Personal Advisors | Illinois

Your Wealth Advisor is dedicated to serving your financial needs through a process centered around you. At Busey Wealth Management, we take a team approach to providing comprehensive solutions for clients. Therefore, you have access to a network of qualified advisors, investment professionals and specialists who are dedicated to addressing your wealth challenges, from asset management and tax-efficient strategies to retirement solutions and estate planning.

Illinois: Peoria Tri-County

6699 North Sheridan Road | Peoria, IL 61614 | 309.495.4300

Vice President,
Private Wealth Advisor

Assistant Vice President,

Fiduciary Advisor

Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor

Illinois: Champaign County

201 West Main Street | Urbana, IL 61801 | 217.365.4800

Executive Vice President, Executive Managing Director,

Financial Advisor, RJFS

Executive Vice President,

Executive Managing Director, Wealth Advisor

Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Wealth Advisory

Senior Vice President,
Fiduciary Advisor

Vice President,
Fiduciary Advisor

Vice President,
Private Wealth Advisor

Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor

Vice President,
Private Wealth Advisor

Vice President,
Fiduciary Advisor

Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor

Senior Vice President, Tax & Financial Planning Specialist Team Lead

Illinois: Macon County

130 North Water Street | Decatur, IL 62523 | 217.425.8285

Senior Vice President,
Managing Director

Vice President,

Fiduciary Advisor

Officer, Wealth Advisor Planner

Illinois: McLean County

2101 North Veterans Parkway | Bloomington, IL 61704 | 309.834.2232

Officer,
Wealth Advisor Planner

Vice President,
Private Wealth Advisor

Illinois: Northern IL Counties

Executive Vice President, Managing Director

Senior Vice President,
Private Wealth Advisor

Senior Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor

Vice President,
Private Wealth Advisor

Vice President, Fiduciary Advisor

Officer, Wealth Advisor Planner

Illinois: Southern IL Counties

330 W. Vandalia Street | Edwardsville, IL 62025 | 618.659.6242
4415 M.L. King Drive | Alton, IL 62002 | 618.659.6689

Senior Vice President,
Director of Fiduciary Services

Vice President,
Private Wealth Advisor

Assistant Vice President, Fiduciary Advisor

Officer, Fiduciary Advisor Planner

Vice President
Private Wealth Advisor

Investment products and services through Busey Wealth Management are not FDIC insured, may lose value, and have no bank guarantee.

Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor | 309.683.2335

Joe joined Busey in 2017 after working for over a decade in the industry at other financial institutions, including Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase and PNC. He most recently
served as the Private Client Manager for Busey Wealth Management’s Peoria/Tazewell Market. His prior experience as a licensed broker makes him a valuable partner on our wealth management team and has served him well in his role as Private Wealth Advisor.

An active volunteer with the Heart of Illinois United Way and the American Cancer Society, Joe also serves as an Executive Board member and Treasurer for the Better Business Bureau of Central Illinois. In 2021, his efforts were recognized by Peoria Magazine when he was named to their prestigious “40 Leaders Under 40” list.

An alumnus of Western Illinois University, Joe was born and raised in the Peoria, IL, area. He and his family currently reside in Washington, IL.

Email:
Joe.Cecil@Busey.com

Assistant Vice President, Fiduciary Advisor | 309.495.4347

Jim applies the skills, experience and knowledge gained from practicing law as an attorney in Peoria County in the administration of his client's accounts. He assists clients with their legal counsel regarding estate planning, administrative and investment matters. Jim received his Bachelor's degree from Drake University, his Master's degree in Intellectual Property and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of New Hampshire School of Law.

Jim is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association. He is a past board member and the vice president of A.N.S.W.E.R.S., a nonprofit organization devoted to providing resources, education and support to those affected by autism spectrum disorders and has served on the board for Heart of Illinois Harvest. Originally from Lake St. Louis, Missouri, Jim now resides in West Peoria with his wife and son.

Email:
James.Crowley@busey.com

Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor | 309.347.0100

Since joining Busey in 2023, Joe has served as a personal relationship manager to Busey Wealth Management clients. Working in partnership with them, he listens closely to their goals and works with Busey’s specialized teams to provide holistic and comprehensive solutions—all with a fiduciary approach.

