Middlefield Banc Corp. Appoints Zimmerly as New CEO

MIDDLEFIELD, Ohio – Middlefield Banc Corp., holding company of The Middlefield Banking Co., announced Tuesday that Ronald Zimmerly Jr. will take over as CEO on Jan. 1.

“Middlefield has a legacy of success as a result of its commitment to the communities, customers, employees and shareholders the bank serves,” Zimmerly said. “I believe this dedication supports a powerful foundation that will drive our future performance. In addition, Middlefield has assembled a strong team of proven bankers and leaders, and I am honored to lead Middlefield as chief executive officer.”

Zimmerly, who is currently president and director of Middlefield Banc Corp. and The Middlefield Banking Co., will replace CEO James Heslop II, who is retiring.

Heslop will resign from the Middlefield Banc Corp. Board of Directors on Dec. 31. The board will reduce the number of its members from 13 to 12, effective Dec. 31.

“On behalf of the board and everyone at Middlefield, I want to thank Jim for his service and commitment to Middlefield Banc Corp. and The Middlefield Banking Co. over the past 27 years,” said William Skidmore, chair of the Middlefield Banc Corp. Board of Directors.

Zimmerly was president and CEO of Liberty Bancshares from 2010 to 2022. He joined Middlefield as president after the acquisition of Liberty Bancshares on Dec. 1, 2022. He currently serves on the Hardin County Foundation Board of Directors and the Ohio Bankers Benefits Trust Board. He is the 2024 chairman-elect of the Ohio Bankers League.

“Ron is a proven leader who brings over 35 years of experience as an active member of the Ohio community banking industry,” Skidmore said. “As president of Middlefield and the former chief executive officer of Liberty Bancshares, Ron has the requisite skill set to ensure a seamless transition and continue our legacy of strong financial and operating performance.”

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.