(COLDWATER) – New leadership has been announced for Southern Michigan Bank & Trust.

After decades of leadership and service, CEO John Castle and President Kurt Miller are planning to retire from Southern Michigan Bancorp and Southern Michigan Bank & Trust. The Board of Directors of the two entities, known collectively as Southern, has appointed John Waldron to serve as president and CEO effective October 3.

Waldron, who joined Southern in May 2022 to serve as president of the bank’s Jackson market, brings nearly three decades of commercial banking and leadership experience to the position. Castle will continue to serve as chairman of the board while Miller will transition to serve as vice chairman.

Until their retirement in June 2024, Castle and Miller will support Waldron in managing the day-to-day operations of Southern, a community bank with $1.4 billion in assets serving Branch, St. Joseph, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson, and Kalamazoo Counties. Waldron joins an experienced executive team, including Eric Anglin, executive vice president and chief strategy officer, and Nick Grabowski, executive vice president and head of lending.

Southern will continue to be headquartered in Coldwater, as it has been since its founding in 1872. All current members of the leadership team will remain in place, ensuring continuity.