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.

Financial Planning Specialist

Tax Specialist II

Assistant Vice President, Financial Planning Specialist II

Tax Specialist

Vice President,
Tax Specialist III

Assistant Vice President,
Tax Specialist III

Tax Specialist

Mason Conklin, WMS^TM

Financial Planning Specialist | 469.365.2118

As the primary financial planning resource for Busey Wealth Management teams across our Central Region, Mason supports advisors from Dallas to St. Louis with planning strategies, analysis and client recommendations. By developing and presenting financial plans ranging from foundational to highly complex, he helps clients make informed decisions that align with their long-term financial goals.

Mason believes financial success is achieved through intentional planning, not isolated decisions. A thoughtful financial plan provides the framework for aligning every aspect of a client's financial life—including investments, insurance, taxes, retirement and estate planning—so that each element complements the others and collectively supports their goals, values and vision for the future.

A graduate of Texas A&M University, Mason earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. He also holds the Wealth Management Specialist^TM (WMS^TM) designation.

Email:
Mason.Conklin@busey.com

Matt Davis

Tax Specialist II | 630.696.4211

Joining Busey in 2025 as a Tax Specialist, Matt prepares tax returns and projections for our wealth management clients. He also serves as a valued resource for both clients and advisors by resolving and answering any tax-related issues.

Matt’s philosophy on client service centers on building meaningful personal and professional relationships with clients while delivering high-quality tax services. These strong relationships foster trust and inspire him to continually exceed client expectations and provide extraordinary excellence.

Prior to joining the organization, Matt was a tax accountant at public accounting firms for five years. His roles included preparing a variety of business, personal and fiduciary tax returns, and solving various tax matters.

Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Email:
Matt.Davis@busey.com

Kelly Driskel

Tax Specialist II | 816.895.4598

As part of Busey Wealth Management’s tax team, Kelly focuses on individual and trust tax return preparation and advisor support. She also coordinates quarterly estimates and year-end tax payments, along with analyzing tax information and reviewing tax return output with clients.

With over 15 years of tax preparation experience, Kelly is driven by a desire to help clients achieve clarity and confidence in their tax and financial matters. Through accuracy, integrity and exceptional service, she strives to build trusted relationships and deliver solutions that support both compliance and long-term financial success.

Kelly, who joined Busey in 2025, attended Penn Valley Community College and Nichols State University.

Email:
Kelly.Driskel@Busey.com

Dries Durnez, CFP®

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

Pranathi Paruchuri

Tax Specialist | 217.365.4218

Since joining Busey in 2022, Pranathi has been committed to building trusted relationships with our clients. As a key resource for both clients and advisors, she prepares and files individual, trust and estate tax returns.

Pranathi earned an Associate of Science degree in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy.

Email:
Pranathi.Paruchuri@Busey.com

Cassie Proulx, CPA

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.

Email:
Cassie.Proulx@Busey.com

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

Young Yoo

Tax Specialist | 217.421.7142

Committed to giving clients a fully integrated wealth management experience, Young strives to deliver exceptional service on the tax side of the equation. His role involves managing Busey Wealth Management clients' taxes by preparing tax returns, calculating estimates via projections and resolving tax notices.

A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Young earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting before joining Busey in 2025.

Email:
Young.Yoo@Busey.com