Blackhawk Bank & Trust has announced Eric Huiskamp Mutka has been named the new president and CEO, succeeding Chris Lemon, who is retiring after a 45-year career with the Milan-based bank.
In separate news releases issued today, April 6, Blackhawk Bank said the leadership changes were effective Friday, April 3.
Mr. Huiskamp Mutka represents the third generation of the Huiskamp family to lead the bank and continues a legacy which has helped shape it for decades. He is the grandson of W. Gerard “Gerry” Huiskamp, who joined the bank in 1973 and served as its president for nearly 50 years. He also is the son of Heidi Huiskamp Collins, who played a key role in expanding the bank’s services with the creation of its Wealth Management division. She now owns and operates her own business Huiskamp Collins Investments LLC in Davenport. .
According to the release, Mr. Huiskamp Mutka brings a strong foundation of financial experience and a clear vision for the future of the bank. Since joining Blackhawk Bank in October 2018, he has played a key role in balance sheet management, investment strategy, and long-term financial planning – helping position the bank for continued strength and independence.
Mr. Lemon is wrapping up what the release called “an extraordinary 45-year career dedicated entirely to the bank and the communities it serves.”
In the final chapter of his career, he has served as bank president for the past 18 months, helping lead Blackhawk through a thoughtful leadership transition and positioning the organization for continued success. Mr. Lemon was named president in October 2024. He succeeded Jim Huiskamp, a second generation bank leader. He left the company to pursue new endeavors after a successful tenure and 20 years of service, the bank said in a release at the time.
Not For Sale mantra
During his tenure, Mr. Lemon earned a reputation for strong leadership, steady customer relationships, and unwavering dedication to Blackhawk’s long-standing philosophy of being a community-focused, independent institution.
Founded in 1961, Blackhawk continues operating as a family-owned and operated institution 65 years later.
In October 2025, the bank announced that Mr. Huiskamp Mutka had been appointed as CEO immediately as part of its long-term strategic plan. That announcement indicated that he would take on the additional role of president upon Mr. Lemon’s retirement. At the time, the bank’s board of directors said the leadership changes will “support continued growth and ensure a smooth transition in the years ahead.” .
Now at president & CEO, Mr. Huiskamp Mutka will continue to focus on what has always set Blackhawk Bank & Trust apart – local ownership, strong relationships, and a long-term commitment to the communities it serves, while remaining firmly Not For Sale, the bank said.
“This bank has always been about taking care of people the right way: our customers, our employees, and our communities,” the new leader said in the release. “My goal is to build on that foundation, stay focused on long-term growth, and make sure we continue to operate as a strong, independent, family-owned bank for years to come.”
Mr. Huiskamp Mutka is a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a degree in economics and brings both analytical expertise and a forward-looking approach to leadership. Early this year, he was honored as one of the QCBJ’s Regional Leaders for 2026.
With 18 locations across Illinois and Iowa, Blackhawk serves customers in Rock Island, Henry and Mercer counties in Illinois, and in Scott County, Iowa. It offers a full range of personal and business banking, lending, and wealth management services.
In announcing Mr. Lemon’s retirement, the bank said he will continue to serve on the bank’s board of directors.
The bank’s directors, leadership team, and employees also extended their sincere appreciation to Mr. Lemon for his years of service and lasting contributions to Blackhawk’s success.
