Equity Bancshares, the Wichita, KS-based holding company of Equity Bank named Wendell Bontrager president to oversee the operating function, lending and strategy.

Bontrager most recently served as region president for Old National Bank in Fort Wayne, IN. Bontrager will report to Equity’s Chairman and CEO, Brad Elliott.

“Wendell is a great fit strategically for Equity Bank, but is also a key fit within our Company’s culture and future plans. We expect that Wendell will be a tremendous resource as we continue to grow from a $2 billion bank,” Elliott said . “We’re at the point in our organization that merits the addition of a strong leader to help us continue our path of organic growth, and managing the newly merged companies into our organic growth platform. Wendell has worked for financial institutions large and small, helping banks define competitive strategies, develop customers, and navigate business combinations. He’ll be a great fit for Equity Bank.”

Bontrager served as executive vice president for Tower Bank & Trust Company from March 1999 through Tower’s merger into Old National Bancorp on April 25, 2014.

He served as chief lending officer beginning in 2008, and chair of the board’s loan & investment committee. He oversaw Tower’s transition from Tower Bank to Old National Bank in 2014 and led Old National’s northeast sales efforts following the merger.