DECATUR HERALD & REVIEW
20 UNDER 40 | MAY 2020 |
15
RACHEL STRODE fundamental values of Decatur and how the community will benefit those it serves Occupation: Vice president, regional pri- — no matter their age. vate client manager at Busey Bank. What are three things most people don’t Family: I’ve been married to my husband, know about you? Steven Strode, for 13 years. Steven is a 1. I am a huge animal lover. We have three performance improvement specialist at dogs, a cat and a bearded dragon— and I Exelon in Clinton. We have a son, Kayson, would consider adding to this menagerie. 2. I married my middle and high school 10, and a daughter, Raelyn, 6. sweetheart 13 years ago. This year, we will Career highlights and/or accomplish- have been together for 20 years. 3. After high school graduation, my plan ments: I entered the banking industry in 2012 as a branch manager and, in 2018, I had been to become a marine biologist and made the move to Busey Bank to become move away from Decatur. Luckily, plans a private client manager. A little over a changed for the better. year later I was honored to receive my vice president title and promotion to re- What is the best and worst piece of advice gional private client manager. Currently, I you have ever received? The best advice lead a team of highly talented individuals is something my grandmother used to in our Decatur market where we deliver tell me: “Be the good you want to see in our private clients an integrated means the world and always lead with love.” Her of addressing both personal and business heartfelt advice has stayed with me since financial needs. Prior to Busey, I was in I was a little girl. human resources and retail management The worst is not necessarily advice but for almost 14 years. I was very proud at words of caution. I’ve found by letting othage 19 to be named store manager for the ers control how you feel about yourself, you women’s clothing store, The Limited, and can become your own worst enemy. On the manage it for six years before moving into flip side, you can change that way of thinkhuman resources. ing and become your own biggest fan. Always choose to bet on yourself even when Community involvement: As a lifelong De- you are the underdog. catur resident, I am so proud to be a member of this wonderful community. Currently, If you were a fictional character, who I’m a United Way board member and vol- would you be and why? I love Captain unteer, as well as the UW campaign leader Marvel. She advocates for others in need, in the Decatur market. In addition, I’m a stands up for what is right, believes in herboard member for the Symphony Orchestra self and continues to rise up after being Guild of Decatur and the Children’s Mu- knocked down. seum of Illinois. I recently joined PawPrint Ministries’ newly founded advisory board What are your three favorite movies? and assist with fiduciary responsibilities. “Grease,” “Top Gun” and “Dirty Dancing.” My active participation also includes organizing Busey’s book drive — and receiving What would your perfect Saturday be like? 300 donations — for children in need at De- A perfect Saturday would be sleeping in catur Macon County Opportunities Cor- and waking up to family cuddles, followed poration (DMCOC); leading Busey’s efforts by time outdoors with the entire family, for the 2019 WSOY Food Drive in Decatur and winding down with a great dinner and that raised over $1,000; and volunteering discussing what is important to our family at area Special Olympics events. right now. I’ll also take a family day at the beach anytime. What should the community do to attract more young people to the area? I think the Who inspires you to be better? My huscommunity needs to be more transparent band and my children are my primary inwith its opportunities to volunteer and spirations. I believe it’s important to never help area youth. Social media is a large part become complacent. You always have to of life for the younger generation and can push to be the best possible version of be used to the community’s advantage. It’s yourself; if not for yourself, then do it as a powerful tool that can demonstrate the an example for those around you.
SARAH JANE PHOTOGRAPHY
Age: 33
ACHIEVE. At Busey, we’re proud to have associates who are positive, determined, thoughtful, resilient and humble. Congratulations, Rachel Strode, on being recognized among The Herald & Review’s 20 Under 40, sponsored by The Community Foundation of Macon County.
Rachel Strode
Vice President Regional Private Client Manager
busey.com Member FDIC
