Craig Dwight, chairman of board, is retiring from Michigan City-based Horizon Bancorp's board of directors, effective May 1.

The board of directors elected Eric Blackhurst to serve as independent chairperson, effective upon Dwight’s retirement. Blackhurst has been a company director for over seven years. He has served as chairperson of corporate governance and member of the compensation committee.

Blackhurst recently retired from a 35-year career at The Dow Chemical Company. He served as associate general counsel, corporate transactions and Latin America. He is currently interim president of Alma College.

The role of independent lead director, currently held by Michele Magnuson, will be retired. Magnuson will remain on the board and continue to serve on the compensation and governance committees.

“For more than 25 years, Craig drove the success of Horizon by fostering a winning culture centered on placing client needs first, strengthening the communities Horizon calls home and delivering significant value for Horizon’s shareholders,” Thomas Prame, Horizon Bank president and CEO, in a press release. “His legacy of servant leadership has positively impacted all who have had the pleasure to work with him.”

Prame expressed enthusiasm about the board’s election of Blackhurst.

“Eric’s strategic vision, character and experience make him ideally suited to seamlessly transition into the role of chairperson,” Prame said. “I look forward to our continued positive working relationship and the value he will bring to Horizon in this important new role.”

Prame also thanked Magnuson for her stewardship as independent lead director over the last three years.

In addition to the changes to the bank’s director roles, Horizon welcomed Larry Magnesen to the bank’s board of directors effective Feb. 25. Magnesen brings experience in marketing and corporate communications to the role. He previously served at Fifth Third Bank for over 20 years, holding various senior leadership roles.

“Larry brings a great understanding of attracting and retaining core clients that is combined with an intimate knowledge of our local markets through his former leadership roles,” Prame said. “I look forward to the immediate contributions Larry will bring to Horizon’s strategic outlook and the valuable skillset he adds to our already very talented bank board.”