Melissa Smith-Watkins has been promoted to assistant vice president, retail banking training director for Horizon Bank, Michigan City.
She joined the bank in 2022 as learning & development programs manager. In that position, she led training initiatives designed to support advisor development and advance organizational success.
In her new role, Smith-Watkins will lead the design and delivery of retail banking training programs aimed at strengthening advisor performance and supporting the bank’s business goals, working closely with branch teams and district leadership to identify training needs, develop effective strategies and implement solutions. She will also oversee retail banking operational policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
Beyond her daily work with the bank, Smith-Watkins served on the bank’s Voices of Pride Steering Committee for two years and has volunteered with The Starke County Youth Club and the La Porte YMCA.






