Open To Work
James Benz
Naperville
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic trust officer with extensive experience managing complex fiduciary accounts while ensuring adherence to governing documents and regulatory standards. Proven track record in enhancing business development through strategic centers of influence engagement and exceptional client relationship management. Focus on delivering tailored solutions that align with client objectives and uphold fiduciary integrity.
Overview
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice President (Exec) & Trust Officer
Devon Bank
Chicago
- Administers a large and diverse portfolio of trusts, estates, guardianships, and investment management accounts, ensuring administration complies with governing documents, tax requirements, and fiduciary standards.
- Manages and administers complex personal trust, estate, and guardianship accounts from asset collection through final distribution.
- Analyzes and interprets trust and probate documents, coordinates asset collection, authorizes distributions, and communicates regularly with beneficiaries, attorneys, and CPAs.
- Reviews trust instruments, probate documents, and legal filings to determine fiduciary duties and administrative requirements.
- Authorizes discretionary distributions and ensures compliance with internal policies and regulatory standards.
- Enhanced business development through strategic COI engagement and proactive client relationship management.
- Strengthened departmental reputation with clients, COIs, and Cook County Probate Judges through consistent communication and service excellence.
- Oversees investment management accounts, facilitates meetings with portfolio managers, and ensures alignment with client objectives.
- Conducted thorough internal reviews to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive fiduciary business strategy that positioned the bank as a preferred partner for attorneys, wealth advisors, and trust companies.
- Personal Trust & Wealth Management, Chicago, IL
Senior Vice President, Head of Personal Trust
Old Second National Bank
Aurora
- Administered personal trust accounts and provided fiduciary guidance to clients and internal partners.
- Ensured compliance with trust documents and coordinated tax and investment activities to strengthen client relationships.
- Oversaw daily administration of trusts, estates, and agency accounts to ensure seamless operations.
- Coordinated investment reviews and client meetings with portfolio managers.
- Supported business development through collaboration with attorneys and accountants.
- Streamlined administrative processes to enhance client service and maintain compliance.
- Wealth Management, Aurora, IL
Vice President, Personal Trust Division Manager
GreatBanc Trust Company
Lisle
- Led administration of large book of personal trust and estate accounts, ensuring compliance and client satisfaction.
- Administered complex trust and estate relationships, including high-revenue accounts.
- Monitored account activity to ensure compliance with governing document terms and protect client interests.
- Interpreted governing documents and ensured adherence to fiduciary obligations.
- Participated in business development by advising sales and administrative staff, enhancing client relationships through targeted outreach, document review, and profitability analysis.
- Served as primary contact for clients, beneficiaries, and professional advisors.
- Lisle, IL
Vice President, Compliance Officer & Manager
Banco Popular North America
River Grove
- Oversaw trust compliance and administered fiduciary accounts, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Managed fiduciary relationships, ensuring client objectives are met and are consistent with the governing documents and fiduciary administration principles.
- Reviewed trust accounts for compliance with governing documents and regulations.
- Coordinated efforts with auditors, regulators, and internal stakeholders to enhance compliance processes.
- Trained staff on fiduciary principles and trust administration best practices, fostering a culture of compliance.
- Worked closely with outside investment firms responsible for managing trust assets.
- River Grove, IL
Assistant Vice President, Client Relationship Manager
Firstar Bank / First Colonial Bank
Naperville
- Cultivated long-term client relationships through dedicated service and proactive communication.
- Administered 130+ trust and investment accounts, ensuring fiduciary responsibilities were met with precision.
- Interpreted trust documents and administered accounts according to client objectives.
- Coordinated tax filings, conducted investment reviews, and managed beneficiary communications to align with client objectives.
- Represented the bank in a professional manner with customers, attorneys, beneficiaries and other related parties.
- Oak Park & Naperville, IL
Education
MBA -
Northern Illinois University
B.S. - Management & Finance
Western Illinois University
Financial Planning Program -
DePaul University
Skills
- Trust accounting systems
- Trust administration systems
- Trust administration
- Regulatory compliance
- Compliance review tools
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Asset management
- Fiduciary compliance
Personal Information
Title: TRUST OFFICER FIDUCIARY ADMINISTRATOR CLIENT RELATIONSHIP SPECIALIST
Certification
- CTFA
Timeline
Assistant Vice President, Client Relationship Manager
Firstar Bank / First Colonial Bank
Vice President, Compliance Officer & Manager
Banco Popular North America
Vice President, Personal Trust Division Manager
GreatBanc Trust Company
Senior Vice President, Head of Personal Trust
Old Second National Bank
Vice President (Exec) & Trust Officer
Devon Bank
MBA -
Northern Illinois University
B.S. - Management & Finance
Western Illinois University
Financial Planning Program -
DePaul University