Heartland Credit Union named Aaron Rios as its new chief executive officer, succeeding Tom Lex, who retired after 45 years of service. Rios’s appointment takes effect immediately, positioning him to oversee strategic growth and member services across Heartland’s network.

Rios brings over 23 years of experience in financial services, having held executive positions at Citigroup, Global Bank, Midland States Bank and QCR Holdings. Most recently, as chief operating officer at Merrick Bank, he led an operations transformation that enhanced back-office efficiency and digital capabilities.

Tom Lex’s departure marks the end of a four-decade-plus leadership era during which Heartland expanded its branch network and deepened community ties. The board views Rios’s operational expertise and digital-strategy background as key assets for guiding Heartland’s next growth phase.