HBT Financial, Inc. announced that Patrick F. Busch, executive vice president and chief lending officer of the company will step down from these roles on December 31, 2022. Mr. Busch will remain with Heartland Bank, serving in the newly created position of Vice Chairman where he will continue to be involved in business development. Mr. Busch will also remain a member of both the company and Heartland Bank boards of directors.

J. Lance Carter, president and chief operating officer of the company and COO of Heartland Bank, will assume the additional title of President of Heartland Bank, effective January 1, 2023. Lawrence J. Horvath, currently Executive Vice President and Regional Senior Lending Manager of Heartland Bank, has been named Executive Vice President and chief lending officer of the company and Heartland Bank, effective January 1, 2023. Lawrence J. Horvath joined Heartland Bank in 2010 and currently oversees commercial lending for all Heartland Bank markets outside Cook County and the Chicago Suburban area, as well as treasury management services.

Mr. Horvath's 37 years of banking experience include commercial lending and credit review, mergers and acquisitions, market leadership, and serving as President and CEO of a Bloomington, Illinois community bank. He is active in the Bloomington, Illinois community serving on boards of various local organizations. In addition, he currently serves on the board of the Illinois Bankers Association, is on the loan committee for the community development corporation in the state, and is also Heartland Bank's representative serving on the board for the Illinois Real Estate Title Center.

Mr. Horvath holds a BS in Finance from Western Illinois University.