GlobeNewswire Inc | Jul 28, 2021 10:00AM EDT

July 28, 2021

DUBUQUE, Iowa, July 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HTLF announced today that Joe Wheeler has been named Director of Customer Experience.In this role, Wheeler willoversee the strategy, planning and execution of the companys overall customer experience goals and initiatives. In collaborationwith business lines and executive management, he will ensure customers are provided a seamless experience across all channels along their journey.As the Director of Customer Experience, Wheeler willplaya critical role in how customers perceive HTLF banks, and will focus on initiatives to positively impactcustomer retention and continued growth.

A seasoned veteran, Wheeler has spenthis careerin the financial services industry and consulting. Most recently, he worked at J.D. Powers as senior director for the mid-size and regional bank practices. Inthat capacity, he helped banks better understand their customer preferences, anticipate their needs and deliver excellent experiences.

Wheeler earned his bachelors degree in PoliticalScience and English from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois. He also holds several licenses and certifications supporting his extensive career.

About HTLF

Heartland Financial USA, Inc., operating under the brand name HTLF, is a financial services company with assets of $18.37 billion. HTLF has banks serving communities in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Texas and Wisconsin. HTLF is committed to its core commercial business, supported by a strong retail operation, and provides a diversified line of financial services including treasury management, residential mortgage, wealth management, investment and insurance. Additional information is available at www.htlf.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee20c283-6544-4a7e-9106-a09515ebb86b

CONTACT:Ryan LundDirector of Corporate Communications952.746.0439dlund@htlf.com