LINCOLN, Neb. – Gov. Mike Johanns named John Munn to succeed Sam Baird as director of the Nebraska Department of Banking & Finance, effective Jan. 18. Baird retired at the end of 2004. The Nebraska Department of Banking & Finance regulates the state's licensed financial institutions and mortgage lenders including 27 state-chartered credit unions. Munn's professional background has been in the banking industry. Immediately before accepting his appointment he was president/CEO and director of First National Bank & Trust of Syracuse since 2001. From 1983 to 2001 he was SVP and director of Cornerstone Bank, N.A. in York. He has also held positions as correspondent officer for National Bank of Commerce in Lincoln and VP and director of The Cattle National Bank in Seward. Munn is also a board member of the Nebraska Bankers Association.