Mr. Schmidt retired from A.Y. McDonald, a leading manufacturer of water works, plumbing,  pumps, and natural gas products, in January 2025, where he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2014. Mr. Schmidt served as the Chief Financial Officer of  Heartland Financial USA, Inc. from 1991 through 2013 and as Chief Operating Officer from 2004  to 2013. Mr. Schmidt was also an officer of Dubuque Bank and Trust Company from 1984 to  2004 and President from 1999 to 2004. Prior to joining Dubuque Bank and Trust Company, Mr.  Schmidt was employed by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Peat Marwick  Mitchell, now known as KPMG LLP. A Certified Public Accountant (inactive), Mr. Schmidt brings extensive knowledge in operational bank management and accounting to our Board. Mr.  Schmidt graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Northern Iowa. 

Mr. Schmidt served as a member of the Board of Heartland Financial USA, Inc. from 2001  through January 2025 and as independent Chairman of the Board from March of 2022 through  January 2025. Mr. Schmidt currently serves as a Director of A.Y. McDonald Industries since 2013.  Mr. Schmidt previously served as past President of Steeple Square, is a former member of the  Loras College Board of Regents, and a former board member and Treasurer of High Voltage.