POPLAR BLUFF, MO – The Board of Directors for First Midwest Banks are pleased to announce a transition of its leadership team. Chris Guethle, who has served as Dexter’s Community President, has been promoted to the role of Chief Credit Officer. Concurrently, Brett Dorton has been named the Community President for First Midwest Bank in Dexter.

In his new role as CCO, Chris Guethle will oversee the Bank group’s credit management strategy, including loan policies, underwriting standards, and portfolio quality. He will work closely with executive leadership to achieve the bank’s long-term strategic goals, using the 15 years of experience he’s gained through the expansion of his lending and leadership responsibilities. Guethle’s office will be in First Midwest Bank of the Ozarks’ main location on South Westwood Boulevard in Poplar Bluff.

With more than 30 years of community banking experience and having advanced through various management roles, Brett Dorton brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to First Midwest Bank. As Community President, he will manage lending and operations for the bank’s two Dexter locations, while also serving Dexter and the surrounding communities as a commercial lender. Dorton’s office will be located at First Midwest Bank’s main location on Business US 60 in Dexter.

“This is an exciting step in the Bank’s future,” said Joey McLane, CEO of First Midwest Banks. “We are thrilled to utilize Chris’ knowledge and expertise in the role of Chief Credit Officer, while welcoming Brett, whose experience and values align perfectly with our mission to serve the Dexter community.”

ABOUT FIRST MIDWEST BANK

First Midwest Banks are a family-owned community bank group headquartered in Southeast Missouri. Our belief in serving customers with midwestern values has led to steady local growth, long-standing customer relationships, and the ability to make meaningful investments in the communities we call home. Since its founding in 1964, First Midwest has met the financial needs of consumers and businesses with an extensive suite of banking products and services.

Under the Midwest Bancorporation holding company, the First Midwest Bank group has assets of over $1.3 billion and operates 19 locations throughout Missouri, including Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Dexter, Poplar Bluff and Springfield. First Midwest Banks are members of the FDIC and Equal Housing Lenders.