Craig Dwight, chairman of the board at Horizon Bancorp, will retire from the board of directors effective at the expiration of his current term on May 1, 2025. Dwight provided written notice of his decision on Feb. 24, 2025, which was accepted by the board on Feb. 25, 2025. Concurrently, the board of directors 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 an esteemed 35-year career at The Dow Chemical Company, where he served as associate general counsel, corporate transactions and Latin America. His 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. 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,” Thomas Prame, president and CEO of Horizon, said. “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.”
In addition to the changes to Horizon’s director roles, Horizon welcomes Larry Magnesen to the Horizon Bank’s board of directors effective Feb. 25, 2025. Magnesen brings to the bank board significant experience in marketing and corporate communications resulting from his 20 plus-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 said. “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.”
