FINWARD BANCORP ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF THREE NEW DIRECTORS

Core Viewpoint - Finward Bancorp has appointed three new independent directors to its Board, enhancing its governance and strategic capabilities as it aims to achieve its long-term goals [2][3]. Group 1: New Appointments - Martin P. Alwin, Jennifer R. Evans, and Carolyn M. Burke have been appointed as directors of Finward Bancorp and Peoples Bank, effective September 9, 2024 [1][2]. - Mr. Alwin will serve as a Class I director until the 2025 annual meeting, Ms. Evans as a Class II director until the 2026 meeting, and Ms. Burke as a Class III director until the 2027 meeting [3]. - The Board size has been increased from 10 to 11 directors to accommodate Mr. Alwin's appointment [3]. Group 2: Directors' Backgrounds - Martin P. Alwin has extensive experience in investment banking and financial services, previously serving as Vice President at Piper Jaffray & Co. and holding an MBA from the University of Chicago [4]. - Jennifer R. Evans has a strong legal and compliance background, having served as General Counsel at PrivateBancorp and CIBC, with a focus on enterprise risk management [5]. - Carolyn M. Burke has a robust financial services background, currently serving as CFO of Exron Capital and previously holding senior roles at UBS and Mesirow, with a CPA designation [6][7]. Group 3: Company Overview - Finward Bancorp is an independent financial holding company based in Munster, Indiana, primarily focused on holding the stock of Peoples Bank, which offers a range of financial services across 26 locations [8].