THE FOLLOWING IS A LONGVIEW BANK RELEASE
Georgetown and Newman, Illinois. Longview Bank announces the hiring of Blake Watt as Controller. Watt will office at the Georgetown branch and support financial operations across the organization.
Watt recently obtained his CPA license in 2025 and has a strong background in accounting, auditing, and financial analysis. His experience includes roles across manufacturing and distribution, professional services, and corporate finance.
Most recently, Watt served at Hyster-Yale Materials Handling in Danville, Illinois. He worked as an Accounting Analyst I and previously as an Accountant III. His responsibilities focused on financial analysis, reporting, and operational accounting support.
Prior to that role, Watt was with Taylor Corporation in North Mankato, Minnesota working remotely. He served as an Internal Auditor after completing an Internal Audit Internship. His work included internal controls testing, risk assessment, and audit reporting.
Watt also gained public accounting experience through internships with MH CPA PLLC and CLA, CliftonLarsonAllen, along with an accounting internship at ThyssenKrupp in Danville. These roles provided hands-on experience in auditing, tax preparation, and financial accounting.
In his new position, Watt will oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal control processes. He will work closely with leadership to support accuracy, compliance, and long-term financial strength.
Quote from Jim Chandler, President of Longview Bank
“Blake brings strong technical knowledge and practical experience across multiple industries. His attention to detail and understanding of financial controls will strengthen our internal operations and support sound decision-making.”
Comment from David Albin, Chairman of Longview Capital Corporation
“Strong financial leadership is essential to a community bank. Blake’s background and approach align well with our long-term focus on stability, accountability, and local service. We are pleased to welcome him to Longview Bank.”
Quote from Blake Watt
“I am excited to join an organization that truly cares about its customers and their communities. I plan to help Longview bank continue growing while maintaining their core values with my experience and relationships I have built in the community.”
Watt will be based at the Longview Bank Georgetown Branch, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to local leadership and sound financial management.
About Longview Capital Corporation
Longview Capital Corporation is a bank holding company based in Newman, Illinois. It owns three banking subsidiaries, Longview Bank, Longview Community Bank, and Federated Bank. Together, these subsidiaries operate 25 branches in Bradley, Braidwood, Chebanse, Chestnut, Chrisman, Clinton, Danville, Gibson City, Georgetown, Greenview, Latham, Loda, Marshall, Middletown, Mt. Pulaski, Newman, Onarga, Ogden, Paris, Royal, Saint Joseph, Sidney, Tilton, Tuscola, and Villa Grove, Illinois. As of March 31, 2026, Longview Capital Corporation reported total assets of 1.1 billion dollars. For more information, visit longviewcap.com.
About Longview Bank
Longview Bank operates 13 branches across Champaign, Vermilion, Edgar, Clark, and Douglas counties in Illinois. Locations include Chrisman, Danville, Georgetown, Marshall, Newman, Ogden, Paris, Royal, Sidney, St. Joseph, Tilton, Tuscola, and Villa Grove. Founded in 1899, Longview Bank has a long history of serving rural communities. Longview Bank focuses on local relationships, agricultural lending, and community development.
