Busey Volunteerism

Creating change in our community one project at a time.

Busey associates are encouraged to be actively involved, enriching the quality of life in the communities where they live and work. Being a community financial services organization means being a good corporate neighbor—partnering for purpose and progress. Read about our current Volunteer and VolunTEAM of the Month, Volunteer of the Year, Nicholas Moser and past recipients. 

April 2026 BUSEY'S VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Evan Neukam

Living the Busey promise in his community, Evan Neukam, Credit Analyst,  is being recognized as Busey’s Volunteer of the Month.
 
Growing up in Carmel, Evan was an integral part of the Carmel High School Baseball program, an experience that played a meaningful role in his development both as an athlete and as a person. After continuing his baseball career at Wabash College, he stayed connected with the program and it’s coaches. When an opportunity arose last fall to join the coaching staff, Evan was eager to step in and support the next generation of players, inspired by the positive impact the program had on his own life.
 
Now serving as a JV assistant coach and catchers coach, Evan brings both experience and passion to the field, drawing on his background as a catcher to help players grow in skill and confidnece. Watching the development of the athletes he works with has been rewarding, and the role has provided a meaningful way to align his personal interests with community service.

 Congratulations, Evan
 






Swipe for more

April VolunTEAM of the Month


The Phoenix and Scottsdale Retail and Commercial teams bagged cookies for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital for the second year in a row. Together, both locations packed about 2,000 cookies. The time, care, and kindness put into this experience was meaningful to their patient families and brought so much joy to those in need. 
 
 
Creating change in our community one project at a time. Busey associates are encouraged to be actively involved, enriching the quality of life in the communities where they live and work. Being a community financial services organization means being a good corporate neighbor—partnering for purpose and progress.
 
 

2025 Volunteer of the Year

Nicholas Moser | VP – Life Equity Loan Portfolio Manager Team Lead


Busey is proud to announce Nick Moser, VP – Life Equity Loan Portfolio Manager Team Lead, as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year. Living the Busey promise in his community, Nick completed over 425 hours of service in 2025.
 
Nick has worn many hats in the Elk Grove Park District community over the years. His volunteer journey includes six years of coaching and serving on the Advisory Board of Elk Grove Girls Softball, where he spent three years as President. Today, he coaches both of his sons in travel baseball for the Elk Grove Travelers and serves as Treasurer of the Travelers Advisory Board. In his role, he helps oversee six full-time teams and a league that hosts nearly 100 teams.
 
Nick’s connection to youth sports in Elk Grove runs deep. He began as a young athlete at age seven and has grown into a dedicated volunteer who continues to make a lasting impact. Inspired by the support he received from parents and volunteers during his playing days, Nick committed himself to ensuring future generations enjoy the same opportunities.
 
Daniel Scott, EVP Director of Life Equity Loan, describes Nick as “a great example of how associates can get involved and create meaningful change in the communities we serve.” He adds that his passion for youth sports is fueled by a lifelong connection to Elk Grove Village and a desire to give back as both a mentor and leader. “I admire how hard Nick works – often first in the office – and then spends his evenings volunteering and coaching.”
 
Thank you, Nick, for being an inspiration and congratulations on this outstanding achievement!
Learn more about our Promises


Past Volunteer of the Month Recipients









March 2026 BUSEY'S VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Tyler McDowall

Living the Busey promise in his community, Tyler McDowall, VP – Senior Corporate Insights and Information Analyst,  is being recognized as Busey’s Volunteer of the Month.
 
Tyler volunteers with the Illinois Association of Student Councils (IASC), the state‑level organization that supports and empowers high school student councils through leadership training, workshops, and conferences. Tyler’s day‑to‑day impact is felt statewide through his work with IASC. In March alone, much of his time was devoted to the organization’s annual three‑day convention, which brought together more than 700 student leaders and advisors from over 50 high schools across Illinois—an event that requires months of planning, coordination, and behind‑the‑scenes support to run smoothly.
 
Tyler’s journey with IASC began when he was a high school student finding his voice through student council. His involvement quickly grew into leadership, service, and ultimately a lifelong commitment to giving back. Over the years, Tyler has served in nearly every capacity imaginable. In his current role, he manages everything from operations and administrative workflows to website management and communications, helping ensure the organization continues to thrive. Tyler credits IASC with shaping his leadership skills, and his continued service is a powerful example of paying that growth forward. 

February 2026 BUSEY'S VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Luke Alpe

Living the Busey promise in his community, Luke Alpe, Commercial & Wealth Analyst, is being recognized as Busey’s Volunteer of the Month.
 
