Whitaker promoted to north regional president at First Bankers Trust

QUINCY — First Bankers Trust, a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Bankers Trustshares, Inc., has announced the promotion of James Whitaker to north regional president.

In his new role, Whitaker will oversee and lead strategic initiatives, growth and customer relationships throughout First Bankers Trust’s northern market areas. Leveraging his extensive background in commercial, agricultural and real estate lending, Whitaker will focus on enhancing customer experience, driving business development and supporting the continued growth of the communities First Bankers Trust serves. He will also lead the company’s recreational land division, Buck Land Funding, and agricultural lending.

In a press release, Allen Shafer, president and CEO of First Bankers Trustshares, Inc., said, “James has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to our customers throughout his tenure. His extensive knowledge of commercial and agricultural lending will continue to positively impact our growth and strengthen our community presence.”

Whitaker joined First Bankers Trust more than 14 years ago and has successfully held several key roles, including vice president of commercial and agricultural Lending, chief credit officer, and most recently, senior vice president of business development. Before joining First Bankers Trust, Whitaker was senior vice president of commercial lending in St. Louis.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to continue working closely with our dedicated team and valued customers,” Whitaker said. “We have a strong foundation and tremendous potential for continued success and community impact.”

Headquartered in Quincy, First Bankers Trust Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Bankers Trustshares, Inc., is a community-oriented commercial bank offering a variety of financial services to meet the needs of the communities it serves, including personal banking, residential mortgage loans, consumer loans, business loans and agricultural loans.

The bank has branch locations in Quincy, Macomb, Mendon, Carthage, Rushville, and Springfield in Illinois as well as loan production offices in O’Fallon, Ill., and St. Charles, Mo. It is the largest bank in Adams County, Ill.

For more information, visit https://www.firstbankers.com.