United Fidelity Bank has announced the appointment of Donald R. Neel to the post of Vice Chairman in conjunction with his plans to retire as President and CEO of United Fidelity Bank. Neel has held the position for the past 24 years. The announcement culminates a transition that has been in the works for several months. Neel, a significant player in Evansville’s public and business landscape since joining the Bank 31 years ago will retain a reduced portfolio of responsibilities while serving as Vice Chairman. The Bank is conducting a national search for a permanent President and CEO. Chief Credit Officer Daniel Lee will serve as Interim CEO.
Neel, an Evansville native, said “the 24 years at the helm of United Fidelity Bank (originally known as Evansville Federal Savings Bank), has been the honor of a lifetime. Together, we experienced some remarkable success beyond my wildest expectations. The Bank has grown from $120 million in total assets in 1993 to its current $6.4 billion, while increasing its number of locations from 4 to 23 during the same period. We executed 9 bank acquisitions or sale transactions and established 3 new branches over the past 10 years alone. Finally, the Bank and its subsidiaries have financed or developed countless affordable housing units across the country. These transactions changed the trajectory of the Bank and could not have been completed successfully without the great associates that I have had the honor of working with.”
Mr. Neel and his wife, Jamie, attend Christian Fellowship Church and are members of the Evansville Country Club. He is a former board President of the American Heart Association and has been active with the Deaconess Foundation’s HeartSavers program. He is also a member of the Evansville Sports Corporation, a member of the Board of Advisors for the Romain College of Business at the University of Southern Indiana and member of the USI Alumni Association. He eagerly anticipates traveling and spending more time with his wife Jamie. Don also looks forward to seeing more of sons Andrew, Adam, and Aidan, laughter-in-law Becca, and daughter-in-law to-be Sarah.