04/30/2026
The Ge**er State Bank Announces Retirement of President and CEO; Appointment of New President and CEO
The Ge**er State Bank today announced the retirement of Larry G. Bennett as President and Chief Executive Officer and the appointment of Austin M. Pletsch as his successor.
Bennett has been a devoted community banker whose tenure was pivotal to the success of The Ge**er State Bank, serving on the Board of Directors since 1987 and as President and CEO for over 20 years. His commitment to the bank’s employees and communities has positioned The Ge**er State Bank for many more years of success.
“Serving The Ge**er State Bank for the past 21 years has been the greatest honor of my professional career. Together, with the support of our directors, employees, and our shareholders, we have built a stronger, more resilient institution. We have navigated challenges, celebrated growth, and remained true to our mission of serving our customers and communities with integrity. Today, the Bank is well-positioned for continued success,” said Bennett.
As part of this planned transition, the Board of Directors has unanimously approved the appointment of Austin M. Pletsch as the next President and Chief Executive Officer of The Ge**er State Bank. The appointment took effect on January 1, 2026. Bennett will remain President of Ge**er Bancshares, Inc.
“The Ge**er State Bank has been a household name for many generations in our communities, and I am honored to be a part of that history and look forward to continuing to serve our customers in this role. We have a dedicated team and board of directors who embody the definition of community banking,” said Pletsch.
“Austin is a proven leader whose experience, vision, and commitment to community banking make him exceptionally well-suited to guiding The Ge**er State Bank into the future,” said Bennett.
Pletsch has been with The Ge**er State Bank since 2021 and served as Assistant Vice President before being named President and CEO of the bank. Pletsch holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois.
About the Ge**er State Bank:
The Ge**er State Bank, with assets of $100 Million, is a community bank with locations in Argenta and Oreana, IL. Proudly serving these communities as a trusted, locally owned financial institution, the bank is dedicated to providing their customers with the best banking products and services while maintaining the personal relationships that define community banking.