Luke’s journey into volunteering began through the encouragement of a former hockey coach who recognized his passion for the game and let him know there was a need for a high school coach. His connection to the Champaign Urbana Youth Hockey Association stretches back even further to his time with the Illinois Men’s Hockey Club, where he regularly helped with Learn to Skate sessions after practice.
 
Throughout the season, Luke found joy in watching players grow not only in skill, but in confidence and character. He takes pride in passing along lessons that shaped him as a young hockey player, and he’s especially inspired by the team’s resilience in the face of tough losses and challenging stretches. One of Luke’s most memorable experiences came late in the season, when players rallied together to overcome a rival, forcing overtime and ultimately securing a playoff spot. Celebrating that hard-earned win in front of a packed crowd was a moment that perfectly captured the players’ dedication and the heart of youth hockey.

December 2025 BUSEY'S VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Tara Gaidies

Living the Busey promise in her community, Tara Gaidies,  VP Treasury Management Executive II, is being recognized as Busey’s Volunteer of the Month.
 
Tara’s dedication and initiative truly made a difference during the holiday season. Her involvement began through a connection at the El Paso County Contractors Association, where she learned about the Angel Tree cause supporting foster children and underserved youth. Tara quickly embraced the opportunity to make an impact and partnered with local organizations, including Kids Crossing, to bring joy to children in need.
 
Thanks to Tara’s leadership and collaboration with the Colorado Busey team, the results were incredible. Together, they provided Christmas gifts for 20 children and rallied additional client support to reach another 28 children, impacting a total of 48 local kids! Tara’s ability to foster connections and inspire teamwork truly shows the spirit of volunteerism. Her efforts remind us how powerful community partnerships can be in creating meaningful change.

November 2025 BUSEY'S VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Heather Poling

Living the Busey promise in her community, Heather Poling, Administrative Assistant II,  is being recognized as Busey’s Volunteer of the Month.
 
Heather exemplifies the heart of service through her dedication to the W.I.S.E. Ministry. Her efforts have touched countless lives in Clayton, NM, and surrounding areas by supporting local organizations and individuals in need. From raising funds for Snack Pak 4 Kids and emergency utility assistance to organizing bereavement dinners and birthday celebrations for nursing home residents, Heather’s commitment ensures that no one in the community feels forgotten. Her leadership shines during major events like the Nancy Leighton Memorial Community Turkey Dinner and Kid’s Christmas Shopping Day, where she helps bring people together to serve with compassion and creativity.
 
Beyond W.I.S.E., Heather also lends her talents to the Clayton Rotary Club, assisting with administrative tasks that keep impactful programs running smoothly. Her contributions support initiatives like Snack Pak 4 Kids, the Nick Payton Memorial Christmas Basket giving, and scholarships for local students. Heather’s willingness to step in wherever needed reflects her belief that every act of service matters.

October 2025 BUSEY'S VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Chris Schepis

Living the Busey promise in his community, Chris Schepis, SVP Director - Commercial,  is being recognized as Busey’s Volunteer of the Month.
 
Chris has been an incredible asset to both the Ellisville Athletic Association and Chesterfield Hockey Association. His journey as a coach began when his sons started playing hockey. What started as a way to spend time with his boys quickly grew into a passion for helping young athletes develop both on and off the ice. Chris focuses on creating an environment where kids have fun, work hard, and learn valuable life skills like teamwork, coachability, and resilience. He reminds players and parents that hockey is more than just a game. It’s an opportunity to build character and confidence
.
Beyond the regular season, Chris goes above and beyond by helping run the club’s spring program and organizing a weekly summer camp. The rink has truly become his home away from home, and the relationships he has built with players and families make his volunteer work deeply rewarding. His dedication ensures that every child not only improves their skills but also learns lessons that will serve them well beyond the ice.

September 2025 BUSEY'S VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Ashley Oldham

Living the Busey promise in her community, Ashley Oldham, Commercial Loan Coordinator II, is being recognized as Busey’s Volunteer of the Month.
 
Ashley’s journey began with the Kickoff Classic, a charity golf event supporting school sports programs across Oklahoma. Introduced to the cause by her director, Ashley quickly moved from behind-the-scenes support to hands-on involvement, finding deep fulfillment in helping raise funds that directly benefit local youth. Her commitment to giving back has only grown, with Busey opening doors to opportunities like Leadership Bixby and CAP Tulsa, where she’s built meaningful connections and supported initiatives that provide affordable childcare to families in need.
 
Ashley’s passion for service extends beyond the workplace. In April, she and her daughter joined the National Charity League, Bixby Chapter — a mother-daughter organization that partners with local nonprofits. Together, they’ve volunteered with the SPCA, Tulsa Period Pantry, and Bixby Outreach, creating lasting memories while making a tangible impact. Ashley’s story is a powerful reminder of how small acts of kindness can ripple through a community, and how leading by example can inspire the next generation to embrace the value of giving back.

