Park National Corporation appoints David Trautman as Chairman and Matthew Miller as President
April 23, 2019
NEWARK, Ohio – The board of directors for Park National Corporation (Park) (NYSE American: PRK) approved next steps in leadership succession, electing Chief Executive Officer David L. Trautman as chairman of the board and Executive Vice President Matthew R. Miller as president. Both appointments are effective May 1, 2019. This transition plan was announced in January as Park’s current chairman of the board C. Daniel DeLawder expressed his intent to reduce his time spent in the office. Matthew R. Miller was also elected to serve as a member of the boards of directors for both The Park National Bank and Park National Corporation (also effective May 1, 2019).
DeLawder will remain chairman of the Park board’s executive committee. DeLawder has 48 years of service with the Park National organization, and has not announced a retirement date. Park is following a long-standing tradition of leadership succession with the recent transitions.
“Dan DeLawder has been a friend and mentor for my 35 years here,” Trautman said. “Although he is stepping back, he continues to serve this organization in invaluable ways. Our colleagues, clients and community leaders know they can rely upon his wisdom, strength, and service.”
Trautman has been president of Park National Bank and Park National Corporation since 2005, and was named chief executive officer five years ago. He has held several roles throughout his banking career at Park including president of the First-Knox National Bank Division and executive vice president of Park National Bank. He is a past member of the board of directors of the Ohio Bankers League, and served as its chairman in 2008.
His leadership in local community organizations includes serving on the council of advisors for Licking County Foundation, as trustee and treasurer for Dawes Arboretum, and as a member of the Newark Rotary Club. Previously, he served as a trustee for Kenyon College, a member of the development council for The Works, a member of the campaign cabinet of United Way of Licking County, chairman and treasurer of the Newark and Licking County Chamber of Commerce and co-chair of a fund raising campaign for the Midland Theatre.
Miller began his career at Deloitte & Touche LLP before joining Park in 2009. He served as Park’s chief accounting officer before being named executive vice president two years ago. In his current role, he has provided additional focus and leadership related to strategic opportunities, such as merger and acquisition options, specific business initiatives, and enhancing relationships throughout Park’s communities and industry.
Miller has been a member of the Ohio Bankers League’s Next Generation Advisory Board since 2014 and served as its chairman in 2018. He has extensive experience in community leadership, serving currently as a member of the Licking County YMCA board (chaired the board from 2016 to 2018) and chair of the annual giving committee for The Works. For the past two years, he has served as a board member of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce and an advisory board member for The Ohio State University’s Newark Campus. He is a member of the development councils for The Works and Licking Memorial Hospital, respectively. He also serves on the steering and fundraising committees for the Boys & Girls Club of Newark. He is a member of the Newark Rotary Club. Previously, he served as a board member for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Licking and Perry Counties and as campaign chair for the United Way of Licking County.
“Matt combines a brilliant intellect with a humble heart. He seeks to find the best in all people and situations,” Trautman said. “We are excited about the possibilities for him and this organization as he assumes his new role.”