Hawthorn Bancshares director Holtaway dies at 55
Hawthorn Bancshares announced the death of director Jonathan “Jon” Holtaway, a key board member since 2019.
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. (HWBK) reported under an Other Events item the passing of board member Jonathan “Jon” Holtaway. He passed away on September 4, 2026 at age 55 and had served on the boards of Hawthorn Bancshares and Hawthorn Bank since 2019.
The company highlights his contributions in strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, equity valuation and corporate governance, as well as his leadership experience as President of Ategra Capital Management. Hawthorn Bancshares notes that its board, management and employees extend condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- Loss of experienced director Jonathan “Jon” Holtaway, a board member since 2019 with deep expertise in banking strategy and M&A, has passed away, removing a source of board-level insight and experience for Hawthorn Bancshares and Hawthorn Bank.
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8-K Event Classification
2 items: 8.01, 9.01
2 items
Item 8.01
Other Events
Other
Voluntary disclosure of events the company deems important to shareholders but not covered by other items.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Date of passing: September 4, 2026
Age at passing: 55 years
Board service start year: 2019
+1 more
4 metrics
Date of passing
September 4, 2026
Date Jonathan “Jon” Holtaway passed away
Age at passing
55 years
Age of director Jonathan “Jon” Holtaway at his death
Board service start year
2019
Year Jonathan “Jon” Holtaway joined the boards of Hawthorn Bancshares and Hawthorn Bank
Ategra Capital founding year
2005
Year Jonathan Holtaway founded Ategra Capital Management, LLC
Key Terms
financial holding company, registered investment advisory firm, treasury management services, corporate governance
4 terms
financial holding company financial
"Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Jefferson City"
A financial holding company is a parent firm that owns and oversees banks and other financial businesses, such as lending, insurance, or investment services. It matters to investors because it bundles several money-making activities under one roof—like a parent managing several children—so returns, risks, and regulatory rules for banking apply to the whole group; trouble in one unit can affect the company’s profits, capital needs, and dividends.
registered investment advisory firm financial
"President of Ategra Capital Management, LLC, a registered investment advisory firm"
A registered investment advisory firm is a business that provides personalized investment advice and portfolio management for clients and is officially registered with securities regulators. It matters to investors because registration signals the firm has agreed to a legal standard of conduct (a fiduciary duty) and follows reporting and compliance rules, similar to hiring a licensed professional who must disclose conflicts and act in the client’s financial interest.
treasury management services financial
"Hawthorn Bank provides a broad range of commercial and consumer banking services, including ... treasury management services"
Treasury management services are the tools and processes a company uses to handle its cash, payments, borrowing and short-term investments—like a personal finance app but for a business's money. Investors care because efficient treasury work lowers the risk of running out of cash, reduces borrowing costs and can boost returns on idle funds, which affects a company’s stability, creditworthiness and ultimately its stock value.
corporate governance financial
"earned broad respect in the banking industry for his expertise in ... corporate governance"
Corporate governance is the system of rules, roles and oversight that determines how a company is directed and controlled, including the responsibilities of its board, executives and shareholders. Like the steering wheel and map for a car trip, it shapes decisions, sets checks on power and defines who can hold leaders accountable; strong governance reduces risk, builds trust and helps investors judge whether a company is likely to protect capital and deliver reliable returns.
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 10, 2026
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | ||||||
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 8.01 Other Events
On September 8, 2026, Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company") was informed of the passing of Jonathan "Jon" Holtaway, a valued member of the Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Holtaway had served as a director of the Company and Hawthorn Bank and provided valuable leadership and guidance during his tenure. On September 10, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing the passing of Mr. Holtaway. A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit No | Description | ||||
99.1 | Press release, dated September 10, 2026, issued by Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. | ||||
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File – the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document | ||||
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
Dated: September 10, 2026 | Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. By: /s/ Brent M. Giles Name: Brent M. Giles Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||||
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hawthorn Bancshares Mourns Passing of Board Director Jonathan “Jon” Holtaway
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Sept. 10, 2026 /GLOBE NEWSWIRE/ -- Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: HWBK) and Hawthorn Bank are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jonathan “Jon” Holtaway, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors since 2019. Mr. Holtaway passed away on September 4, 2026, at the age of 55.
“Jon was an exceptional director, advisor and friend,” said Brent Giles, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hawthorn Bancshares and Hawthorn Bank. “He brought extraordinary insight, wisdom and sound judgment to every discussion, and his counsel helped guide important decisions at Hawthorn. Jon had a deep understanding of community banking and a thoughtful, long-term perspective that challenged us to think strategically and encouraged us to pursue opportunities for growth. We are grateful for his service, his friendship and the lasting impact he made on our organization. We will deeply miss his presence.”
Mr. Holtaway was President of Ategra Capital Management, LLC, a registered investment advisory firm based in Virginia that he founded in 2005. He also served as managing member of Ategra GP, LLC, the general partner of Ategra Community Financial Institution Fund, LP, which invests primarily in securities of companies in the bank and thrift industry, and Ategra LS500, LP, which invests primarily in large-capitalization equities.
Throughout his career, Mr. Holtaway earned broad respect in the banking industry for his expertise in strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, equity valuation and corporate governance. He was also a frequent speaker at banking industry conferences and the author of The Growth Penalty: Unfinished Business, Banking and the American Recovery, published in 2013.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Mr. Holtaway earned a bachelor’s degree in economics.
“While Jon’s professional accomplishments were significant, those of us who had the privilege of knowing him will remember him just as much for his humility, generosity, curiosity and genuine care for the people around him,” Giles said. “He was someone who made those around him better, and his loss will be felt throughout Hawthorn.”
The Board of Directors, management team and employees of Hawthorn Bancshares and Hawthorn Bank extend their heartfelt condolences to Jon’s family, friends and colleagues.
About Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc.
Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: HWBK) is a financial holding company headquartered in Jefferson City, Missouri, and the parent company of Hawthorn Bank. Hawthorn Bank provides a broad range of commercial and consumer banking services, including deposit accounts, loans, treasury management services, and wealth services, to individuals and businesses across Missouri through its network of banking locations. Hawthorn is focused on delivering relationship-based community banking and supporting the financial needs of the communities it serves.
Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: HWBK) is a financial holding company headquartered in Jefferson City, Missouri, and the parent company of Hawthorn Bank. Hawthorn Bank provides a broad range of commercial and consumer banking services, including deposit accounts, loans, treasury management services, and wealth services, to individuals and businesses across Missouri through its network of banking locations. Hawthorn is focused on delivering relationship-based community banking and supporting the financial needs of the communities it serves.