On the Move

Share your employee stories with the industry!

Applaud and share the good news about your co-worker's promotions, retirements, and award recognitions in the Illinois Banker magazine. We also share the passing of beloved co-workers who made an impact in their community and the financial services industry. Submit your news to marketing@illinois.bank.

Aurora

Sylvia Balogh

OLD SECOND NATIONAL BANK Sylvia Balogh of Elmhurst was promoted to Executive Vice President of Retail Banking at Old Second National Bank. She continues to head the Bank's retail banking division which now includes 48 branches across the Chicago Metro market following the acquisition of West Suburban Bank in December of 2021. She brings to the Bank over 25 years of banking experience with expertise in regional sales management, business banking, and investment banking.

BLOOMINGTON, MN

Brett Staaland

UNITED BANKERS’ BANK Dwight Larsen, President and CEO of United Bankers’ Bank (UBB), is pleased to announce the addition of Brett Staaland to the UBB Investment Services Team. Brett has over 15 years of experience in finance and correspondent banking. A graduate of Southern Illinois University, Brett comes to UBB with an expertise in investment portfolio management. Brett will be based in Stoughton, WI and provide investment solutions to community banks in Iowa and Illinois.

Bushnell

Michael Steelman

FARMERS & MERCHANTS STATE BANK OF BUSHNELL The Farmers & Merchants State Bank of Bushnell Board of Directors recently announced promotions and retirement. Michael Steelman has retired from his position of Chairman/ CEO after 38 years of distinguished service. Mike is a graduate of Western Illinois University, Northern Illinois University College of Law, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate School of Banking. Mike has served as a director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago since 2011, including Chairman in 2018-2019 and Chair of the Illinois Bankers Association in 2008-2009. He will continue to serve as a director on the Board of Farmers & Merchants State Bank and Prairieland Bancorp, Inc., Chair Emeritus (past chair), and Senior Counsel, working parttime for the Bank.

Douglas Allaman

Former President & COO Douglas Allaman has been named Chairman/CEO of the Bank. Doug directs the lending department of the Bank, serves as Farm Manager and Director of Compliance, and is also a director on the board. Doug is a graduate of the University of Illinois and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He began his employment at Farmers and Merchants State Bank in 1995. He remains active in farming his family's farm near Roseville.

Connie Morrow

Former Executive Vice President & CFO Connie Morrow has been named President of the Bank. Connie is also a Trust Officer, IRS Enrolled Agent Income Tax Preparer, and a director on the board. Connie began her career with Farmers and Merchants in 1994 and is a graduate of Western Illinois University and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin.

Galesburg

Chris Shultz

F&M BANK Mike Holloway, Knox/Warren County President of F&M Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of three employees. Chris Shultz was promoted to senior vice president, Consumer Lending Manager/F&M Retail Division Manager. In this role, Chris will be the Consumer Lending Manager responsible for the oversight, management, tracking, compliance, and training needed for consumer lending.

Chris has been with F&M Bank since June of 1997, and she has been in her current role as VP, Retail Banking Manager since May of 2016. In total, Chris has been in banking for 34 years.

Brenda Rupert promoted to the role of Vice President, Retail Sales Manager. In this role, Brenda will be responsible for the day-to-day retail area and facilities for the F&M Bank Division.

Genna Williams

Genna Williams has been named an Officer. Genna joined F&M Bank in October of 2008 as a parttime Teller. Promotions followed to Lead Teller, Personal Banker, Assistant Branch Manager and then to Branch Manager at Seminary Square in February of 2021. She is a 2021 graduate of the Illinois Banker's Association Future Leaders Alliance program, which is a 14-month program.

Itasca

Francesco Sorrentino

ITASCA BANK & TRUST CO. Francesco Sorrentino has been promoted to Commercial/HOA Relationship Officer at Itasca Bank & Trust Co. He started his career at the Bank in October of 2015, managing the Customer Service department at the Itasca location.

Natalie Wojtowicz

Natalie Wojtowicz has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Operations and Branch Manager at Itasca Bank & Trust Co. She began her career as a teller with Itasca Bank in October of 2013 and has held the positions of Assistant Teller Manager and Assistant Branch Manager.

Mason City

MASON CITY NATIONAL BANK David Rodgers retired on March 15th after 35 years with the bank. A retirement party was held on Saturday, March 19. Congratulations Dave on your retirement and thank you for your contributions to the industry!

Mattoon

Bailey Swensen

FIRST MID BANK & TRUST First Mid Bank & Trust is pleased to announce the promotion of Bailey Swensen to Regional Deposit Manager. Swensen will be responsible for overseeing the Altamont, Charleston, Effingham, Mattoon Main, Mattoon Cross County, Mattoon Drives, and Neoga banking centers in the Central Region of the First Mid banking footprint.

She began her career with First Mid in November 2019 and has previously held the roles of Assistant Branch Manager at the Effingham banking center and Market Manager of the banking centers located in Coles Swensen County.

Morris

GRUNDY BANK Jaclyn Aldridge who currently holds the position of BSA Officer & Client Services Officer was promoted as of March 18, 2022, to Assistant Vice President of Grundy Bank in Morris. Jaclyn has been with Grundy Bank for 16 years. Jaclyn is a 2015 FLA graduate of the IBA Future Leaders Alliance (FLA) and served on the FLA Board of Directors from 2016-2018.