Our clients have worked hard to accumulate wealth over the course of their lifetime. Joe considers it as an honor and privilege to be invited into such a personal, trusted space by them. It’s this knowledge and responsibility that drives him to perform at the highest level for each and every client.

Prior to joining Busey, Joe worked in charitable gift planning in Southwest Florida, assisting clients with complex non-cash gifts and wealth transfer for the last decade. He holds the Retirement Income Certified Professional® designation (RICP®) and the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® designation (CAP®) from The American College of Financial Services, along with the Wealth Management Specialist^TM (WMS^TM) designation from the College of Financial Planning. He is also a member of the Central Illinois Estate Planning Council. Joe earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from Millikin University, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy from Drew University.

He and his wife are very involved in supporting the Alzheimer’s Association, Hilarity for Charity and Lorenzo’s House.

Executive Vice President, Executive Managing Director,

Financial Advisor, RJFS | 217.365.4870

Curt Anderson is Executive Vice President & Executive Managing Director of Busey Wealth Management, a division of Busey Bank, which provides asset management, investment and fiduciary services to individuals, businesses and foundations.

Curt, who has been with Busey for more than 30 years, is both a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and a member of the Financial Planning Association. An honors graduate from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, Curt earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, majoring in Finance.

Curt is a dedicated community leader and volunteer. He has previously or is currently serving in various capacities for the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Champaign County, which awarded Curt the Spirit of Caring award in 2012, C-U Sunrise Rotary Club, American Heart Association’s Heart Ball and Heart Walk, the University of Illinois School of Social Work and Carle Center for Philanthropy.

Curt is a member of the 2015 Raymond James Financial Services Leaders Council*. Most recently he was named among Forbes’ list of 2020 and 2021 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors** one of the top 100 advisors in Illinois.

*Membership is based on prior fiscal year production. Re-qualification is required annually. The ranking may not be representative of any one client's experience, is not an endorsement, and is not indicative of advisors future performance. No fee is paid in exchange for this award/rating.

**The Forbes ranking of Best-In-State Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years of experience, and the algorithm weights factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data.

Out of approximately 32,000 nominations, more than 4,000 advisors received the award. This ranking is not indicative of advisor's future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients' experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC.

Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM and CFP® in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Robert J. Ballsrud, CPA, CFA

Executive Vice President, Executive Managing Director, Wealth Advisor | Work 217.351.2707 | Mobile 217.377.8026

Bob is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Financial Analyst® charterholder who has more than 25 years of experience in investment management, over 20 of which have been at Busey. He works with high net-worth individuals, families, and organizations through complex financial planning and investment management issues.

Bob leads the Busey Wealth Management advisory team where he strongly believes clients deserve better. He previously led the Busey Wealth Management 8-member Investment Team. He believes integrating clients' tax and financial planning objectives with a robust portfolio construction process in a highly customized and personal manner gives them the best opportunity for long-term financial success. Bob's experience gives him confidence that this can only be done well by building a team of experts around a client to ensure all aspects of their financial affairs are planned and accounted for properly.

Bob is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Finance, as well as a member of the Investment Analyst Society of Chicago, the CFA Institute, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is a Personal Financial Specialist. He believes strongly in supporting our local communities as exhibited by his involvement with numerous local not-for-profits through the years including the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, The University of Illinois Japan House, the Crisis Nursery, Champaign Parks Foundation, Developmental Services Center, Rotary International, and the Carle Foundation to name a few.

Email:
Robert.Ballsrud@busey.com

Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Wealth Advisory | 217.351.1231

As Managing Director, Wealth Advisory, for Busey Wealth Management, Jason leads our team of dedicated wealth advisors in the Champaign, IL, Market. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, he works in partnership with high-net worth individuals, families and organizations to guide them through the often-times complex issues of financial planning.

Before joining Busey in 2023, Jason was the Executive Director – Market Director with JP Morgan Securities in Chicago, IL. He also worked in various capacities with other nationally recognized financial firms, including Fidelity Investments and TD Ameritrade. Along with his seasoned expertise in the arena of finance and investments, Jason is committed to providing clients with innovative solutions and developing a generational partnership to ensure their short- and long-term goals are met.

A graduate of Eastern Illinois University, Jason holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance.

