Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: HWBK) announced on September 10, 2026, the passing of Jonathan "Jon" Holtaway, a member of the Company's Board of Directors since 2019. The Company disclosed that Mr. Holtaway died on September 4, 2026, at the age of 55.
In a press release, Brent Giles, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hawthorn Bancshares, described Mr. Holtaway as an exceptional director and advisor. The Company stated that Mr. Holtaway brought extraordinary insight and wisdom to the board and provided valuable leadership and guidance during his tenure.
Mr. Holtaway served as the President of Ategra Capital Management, LLC, a registered investment advisory firm based in Virginia that he founded in 2005. He also held the position of managing member of Ategra GP, LLC, the general partner of Ategra Community Financial Institution Fund, LP, and Ategra LS500, LP. The Company noted that Mr. Holtaway earned broad respect in the banking industry for his expertise in strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, equity valuation, and corporate governance.
Mr. Holtaway was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. He was the author of the book The Growth Penalty: Unfinished Business, Banking and the American Recovery, published in 2013. The Board of Directors, management team, and employees of Hawthorn Bancshares and Hawthorn Bank extended their heartfelt condolences to Mr. Holtaway's family, friends, and colleagues.
