to our continued positive working relationship and the value he will bring to Horizon in this important new role. Additionally, we would like to thank Michele Magnuson for her impactful stewardship as independent Lead Director over the last 3 years. We are fortunate to have Michele as a Board member, and we look forward to the positive contributions she continues to bring to the Board and organization.”
Horizon also named Larry Magnesen to the Horizon Bank board of directors effective February 25, 2025. Magnesen possesses significant experience in marketing and corporate communications resulting from his 20-year career at Fifth Third Bank in various senior leadership roles. “Larry has a vast experience in financial services marketing and corporate communications that will benefit Horizon Bank’s strategic objective of profitably expanding our core banking relationships,” Prame added. “Larry brings a great understanding of attracting and retaining core clients that is combined with an intimate knowledge of our local markets through his former leadership roles. I look forward to the immediate contributions Larry will bring to Horizon’s strategic outlook and the valuable skillset he adds to our already very talented Bank Board.”