Email:
Jason.Miller@Busey.com

Senior Vice President, Fiduciary Advisor | 217.351.6563

Kim has been in the financial industry for over 25 years. She works primarily with high net worth clients and has experience and expertise in trust administration and estates. She holds the designation of Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA), and is a member of the Eastern Illinois Estate Planning Council.

Kim is a graduate of the Illinois Bankers Association Trust and Investment Management School and received her Bachelor of Science in History and Secondary Education from Illinois State University. She has also successfully completed Cannon Trust School I, II and III at the Cannon Financial Institute.

Kim is involved in her community and is responsible for the Reading Is Fundamental program for Monticello Preschool and Kindergarten students.

Email:
Kim.Hislope@busey.com

Vice President, Fiduciary Advisor | 217.351.6553

Laura consults with clients in legal, tax and investment matters. She also monitors client assets as well as client objectives. Serving as a member of the fiduciary team, Laura works with accounts where Busey serves as trustee or executor.

Laura joined the Busey team in 2005 and began her career with Busey Wealth Management after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign in 2007. She attended the Cannon Trust School from 2008 to 2011, earned the designation of Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) and is a member of the Institute of Certified Bankers. She is also a graduate of the United Way Emerging Leaders Program.

A lifelong resident of the Champaign area, Laura understands the needs of clients in central Illinois. Laura lives in rural Champaign with her husband, Mitch, and their two children.

Email:
Laura.Harris@busey.com

Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor | 217.365.4993

Martha joined Busey in 2013 bringing exceptional customer service skills, and an enhanced international awareness through classroom study and living abroad. She enjoys delivering high quality care and service, while assisting clients with various financial needs.

Martha is a member of the Eastern Illinois Estate Planning Council and a graduate of Valparaiso University's School of Business. She received the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor designation through the Cannon Financial Institute in 2016.

Email:
Martha.Tinsley@busey.com

Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor | 217.365.4363

Since joining Busey in 2015, Ray has helped clients reach their financial goals with trusted advice and high-quality service. As a Private Wealth Advisor, he serves the needs of individuals, families and organizations through customized solutions unique to each client.

Before moving into his current role, Ray was a Wealth Advisory Support Specialist for two years with Busey Wealth Management. However, his financial industry experience with the organization started on our consumer side, where he served as a Service Center Manager and Universal Banker in the Champaign-Urbana community. His background and knowledge in these positions further lends to his understanding of the various aspects of financial planning—and solidified his client-focused commitment to service excellence.

Ray attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Email:
Raymond.Theron@busey.com

Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor | 217.365.4300

Karen creates personalized financial plans tailored to her clients and their specific financial goals. Karen has more than 30 years of combined financial and trust experience and is dedicated to developing strategies to help her clients reach their financial goals.

Karen earned her Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Illinois University with a concentration in Business Administration. She has also successfully completed the Financial Planning curriculum with Kaplan University. Karen enjoys spending time with her family and giving back to her community by volunteering her time with various charitable organizations.

Email:

karen.walker@busey.com

Vice President, Fiduciary Advisor | 217.365.4980

With 20 years of experience in the financial industry, Sherry recognizes that each client’s situation is unique—and she is committed to helping them navigate it with easy-to-understand solutions.

A part of the Busey Wealth Management team since 2022, she offers objective advice on matters involving insurance, investments, financial planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and trust and estate administration. Knowing each client is unique, she creates personalized strategies to help clients develop and reach their financial goals—today and for years to come.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM professional, Sherry is a graduate of Illinois State University in Normal, where she earned her MBA. An active community member, she previously served as President of the Eastern Illinois Estate Planning Council and the Normal Rotary Club. An animal lover, Sherry fosters cats and dogs through the Second Chance for Pets animal rescue in Clinton, IL.

Email:
Sherry.Hawkins@busey.com

Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor | 217.326.5201

With expertise in trusts and estate planning, Melissa works with clients to identify opportunities to enhance their financial world and provide them with peace of mind.

In 2008, she obtained the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) designation through the Institute of Certified Bankers, a subsidiary of the American Bankers Association. Melissa joined Busey in 2023, bringing more than 20 years of experience to our clients.

She earned her Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a member of the Eastern Illinois Estate Planning Council.

