Melanie Velasquez Named President and CEO of New Mexico Bank & Trust, a division of HTLF Bank

Albuquerque, NM – January 9, 2025 – New Mexico Bank & Trust, a division of HTLF Bank (Heartland Financial USA, Inc., NASDAQ: HTLF), announced Melanie Velasquez as its new President and CEO.

Melanie joined New Mexico Bank & Trust (NMBT) in 2023 as Director of Business Development and was promoted to Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking last August. The last few months have highlighted her success in leading the Commercial banking team. She’s also been pivotal in empowering each employee, generating synergy across the organization and improving overall performance. She’s also onboarded exceptional local talent in a competitive employment environment, contributing to a more impactful and intentional client experience.

“I am honored to take on this role and to lead such a dedicated team,” said Velasquez. “New Mexico Bank & Trust has a long-standing history of supporting local businesses, families and individuals across the state. I look forward to continuing that legacy while growing our impact in the communities we serve. We will remain a pillar of support for our customers and communities, while staying true to our values, honoring our commitments, and always doing what is right. Integrity is at the center of everything we do.”

Greg Leyendecker will continue as NMBT CEO Emeritus and provide guidance and deep local knowledge. Leyendecker co-founded NMBT in 1998 and served as President and CEO until January 2024, driving its growth to $2.448 billion as of December 31, 2024, and making it the fifth-largest bank in New Mexico.

“We are incredibly proud to see Melanie take the helm as President and CEO,” said Leyendecker. “Our vision was to build a bank that truly understands and serves the needs of New Mexico communities. Melanie embodies that vision with her commitment to excellence and passion for making a difference in people’s lives.”

Velasquez is a native New Mexican and University of New Mexico Alum who brings over 25 years of banking experience and strong local relationships to the role. She has deep connections across New Mexico and serves on multiple boards of volunteer organizations. She is Board President for S.A.F.E. House, the largest domestic violence shelter in New Mexico, and Second Vice Chair for the Board of Trustees of the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation, an organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and advancement of Hispanic cultural arts and humanities.

About New Mexico Bank & Trust

New Mexico Bank & Trust, a division of Heartland Financial USA, Inc., operating under the brand name, HTLF, (NASDAQ: HTLF), operates offices located in Central, Northern and Eastern New Mexico. New Mexico Bank & Trust provides an array of products and services to meet the financial needs of businesses and individuals. The bank specializes in commercial lending and treasury management services, and also provides a wide variety of private banking, retail lending and deposit services along with electronic banking support. Visit www.nmb-t.com or call 505.830.8100 for more information. HTLF Bank is Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender.

About HTLF

Heartland Financial USA, Inc., is a Denver-based bank holding company operating under the brand name HTLF, with assets of $18.27 billion as of September 30, 2024. HTLF’s banks serve communities in the West, Southwest and Midwest regions. HTLF is committed to serving the banking needs of privately owned businesses, their owners, executives and employees. Our core commercial business is supported by a strong retail banking operation, in addition to a diversified line of financial services including treasury management, wealth management and investments. Additional information is available at www.htlf.com.