Americas

AJS Bancorp in Midlothian, Ill., has hired a replacement for its chief financial officer, who resigned earlier this month.

New Jersey Community Bank's chairman has resigned, less than four months after he quit as chief executive of the Freehold bank.

Depositors at mutuals in Ohio and Massachusetts have approved measures making it more difficult for their institutions to convert to stock ownership. Still, many industry observers believe the mutual industry is poised for more consolidation.

Heritage Oaks Bancorp in Paso Robles, Calif., has named Jason Castle chief financial officer, following CFO Lonny Robinson's resignation after grooming him for the job.

Heartland Bancorp in Bloomington, Ill., has agreed to buy National Bancorp in Schaumburg, Ill., Crain's Chicago Business reported.

BB&T in Winston-Salem, N.C., plans to close 25 branches as part of its integration of National Penn Bancshares in Allentown, Pa.

F.N.B. in Pittsburgh has shuffled its management ranks, after John Williams announced his retirement as bank president.

Home BancShares in Conway, Ark., has promoted John "Stephen" Tipton to chief operating officer, after the position had been vacant for about five years.

The North Carolina regional bank is placing a big bet that targeting Pennsylvania's high earners will offset the state's reputation for having slower-than-average growth.

Simmons First National in Pine Bluff, Ark., has promoted several executives, as David Bartlett announced his plans to retire as president and chief banking officer.