Email:
Melissa.Hendricks@busey.com

Senior Vice President, Tax & Financial Planning Advisor | 217.351.2837

Kathleen has been in the financial services industry for more than 30 years. She focuses her time and efforts in the Tax and Financial Planning areas of Busey Wealth Management. Kathleen, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, is a member of the Eastern Illinois Estate Planning Council. Kathleen received her degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Accountancy.

Email:
Kathleen.Edgecombe@busey.com

Senior Vice President, Managing Director | 217.425.8284

Born and raised in Decatur, Shondra understands the financial needs of area clients. She develops strategies for clients using her broad knowledge of wealth opportunities coupled with a thorough understanding of their financial goals. A dedicated member of the Busey Wealth Management team, Shondra will educate you on your investment strategy and how it relates to current events and market conditions.

After graduating from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, Shondra started her career in the financial industry working for a Fortune 500 company. She holds her State of Illinois Insurance license and is in process of obtaining the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation.

Actively involved in the community, Shondra is the President of American Business Women’s Association, member of the Central Illinois Estate Planning Council, alumni of Leadership Illinois and Decatur Leadership Institute and Trustee for the Decatur Public Schools Foundation and Decatur Police Pension Fund. She’s involved in special committees and projects with Northeast Community Fund, Decatur Memorial Hospital and Friends of Uncle Mike, Inc.

Ellen Ritchie

Vice President, Fiduciary Advisor | 217.425.8325

Ellen has been in the financial industry for over 20 years. In that time, she has served in various banking rolls at Busey and has well-rounded expertise. As Private Wealth Advisor, she works alongside clients and associates as a team approach to provide a tailored solution to their needs and expectations.

Ellen serves as a Village of Mt. Zion trustee and as Mt. Zion Chamber of Commerce Ambassador. She was also selected in 2018 as Herald & Review’s 20 Under 40.

Officer, Wealth Advisor Planner | 217.425.8289

Building long-lasting relationships with clients is Veronica’s top priority—the result of her passion for helping others build and achieve their dreams. She is a strong advocate for clients as she assists them in creating the path to their dreams. By connecting, educating and collaborating on holistic financial plans, Veronica helps them build legacies for themselves, their families and communities.

Veronica, who joined Busey in 2021, holds her Master of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior from Benedictine University after earning her Bachelor of Science from Millikin University. She obtained her Wealth Management Specialist^TM Certification in 2023. Veronica is also involved with several local organizations, including Illinois Women in Leadership (IWIL), Decatur Walk to End Alzheimer’s Executive, Millikin University Alumni & Development Regional Alumni Group Co Chair, Early Bird Kiwanis Club of Decatur and Decatur Rotary Club member.

Email:
Veronica.Logan@busey.com

Officer, Wealth Advisor Planner | 309.834.2236

As a Wealth Advisor Planner with Busey Wealth Management, Matt serves as a relationship manager for clients, engaging in proactive and ongoing communication to develop a deep understanding of their unique needs and goals.

Matt joined Busey in 2021 as a Financial Planning Specialist after graduating from Illinois State University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He stepped into his current role in 2023.

Committed to serving others, Matt regularly volunteers with Midwest Food Bank and the Kiwanis Club of Bloomington. He is also a member of Leadership McLean County, a program of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce that aims to provide participants with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to make a positive impact in their community.

Email
Matthew.Lage@Busey.com

Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor | 309.834.2233

Taylor received his Bachelor Degree in Finance from Illinois State University and is returning to Bloomington directly from our Wealth Management headquarters in Urbana, Illinois. Taylor is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and specializes in the areas of retirement planning, investment management, estate planning and goal-based financial planning.

Email:
taylor.morgan@busey.com

Executive Vice President, Managing Director | 847.832.0959

Bringing nearly 40 years of knowledge and experience to the table, Scott leads Busey Wealth Management’s Wealth Advisory team in our Northern Region. Responsible for the oversight and management of our Glenview-based team, he works with clients on individually managed portfolios, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), 401k plans and trusts.

His driving philosophy is ensuring clients walk away truly believing in and knowing the value both Busey’s and his personal expertise provides—no matter how the clients define their financial needs. Specializing in portfolio management, Scott joined Glenview State Bank, now Busey Bank, in 1996. A Chicago native and married father of five, he entered the financial industry in 1982 after earning his bachelor’s degree in economics from Western Illinois University.