August 2025 BUSEY'S VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Kelly Ruth Fuqua

Living the Busey promise in her community, Kelly Ruth Fuqua, AVP Private Wealth Advisor, is being recognized as Busey’s Volunteer of the Month.
 
Kelly Ruth’s journey to rediscovering her spark is a testament to the power of community and creativity. While she enjoyed volunteering at events like the Edwardsville Halloween Parade and the Rotary Criterium bike race, it was joining the Curtains Up Theater Company that truly reignited her passion. From her humble beginnings as Tree #3 in The Wizard of Oz, Kelly Ruth quickly became a vital part of the group—joining the board and performing in productions like Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Christmaspalooza, and Cinderella, where she was one of only four featured dancers. Her dedication helps keep one of the area’s only free theater groups thriving, opening doors for families to explore the performing arts together.
 
Kelly Ruth’s impact extends far beyond the stage. She serves as president of her church’s Board of Regents of the Endowment Fund, leads revenue enhancement efforts for the American Cancer Society’s Farm to Table Metro East dinner, and is the largest provider of Knitted Knockers to breast cancer care clinics in the St. Louis area. Whether she’s folding 500 origami cranes or hand-painting 150 forks, Kelly Ruth brings creativity, compassion, and energy to every cause she supports.

July 2025 BUSEY'S VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Cindy Ebert

Living the Busey promise in her community, Cindy Ebert VP, Lockbox Remittance Specialist II, is being recognized as Busey’s Volunteer of the Month.
 
Cindy’s dedication to Camp Quality – Greater Kansas City is nothing short of inspiring. Though she officially joined as a volunteer and member of the Camp Organizing Committee about six years ago, her connection to the Camp Quality family spans two decades. Her journey began when her son was diagnosed with brain cancer at age three and later became a camper at Camp Quality. After her son graduated and transitioned into a volunteer role, Cindy followed suit, diving headfirst into supporting the camp that had given so much to her family. Each summer, she commits a full week to creating a safe, joyful space where kids with cancer can simply be kids again.
 
Beyond camp, Cindy continues to give back through her involvement with The Deron Cherry Charitable Foundation, a key supporter of Camp Quality. Founded in 1992 by former Kansas City Chiefs player and Hall of Famer Deron Cherry, the foundation is dedicated to uplifting the community through generous fundraising and impactful events. Whether she’s helping organize community events or distributing school supplies to local teachers, Cindy’s compassion and energy shine through in everything she does. Thank you, Cindy, for your heart, your time, and your incredible impact.

May 2025 BUSEY'S VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Jeremy Curtiss

Living the Busey promise in his community, Jeremy Curtiss, VP-Commercial Underwriter II, is being recognized as Busey’s Volunteer of the Month.
 
Jeremy supports the Mahomet community by volunteer coaching youth sports teams in soccer and baseball. Most recently, Jeremy has volunteered as an assistant coach for the 8U Diamond Dogs. The Diamond Dogs Baseball Club was created in 2002 to provide a higher level of competition for talented and motivated area baseball players that are committed to improving their skills in a team-focused, competitive environment. Sharing a passion for baseball with his son, Jeremy dedicates several hours a week to games and practices with the team.
 
Most recently, Jeremy assisted with the Diamond Dogs Summer Classic Tournament, including field set up and extra pitching for the home run derby competition. Jeremy enjoys teaching the boys fundamentals of the game as well as developing athletic skills, sportsmanship, self-confidence, character and work ethic. The growth that the team has shown from the beginning of the season is very rewarding. In addition to his contributions to the Diamond Dogs baseball club, Jeremy is volunteering with the Mahomet Seymour Soccer Club season this fall.

April 2025 BUSEY'S VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

Amber Upchurch


Living the Busey promise in her community, Amber Upchurch, AVP – Banking Center Manager II, is being recognized as Busey’s Volunteer of the Month.
 
Amber has exemplified what it means to be a dedicated volunteer at Fox Creek Elementary. Her journey began with a simple desire to be more involved in her son's education, which led her to join the PTO. Since then, Amber has become an important part of the school community. From organizing creative themes for school events to securing donations and helping with activities like popcorn Fridays, Amber's efforts have brought joy and excitement to both students and staff.
 
Her son's words, "I get to see you and share your kindness and love with my friends," capture the essence of her contributions perfectly. Amber's involvement goes beyond personal fulfillment; it reflects a deep understanding of the PTO's mission to enhance the educational experiences of all students and teachers. By raising funds for essential resources and enriching activities, Amber helps create a nurturing environment where children can thrive. Her pride in being part of the Fox Creek Elementary PTO shines through, making her a true changemaker in the school community.