Glacier Bancorp, Inc., a regional bank holding company founded in Kalispell, announced Wednesday it was beginning the search for a new president and CEO to replace Michael Blodnick, who will stay with the company until a successor is found.
Blodnick notified the company and its board of directors of his intention to retire and has agreed to remain with Glacier Bancorp and work with his successor to ensure a smooth leadership transition, the company said in its announcement.
A hire is expected to be made by mid-2015.
Blodnick was appointed president and chief executive officer of the company in July 1998. Prior to that time, he served as the executive vice president and secretary of the company since 1994 and 1993, respectively. Blodnick has been employed by Glacier Bancorp since 1978.
“Mick has dedicated his career to Glacier and making it the high quality company it is today,” Dallas I. Herron, chairman of the board of directors, stated. “While he will leave big shoes to fill, he has helped establish a culture of service and performance which will serve as a sound foundation for his successor.”
Glacier Bancorp, Inc. has hired an executive search firm, Chicago-based Spencer Stuart, to advise the board of directors on potential internal and external candidates for a replacement, according to the company.
“I am pleased that we are retaining an experienced search firm to assist us in this important process. I’m confident we will identify an excellent successor to lead Glacier for many years to come,” Blodnick stated.
Glacier Bancorp, Inc. is a regional bank holding company providing commercial banking services in 79 communities in Montana, Idaho, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and Colorado. The company is headquartered in Kalispell and is the parent company for Glacier Bank.