Email:
Scott.Limper@busey.com

Senior Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor | 630.789.4457

With nearly twenty years of wealth management experience, Simon has the knowledge and expertise to provide a boutique level private banking experience through customized, high touch solutions. He is committed to his clients' financial situation and will work to ensure seamless coordination of their goals. Simon addresses his clients' personal and business financial needs in an effective, confidential, and highly professional manner.

Simon earned his Bachelor Degree in Finance from Miami University. Born and raised in England, Simon moved to Chicago in 2004, where he currently lives.

Email:

Simon.Grant@busey.com

Senior Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor | 847.832.0954

Following in her father’s footsteps, Karen joined the banking industry over four decades ago. Today, as a Private Wealth Advisor, she provides the highest level of service to clients by building lasting relationships through both a personalized and team approach.

A Glenview native, Karen joined Glenview State Bank—now Busey Bank—as a high school student in the Safe Deposit and Bookkeeping department. While a student at Northern Illinois University, she moved to a position as a teller and was later hired in the Trust Department before moving to the Trust Operations division, which Karen managed for over 30 years.

An active community member, Karen supports local charities and events, along with representing the bank at various functions in the area. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Finance with a minor in Economics from Northern Illinois University.

Email:
Karen.SYoung@busey.com

Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor | 630.696.4256

Natasha is a trusted financial advisor with 30 years of experience serving the needs of individuals, families and organizations through customized solutions unique to each client. She takes a planning approach to create and implement wealth strategies to achieve life goals. Through a holistic financial planning approach, Natasha, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, covers a variety of topics including estate, charitable, retirement and tax planning, and exit planning guidance for business owners.

An active Naperville area community member, Natasha currently serves as a volunteer and Community Advisory Council member with Loaves & Fishes Community Services. She is a member of 100 Women Who Care in Naperville and a volunteer with Little Friends. In 2007, Natasha was recognized among the “Influential Women in Business” by the Daily Herald Business Ledger in partnership with National Association of Women Business Owners. Natasha is a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing.

Email:
Natasha.Marriner@busey.com

Vice President, Fiduciary Advisor | 847.832.0891

With her three decades of experience in the industry, Cheryl offers the trusted advice and solutions clients are seeking for fiduciary services. Specializing in trust, estate and guardianship administration, she works closely with clients and their families to provide the highest level of guidance as they plan for the future—providing peace of mind when it comes to their financial security and wellbeing.

A lifelong resident of Illinois, Cheryl earned her bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA). She is a current member and former Board member of the Northwest Suburban Estate Planning Council and the Lake County Estate Planning Council. A committed community partner, Cheryl has devoted her time to numerous organizations, including the Heartland Animal Shelter, Palatine Township Senior Center and Suburban Fine Arts Center. A mom of two adult children, she has also been active in the Wheeling Instrumental League, Prospect Heights Instrumental League, Wheeling Band League, Boy Scouts of America and Cub Scouts.

Email:
Cheryl.Westin@busey.com

Officer, Wealth Advisor Planner | 630.696.4204

Since joining Busey in 2020, Justin has remained dedicated to assisting Busey Wealth Management clients and ensuring their financial objectives and needs are being met at the highest level. As a primary contact for clients and a resource for our Private Wealth Advisors, he ensures all paperwork and account functionality meet Busey’s standards.

A native of Naperville, IL, Justin uses his knowledge and expertise to assist individuals as they strive to achieve their financial goals. He is currently studying to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and earned bachelor’s degrees in finance and management from the University of Iowa. Justin believes in giving back to his community and volunteers at Feed My Starving Children, which provides meals for children to food partners around the world.

Email:
Justin.Jopes@busey.com

Senior Vice President, Director of Fiduciary Services | 618.659.6403

Beginning her career in banking in 1984, Joann has done everything from operations to investments to administration, manually posting transactions and hand-typing statements. Joann received her undergrad from Quincy University and her MBA with a specialization in Finance from the University of Illinois. Joann is a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist and has her Trust Certification.

Joann is an active member of many professional organizations, including the Estate Planning Council of St. Louis, the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Specialists, the Employee Benefits Association of St. Louis, and the Professional Women’s Alliance.

