Heartland Financial USA, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors appointed John K. Schmidt to serve as independent Chairman of the Board, replacing Lynn B. Fuller, who was removed as Executive Operating Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. Mr. Schmidt has served on the Board since 2001. Mr. Fuller remains a Director of the company.

Mr. Schmidt has been the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of A.Y. McDonald Industries since 2013 and was named Corporate Secretary in 2014.