LAURA ESSEX

My educational background and work experience give me the skills necessary to continue to excel in a VP/Commercial Lender role. I obtained my MBA in Finance just one year after completing my Bachelors in both Finance and Economics. I then began my career in banking as a credit analyst, which gave me the financial analysis and credit background needed in a lending role. Since then, I have had 15+ years of experience in lending, including business/community banking, commercial real estate lending, and C&I lending. In my most recent CRE and commercial lending roles, I have contributed substantially to lending and deposit relationships, brought on many new customer relationships, and worked closely with wealth management, treasury management, mortgage, and other areas of the bank, to provide referrals and foster overall customer relationships. I pride myself on my customer service, both externally and internally with business partners. Overall, my credit background and robust lending experience in banks of various size and structure, make me a well-rounded and candidate for a senior commercial lending position that will further advance my career.

Treasurer - Farmington Central Athletic Boosters

Volunteer/Financial Literacy Instructor - Junior Achievement of Central Illinois

Volunteer/Various Activities - Heart of Illinois United Way