Gnuse retiring as TI-TRUST board chair

TI-Trust has announced the retirement of long-time board member and Chairman of the Board, Donald K. Gnuse.

Gnuse’s retirement will be effective in 2022. 

In 1956, TI-TRUST’s predecessor received trust powers and, in that same year, Gnuse began his work in banking and spent his entire 65 year career devoted to banking and trust services.  

“Much has changed in the financial services arena in 65 years.  I am happy to have been a part of it and to have helped grow TI-TRUST into the organization that it is today,” Gnuse said.

In the 1970s, he helped shape community and branch banking laws in Illinois and created First Bankers Trust Company and its holding company First Bankers Trustshares, Inc.  Gnuse was an active member in both the Illinois and Missouri Bankers Associations.

Gnuse formerly served as president/CEO of First Bankers Trust, retiring in 2006 after 50 years with the bank.

Gnuse has been a respected businessman and an active contributor in the community, serving as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Culver-Stockton College and the Quincy Salvation Army, and past Board member for Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing, John Wood Community College Foundation, John Wood Historical Society, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Good Samaritan Home, the Lindsay Church Home, and the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area.

“In 1988, Don saw an opportunity to expand traditional trust services and First Bankers Trust began offering trustee services to employee stock ownership plans all across the country.  His vision set the path to grow the company,” said Brian Ippensen, President of TI-TRUST, Inc.  “Don is a great mentor and I can proudly say I’ve been blessed to have been part of his professional journey.”

The TI-TRUST Board has hired a professional firm to conduct a national search to fill Gnuse’s Board seat. 

To celebrate Gnuse’s retirement, TI-TRUST will be hosting an open house in early 2022.