HBT Financial Inc., the holding company for Heartland Bank and Trust Company (“Heartland Bank”), announced the appointment of Michael J. Morton to the Board of Directors of HBT Financial and Heartland Bank, effective as of April 1, 2026. Morton's initial term will expire at the HBT Financial 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, at which he will be eligible for re-election.

Fred L. Drake, Executive Chairman, said, “We would like to welcome Mike to our Board of Directors. Mike's extensive banking background and proven leadership will be a tremendous asset, and we look forward to his guidance and contributions as we continue to grow the Heartland Bank franchise.”

Morton most recently served as Vice Chair of U.S. Commercial Banking at the Bank of Montreal (“BMO”) from 2020 to 2023, where he was responsible for staff development and risk oversight across multiple states and offices. He also served as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of MB Financial Inc. from 2014 to 2019.