Springfield Trust names new CEO

J. Willard Gibbs, a former bank vice president from Michigan, was named CEO Aug. 4 from a pool of 65 candidates. He begins in his new post Aug. 14.

Company founder John R. Courtney, who was CEO for about four years, will continue as president and chairman of the 15-year-old company.

Courtney said he will still be involved in daily operations, but he wanted to make the change while the time was right. “I just turned 67, and I am in good health, but I didn’t want to wait until I’m 77 or 87.”

Springfield Trust conducted a national search for Courtney’s successor.

Gibbs, 40, has 18 years of experience in investment services, banking and consultation. He previously was executive vice president of National City Bank, where he managed the private client group for northeast Michigan. He also spent 10 years at Citizens Banking Corp. in Flint, Mich.

Gibbs holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western Michigan University and a master’s of business administration from Saginaw Valley State University. Gibbs also has several securities license designations.

In addition, 15-year Springfield Trust Co. employee Troy Kennedy was promoted from senior vice president to executive vice president and chief marketing officer.