Michigan City, Indiana – Jim Paul, SVP, Retail Banking, is pleased to announce Melissa Smith-Watkins as AVP, Retail Banking Training Director.

Smith-Watkins holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Bethel University and joined Horizon in 2022 as Learning & Development Programs Manager. In this role, she led training initiatives designed to support advisor development and advance organizational success. Her professional background includes more than 15 years as a Program Director at a nonprofit organization, where she oversaw membership programming and staff development. She also brings Human Resources experience, including designing and delivering training programs for new employees and supervisors.

In her new role as AVP, Retail Banking Training Director, Smith-Watkins will lead the design and delivery of Retail Banking training programs aimed at strengthening advisor performance and supporting Horizon’s business goals. She will work closely with branch teams and district leadership to identify training needs, develop effective strategies, and implement solutions that promote a culture of continuous learning. Smith-Watkins will also oversee Retail Banking operational policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations while driving engagement and excellence across the network.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Smith-Watkins served on Horizon’s Voices of Pride Steering Committee for two years and has volunteered with The Starke County Youth Club and the La Porte YMCA.