Middlefield in Ohio selects insider as next CEO

Middlefield Banc in Middlefield, Ohio, will have a new CEO in a few weeks. 

The $1.3 billion-asset company said in a press release Thursday that James Heslop II, its chief operating officer, will also become its president on April 1. He will succeed Thomas Caldwell, who is retiring.

Caldwell will also retire from Middlefield’s board. The company said it will reduce the size of its board from 10 to nine directors when he steps down. 

Middlefield conducted “an extensive search of both internal and external candidates” as part of the process, William Skidmore, the company’s chairman, said in the release. Heslop “is a natural successor and ensures a seamless transition.” 

Heslop joined Middlefield in 1996. From 1993 to 1996, he was president and CEO of First County Bank in Chardon, Ohio.