Independence Bank promotes Wertheimer to chief lending officer

Press release

Matt Wertheimer was recently promoted to chief lending officer at Independence Bank.

As chief lending

officer, Wertheimer will work closely with the vice presidents of lending leading business development efforts at our six branch locations in

Havre, Conrad, Malta, Glasgow, Poplar, Scobey and the LPO/DPO in Great Falls.

His focus will be on building business relationships with new and existing customers and lender development. Wetrheimer will continue to serve on several of the Bank's management committees.

Wertheimer grew up on a family ranch in Utica and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in agricultural business with a minor in economics from Montana State University in Bozeman.

He joined Independence Bank as an agriculture and commercial lender in 2003. He is a 2013 graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School.

"Matt's promotion to chief lending officer is a result of his knowledge, experience and leadership as senior vice president of lending at Independence Bank," said Bill Keller, executive vice president and chief credit officer. "We believe this strategic move will not only benefit our entire lending team and our customers, but will also create a cohesive plan to move us forward, expanding our customer base and producing loan growth for our Bank.

"Matt brings a strong understanding of our local economy, as well as extensive lending knowledge, to this key role at Independence Bank," Keller said.

Wertheimer is active within the Havre Chamber, currently serving on its Executive Board. He enjoys spending free time doing various outdoor activities with family and friends.