Faces of Busey

Associates are truly what makes Busey… Busey! Through our Faces of Busey campaign, we introduce you to just a few of our positive, determined, thoughtful, resilient and humble associates—and we obviously can’t say enough about them. Get to know our team as they share personal insights and unique perspectives about themselves.

Meet The Faces of Busey

VP, Commercial Deposit & Treasury Management Service Support Manager

AVP, Risk Management Analyst

VP, Area Manager

Service Manager

Merchant Services Account Executive

VP, Retail Sales Manager

VP, Commercial Portfolio Manager

Commercial Portfolio Manager

Jeremiah Baughman

“The most terrifying moments of my life were phone calls I received two years ago that my sons were coming into my home. When I became a father, I was single with a deep desire to provide a home to those in need, but not sure I could do it alone. Little did I know it’s possible, and the rewards beyond imaginable. The first moment was when my oldest, now 11, came into my home. After just a 48-hour notice, I met him and his only question was if he could call me Dad. That’s when I realized how much that word could change you. The second was the call for my youngest, just 10 days old at the time. Fearful of being a single father to two boys, I called my sister and I’ll never forget her response, ‘Of course you can do it, Jeremiah.” Through it all I learned we’re not alone on this journey, and it’s OK to ask for guidance. My friends, family and now my partner, Sean, have been by my side. My advice is to never hold yourself back because you can make quite the impact.”

Jeremiah Baughman
VP, Commercial Deposit & Treasury Management Service Support Manager

“A few years ago, I experienced health issues that required follow-up. At the time, we had a 2-year-old daughter at home and had just found out our second daughter was on the way the following summer. I was also studying for a test that could impact my career, the National Bank Examiners Commissioning test. I was terrified because of the uncertainty of my health and what that might mean for my family and life, but I had to keep pushing myself to work towards passing my test and providing for my family.

I used my faith and encouragement from family to help me overcome my fears and focused on my goals as a distraction from my health. After more medical testing, I received a clean bill of health and re-focused my thoughts on my family and my career. We welcomed our second daughter one month later and I passed the commissioning test in the same year.”

Clayton Murphy
AVP, Risk Management Analyst

“If I could give one piece of advice it would be that the grass is not always greener on the other side. I was once approached by a retailer with an offer to be a buyer. I loved working for the bank, but I also love fashion and the offer seemed too good to pass up, so I accepted the position. However, within five minutes of the first day on my new ‘dream’ job I knew I had made a mistake. By lunch, I was on the phone with my former supervisor asking for my old job back. He told me the position had been filled, but to keep in touch, which I did. Finally, after five long months I was back at the bank and happy once again. I was extremely grateful to get a second chance and learned the valuable lesson that more money doesn’t always translate to more happiness.”

Kelsey Hawkins
Service Manager

“I always knew I wanted to work with people. I just didn’t know in what capacity. I pursued my undergrad degree in psychology and criminal justice in hopes of being able to help people who need it most. However, after several ride-alongs with law enforcement, I decided that wasn’t for me.

It was my first marketing and sales position shortly after college that helped me find my path. I went back to school and earned my master’s degree in business education from Millikin University, and when an opportunity to work at Busey presented itself, I jumped at it. I knew Busey was a well-established company that values its employees, and I haven’t been disappointed. I thoroughly enjoy my job with the merchant services team and my managers do a great job making sure it stays that way.

The best part is I do get to work with people, meeting with various business owners to help them implement needs-based solutions and streamlining their payment operations to help them reach their goals.”

Jayson Reising
Merchant Services Account Executive

Alyshia Nicholson

"I’m incredibly passionate about the Edwardsville community. So much so that I left a job at Boeing in 2006 to work at TheBANK of Edwardsville, where I would have more opportunity to give back to my hometown. At first, I wasn’t quite sure of the path to the ‘giving back’ process, so I joined Rotary and started participating in civic events. But I found myself searching for more. Then, in 2016, a good friend asked if I would help run his campaign for alderman, and a week later I was approached to help with a ballot initiative for the school district. Both were successful campaigns that led to more opportunities in the community. Eventually, I decided to put myself out there and ran my own campaign for the Edwardsville School Board. I won the election and was sworn in on April 29 – the evening of my first day with Busey. Between my work in the community and my work with Busey, I can honestly say this is the happiest I’ve ever been. I can also confidently say that giving back and adding value to others is a path I will follow the rest of my life."

John McDole
VP, Commercial Portfolio Manager

“At 14 years-old, I began working at my grandpa’s restaurant. Through this experience, I learned lessons to last a lifetime. Because of this, I always thought I would be an entrepreneur. I envisioned a food truck serving gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. In college, I quickly learned the challenges of the entrepreneurial path, and instead, pursued a finance degree! It wasn’t until my senior year in a course called “Real Numbers for Real Banks” I realized I wanted to be a commercial banker. This course resonated with me. Through my experience with my grandpa, I truly believe small businesses are the backbone of this country. They can either make or break an economy on a local or national scale. Once upon a time someone helped fund my grandpa’s dream, and although, I may never own my own business, I get just as much joy playing a pivotal role in helping someone pursue their dream.”

Andy Webb
Commercial Portfolio Manager