Former Indy Chamber exec joins Old National

Former Indy Chamber President John Myrland has been hired by Old National Bank as community engagement executive for its Indianapolis region, the bank announced Thursday.

Myrland, 63, will start the newly created position on Oct. 6

Myrland "will work to create and cultivate strategic relationships and partnerships" in the local market, Evansville-based Old National said. The position will include involvement and support of community projects and programs.  He also will assist with regional business development and public relations efforts.

The 63-year-old Myrland spent 25 years with the Indy Chamber, including 14 years as president before leaving in 2005 to study for the ministry. He will step down as pastor of the McCordsville United Methodist Church at the end of the month after leading the church for eight years.

Myrland said he had mixed emotions about leaving the church, but he doesn't consider the job change an end to his ministry. A big part of his mission at Old National will be developing and executing initiatives to strengthen the community.

"This is an opportunity to be engaged in the community on a broader scale and to do some very good things for the community," he said. "In that sense, it's really another step in my ministry, just at another level."
 
Myrland has remained involved in civic organizations since he left the chamber. He serves on the board of trustees for University of Indianapolis and board of directors for the Indianapolis Indians and Indiana Blood Center.

“We are excited to have John Myrland join our Old National leadership team in Indianapolis,” said Randy Reichmann, Old National's regional CEO, in a written statement. “His passion for our community coupled with his vast knowledge of the market and strong standing in both the business and non-profit communities make him an ideal addition to our organization.”

Old National is the largest bank holding company headquartered in Indiana. It has about 30 branches in the Indianapolis area.