Joann is very involved in volunteering my time to organizations and projects that make a difference in our communities. She is an active member of the Edwardsville Rotary, United Way of Greater St. Louis, and United Way of Greater St. Louis Southwest Illinois Division.

Kevin Doak, CFP®, CTFA, CRSP

Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor | 618.659.6406

In the financial industry since 1990, Kevin is a Certified Financial Planner™ Professional (CFP®), a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA), and a Certified Retirement Services Professional (CRSP). He is also a graduate of the Cannon Financial Institute’s Trust and Retirement Plan Services Schools and the American Bankers Association National Graduate Trust School. He earned a B.S. degree in management from SIUE.

Kevin helps investors of all ages and backgrounds accumulate wealth, grow their wealth, and then protect their wealth as they continue into retirement. He derives much enjoyment from meeting new people and helping them realize their financial goals.

Kevin lives in Edwardsville and is active in the community by serving on the board as treasurer of The Main Street Community Center and is a current member of both the Estate Planning Council of St. Louis and The Land of Goshen Rotary.

Assistant Vice President, Fiduciary Advisor | 618.659.4586

Although Gail Washenko has over 30 years of experience in both trust services and the banking industry, her expertise lies in trust and fiduciary services—she is responsible for overseeing the fiduciary administration of over 160 accounts with a market of over $55 million. Gail is a 2019 graduate of Cannon Trust School, a three-part series that specializes in the technical competencies and skills required to perform complex trust administration responsibilities.

Gail, a graduate of SIUE, has been with Busey since 2017. She originally hails from Granite City, but currently lives in Maryville where she and her husband raised their two children. Her children attended St. John Neumann Catholic School, where Gail was an active volunteer while both children were enrolled.

Officer, Fiduciary Advisor Planner | 618.659.6405

As a Fiduciary Advisor Planner, Kelly Ruth handles a range of Fiduciary type accounts—from resulting trusts for the benefit of a client’s heirs to settling estates for the deceased.

Since joining Busey in 2020, she has diligently worked to ensure that an individual’s final wishes are properly executed, and any remaining family or charitable interests are provided for to the best of her ability. Currently studying for her Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) designation, Kelly Ruth initially joined Busey as a Fiduciary Advisor Specialist before moving into her current role in 2022.

A graduate of Campbell University in North Carolina, Kelly Ruth is a proud “Double Hump Camel”—a name bestowed upon students earning two degrees at the university, which is home of the Fighting Camels. She earned a Bachelors in Business Administration, majoring in Trust & Wealth Management Pre-Law, with minors in Financial Planning and Accounting. In addition, she was also dual enrolled for her Masters in Business Administration.

Kelly Ruth is a very active community member, who gives back by participating in volunteer opportunities throughout the year, including Busey-sponsored events like Art on the Square and the Rotary Criterium. She also serves as the Chair of Special Projects for the Board of Regents of the Endowment Fund for the Trinity Lutheran Church of Edwardsville, IL, and is on the Planning Committee for the Metro East Farm to Table Annual Dinner benefiting the American Cancer Society.

Once a month during the school year, Kelly Ruth helps proceed over hearings for the St. Clair County Teen Court restorative justice youth program. She also volunteers for the Got Your Six Support & Therapy Dog program in Maryville, IL, which provides specialized dogs to veterans and first responders suffering from various traumas. In her remaining free time, Kelly Ruth can be found crocheting and stuffing prosthesis donations for any one of the six out of seven breast cancer care clinics in St. Louis, MO, that she supports through the Knitted Knockers Foundation.

Email:
Kelly.Fuqua@Busey.com

Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor | 618.659.6663

As a Private Wealth Advisor, Blake is committed to providing clients with exceptional service and connecting them with unique opportunities. By developing one-on-one relationships with clients, he can help them organize, manage and enhance their financial affairs as they plan for today and the future.

By identifying their unique goals, Blake can introduce clients to the breadth of services offered by Busey—from planning and investing to borrowing and banking. Since joining the organization in 2017, he has lived the Busey promise of building trusted generational relationships with our valued clients and helping them reach their financial objectives.

Blake holds the Wealth Management Specialist^SM (WMS^SM) designation from the College for Financial Planning®.

Email:
Blake.Shannon@busey.com