First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust Announces Gordon Smith Retirement and Brad Rench Hire

MATTOON, Ill., May 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Gordon Smith, Regional President, at First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, has announced plans to retire later this year.  Upon retiring from the role of Regional President, he will remain on staff focusing on business development for the company.  Gordon, a graduate of Illinois State University, started his banking career in 1972 as a commercial and agricultural lender.  Smith moved into the role of Senior Vice President (SVP), Regional President for the Metro East Region in 2001.  He has devoted over 40 years to serving customers throughout Madison County and surrounding areas. Gordon has been very active in the community and has served on the Boards of Directors of the Highland Chamber of Commerce, the Highland Business Education Alliance, Rotary Club, The Highland Area Community Foundation, and St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation.    

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Brad Rench has been hired to replace Smith as SVP, Regional President.  Rench will manage the banking operations of the First Mid Metro East market with banking centers in Highland, Maryville, and Pocahontas.  He will be responsible for growing core business lines including, commercial and personal banking, Trust & Wealth Management, and Insurance.  Brad holds a Bachelor's of Science degree in Finance from Western Illinois University. Most recently he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at First Clover Leaf Bank in Edwardsville.  Brad brings over 30 years of experience to the position, with over 19 years of senior management expertise and a background in serving the commercial lending needs of individuals throughout the Metro East market. 

When asked about the move, Rench stated, "I am pleased to be working in my hometown.  First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust is a solid organization with a great reputation in Highland and surrounding communities.  I'm looking forward to working with Gordon and the rest of our team to expand our Metro East footprint."

Gordon Smith commented, "I have truly enjoyed my 12 years with First Mid, and I'm proud of the accomplishments we've made over those years.  We have a talented team and Brad Rench will be a great addition.  His tenure in the financial industry will serve our customers well.  I look forward to working with him in the short-term to grow our market presence."

Joe Dively, First Mid President, stated, "Gordon Smith has been an outstanding leader for our Metro East market.  Under his supervision, we have grown our market share and built a team that we are extremely proud to have representing First Mid." 

Dively continued, "As Gordon begins focusing his efforts on business development and Brad joins our team, I am confident they will provide a strong leadership combination.  In addition, Brad's banking and management knowledge will serve both our customers and our employees greatly in the years ahead.  We look forward to continued success with him leading our operations in Madison County and surrounding communities."

First Mid provides comprehensive banking, trust and wealth management, and insurance services through its operating subsidiaries First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, N.A., and First Mid Insurance Group. It operates banking centers and ATMs in over 25 communities in Illinois.  More information about First Mid is available at www.firstmid.com.      

SOURCE First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust