New Mexico Bank & Trust, a division of HTLF Bank, Announces $100,000 Donation to Support Four Local Non-Profits Albuquerque, NM – September 5, 2024 – New Mexico Bank & Trust, a division of HTLF Bank (Heartland Financial USA, Inc., NASDAQ: HTLF), is proud to announce a donation of $100,000 to be equally distributed to four exceptional non-profit organizations dedicated to making a significant impact in our communities. The beneficiaries of this donation are Youth Development, Inc., S.A.F.E. House, the University of New Mexico Lobo Club, and Homewise.
These donations reflect New Mexico Bank & Trust’s (NMBT) commitment to supporting initiatives that foster positive change and uplift our communities. Each of the selected non-profits has demonstrated outstanding dedication to their missions and has made considerable contributions to our society.
“We are honored to support these incredible organizations that work tirelessly to make a difference in our community,” said Greg Leyendecker, Acting CEO at NMBT. “Each of these non-profits addresses critical issues and we are confident that our contribution will help them continue their vital work.”
Youth Development, Inc. (YDI):
YDI is a nationally recognized youth and family service organization that empowers young people through comprehensive educational, vocational, and social services. Their programs provide crucial support in areas like education, employment, health, and housing, creating pathways for youth to thrive and build brighter futures.
NMBT presented a $25,000 check to YDI during their company-wide capital campaign kick-off, aimed at raising funds for a new STEM early childhood education center.
YDI’s Chief Executive Officer Robert Chavez said, “New Mexico Bank & Trust is a great partner in the work YDI does to help improve the lives of children and families in our community. The generous donation will be used to help build a new Early Child Development and Training Center in Albuquerque’s westside. This new center will be state-of-the-art, offering pre-school STEM learning opportunities, family supports and will provide early child educators training opportunities to enhance their skills.”
NMBT presented a $25,000 check to YDI to kick off a capital campaign for a new STEM early childhood education center on Albuquerque’s Westside. From left, EVP Head of Commercial Banking Melanie Velasquez, VP Commercial Banker Parker Leyendecker, VP Marketing Leader Shauna Shannon, YDI’s VP Early Childhood Education Debra Baca, SVP Regional Retail Sales Manager Erin Dominguez, SVP Wealth Market Leader Camilla Serrano, Acting CEO Greg Leyendecker, and YDI’s CEO Robert Chavez.
S.A.F.E. House:
S.A.F.E. House provides a safe haven and critical support services for individuals and families escaping intimate partner domestic violence. Their shelters offer a secure environment as well as comprehensive resources, including counseling, advocacy, and education, to help survivors rebuild their lives. They are dedicated to breaking the cycle of abuse and empowering victims to achieve safety, independence, and healing.
“We are so grateful to NMBT for their generous donation to help us kick off phase two of our capital campaign to improve the shelter for survivors of intimate partner domestic violence,” said Amy Kindrick, Executive Director of S.A.F.E. House. “This contribution will make such a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve – thank you for your kindness and generosity.”
Melanie Velasquez, NMBT’s Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Banking adds, “As board president for S.A.F.E. House, I’ve seen firsthand their powerful impact. It’s more than a shelter; it’s a cornerstone of hope and healing. As a banker, there’s nothing I love more than seeing lives transformed thanks to the support of a trusted financial partner and the strength of community.”
S.A.F.E. House will use NMBT’s $25,000 donation for phase two of their shelter improvement capital campaign. From left, Acting CEO Greg Leyendecker, EVP Head of Commercial Banking Melanie Velasquez, SVP Wealth Market Leader Camilla Serrano, VP Commercial Banker Claire Kowalski, S.A.F.E. House Executive Director Amy Kindrick, SVP Regional Operations Coordinator Stephen Montoya, SVP Regional Retail Sales Manager Erin Dominguez, and VP Marketing Leader Shauna Shannon.
UNM Lobo Club:
The University of New Mexico Lobo Club supports UNM Athletics and enhances the student-athlete experience. Through fundraising and community engagement, they provide essential resources for scholarships, facilities, and programs that drive athletic and academic excellence. They are committed to fostering success on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
“We are truly grateful for the partnership and support of New Mexico Bank & Trust,” said Jalen Dominguez, Senior Associate Athletic Director and Executive Director of UNM Lobo Club. “They have an incredible team and are invested in our community. Their generosity will make a true impact on our student athletes and UNM Athletics.”
UNM Lobo Club will use NMBT’s donation to provide scholarships, facilities, and other support for Lobo student-athletes. From left, UNM Interim Vice President/Director of Athletics David Williams, NMBT Advisory Board Member Sherman McCorkle, VP Marketing Leader Shauna Shannon, VP Commercial Banker Claire Kowalski, UNM distance runner Natalie Bitetti, 2024 NCAA 10,000m National Champion Habtom Samuel, SVP Regional Operations Coordinator Stephen Montoya, EVP Head of Commercial Banking Melanie Velasquez, SVP Regional Retail Sales Manager Erin Dominguez, UNM Lobo Club Executive Director and Senior Associate Athletic Director of Development Jalen Dominguez, and Acting CEO Greg Leyendecker.
Homewise:
Homewise is committed to making homeownership affordable and accessible. They offer comprehensive services, from financial education and real estate guidance to affordable mortgages and home improvement support. They empower individuals and families with the tools and resources needed to buy, improve, and maintain their homes, building strong and stable communities. They transform lives and neighborhoods through the power of homeownership.
Homewise CEO Mike Loftin said, “Homewise is so appreciative of the partnership with New Mexico Bank & Trust. The kind of support NMBT provides to non-profit organizations like Homewise is what enables us to expand our work and help more New Mexicans become homeowners.”
Homewise will use NMBT’s $25,000 donation to further their homebuyer education, individualized financial coaching, real estate services, and mortgage lending services to help New Mexicans become homeowners. From left, Acting CEO Greg Leyendecker, VP Marketing Leader Shauna Shannon, SVP Commercial Banker Bruce Bradford, SVP Wealth Market Leader Camilla Serrano, EVP Head of Commercial Banking Melanie Velasquez, Homewise CEO Michael Loftin.
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, Colorado-based bank holding company operating under the brand name HTLF, with assets of $18.8 billion as of June 30, 2024. HTLF’s banks serve customers 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 .