Wealth Management Resource Team

Effective tax planning can enhance returns as well as protect the value of your assets for future generations. The Busey Wealth Management Resource Team helps our clients explore tax and financial planning options available and most appropriate for their unique financial situation.

Senior Vice President, Tax & Financial Planning Specialist Team Lead

Assistant Vice President, Financial Planning Specialist II

Officer,
Financial Planning Specialist II

Vice President,
Tax Specialist III

Assistant Vice President,
Tax Specialist III

Senior Vice President, Tax & Financial Planning Specialist Team Lead 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.

Assistant Vice President, Financial Planning Specialist II | 217.351.6604

Dries has been in the financial industry since 2013 when he arrived in the US. He works closely with financial and wealth advisors to create financial plans for clients, analyzing their finances and helping them navigate their financial path.

Born and raised in Belgium, Dries received his undergraduate degree in Japanese Studies at the Catholic University of Leuven before attaining his Master's Degree in Journalism from Doshisha University. He currently resides in Champaign with his wife and family.

Email:
Dries.Durnez@Busey.com

John Frerichs, CFP^®

Officer, Financial Planning Specialist II | 217.365.4915

As a Financial Planning Specialist at Busey, John works closely with clients to help them align their financial decisions with their personal goals and values. He is passionate about helping individuals and families gain clarity and confidence in their financial futures through a holistic, individualized approach to financial planning. By considering every aspect of a client’s financial picture, John empowers them to make informed decisions about their money and get the most out of their lives.

A Certified Financial Planner®, he brings both technical expertise and a client-first mindset to his role. He finds deep fulfillment in building lasting relationships with each client and creating personalized strategies that reflect what matters most to them.

John holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois.

Email:
John.Frerichs@Busey.com

Vice President, Tax Specialist III | 217.351.2825

Cassie has been in the financial industry for over five years. Within her role, Cassie collaborates closely with wealth advisors to meet clients' tax needs. She is responsible for conducting tax research and various aspects of tax reporting including the preparation of trust, personal and charitable tax returns for clients.

Cassie has been in the community since 2013, where she lives with her husband, Jeff. She moved to the states, from China, to attend the University of Illinois where she attained her Bachelor of Accounting, followed by her Master of Science in Accountancy.

Seth Yeakel

Assistant Vice President, Tax Specialist III | 217.365.4887

As Assistant Vice President – Tax Specialist III with Busey Wealth Management, Seth Yeakel plays a key role in leading the processing of tax-deferred accounts and supporting 1099 reporting for investment accounts. He also prepares and reviews fiduciary, partnership and individual tax returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance across a wide range of client needs.

In addition to tax preparation, Seth oversees day-to-day data tracking, processing and the automation of Busey’s tax systems—enhancing efficiency through technology and innovation. He actively researches and interprets tax legislation, offering valuable insights and guidance to Wealth associates and clients alike.

With a strong passion for problem-solving, Seth enjoys using his tax and financial expertise to create positive, informed experiences for clients. He holds both a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and accountancy, as well as an MBA with a focus in accountancy, all from Eastern Illinois University.

Email:
Seth.Yeakel@Busey.com