Mattoon, IL (February 20, 2025) First Mid Bancshares, Inc., the holding company of First Mid Bank & Trust, is pleased to present the 2024 Chairman’s Award for Excellence to nine employees within the company. The Chairman’s Award is First Mid’s most prestigious award. Individuals are nominated by their peers and selected by the company’s executive committee. In the past year, these employees have consistently demonstrated First Mid’s core values in their everyday work while making exceptional contributions to the company. Their commitment to their customers and colleagues has rightfully earned each of them the company’s highest honor.
Jen Bartels is an Accounts Payable Officer, located at Mattoon Corporate. With a commitment to excellence, she embodies the values of dedication and leadership. Bartels continually handles challenges with insight and collaboration, particularly during the recent implementation of new systems that have streamlined operations and improved efficiency. Her mentorship and active participation in various initiatives have made her an invaluable asset and a beacon of inspiration for her colleagues. Beyond her professional role, Bartels is deeply committed to community service, organizing numerous fundraising events and providing critical support to local families.
Cydney Frank is a Core Processing Manager I, located at Mattoon W. Broadway. She consistently demonstrates the values of teamwork, integrity, and leadership. Frank’s technical expertise and calm demeanor have made her a trusted resource across the organization, especially noted for her pivotal contributions to the recent integrations of internal operating systems. Frank focuses on the success of others, embodying selflessness and a dedication to excellence. Her colleagues describe her as a pillar of support who tackles challenges head-on and brings out the best in everyone around her.
Jeannie Gluntz is a Deposit Procedure Officer, located at the O’Fallon banking center. Always going above and beyond in her role, she displays expertise, dedication, and a heartfelt commitment to supporting others. Gluntz’s journey began during a prior acquisition, where she seamlessly stepped into a crucial role as a trainer, guiding employees with unwavering patience and professionalism. She meticulously updates procedures, hosts impactful virtual trainings, and collaborates across departments to ensure clarity and alignment. Her dedication to the values of integrity, teamwork, and professionalism has made her a vital resource to the company.
JD Morgason is an Account Manager II with First Mid Insurance Group, located at the Forsyth banking center. His leadership, problem-solving skills, and commitment to teamwork are evidenced by his exceptional management of complex accounts and his willingness to support colleagues. Morgason’s dedication extends beyond his professional role, as he consistently mentors new hires and advocates for both clients and teammates. This well-deserved recognition highlights his extraordinary work ethic, humility, and profound impact on the organization.
Alyssa Newmister is the Director of Treasury Services & Digital Solutions, located at the Peoria Adams banking center. Redefining excellence in leadership and service, her contributions have been transformative. Newmister recently established new departments to significantly elevate the client experience for commercial customers and improve accuracy and generate valuable resources. Her leadership and innovative initiatives have made First Mid a standout in the commercial banking environment, reaffirming the company’s values of accountability, commitment, and professionalism.
Sara Porter is the Director of Digital Strategy, located at the Beloit Broad banking center. Her exceptional contributions, leadership, and dedication have significantly impacted the company. Porter’s influence as a crossfunctional leader and her role in a significant digital upgrade project have been pivotal. Her ability to foster collaboration and guide others through change, particularly during times of transition, has been nothing short of inspiring. Porter’s expertise in the digital space, resilience, and enthusiasm have made a lasting impact on First Mid’s success and growth.
Brent Waters and Alex Meyer are Mortgage Banking System Administrators. Demonstrating exceptional teamwork, their combined efforts have been critical to the successful implementation of the company’s new Loan Origination System (LOS), which serves as the foundation for the Mortgage department’s continued growth and operational excellence. This was no ordinary undertaking; they simultaneously managed the legacy LOS systems for both First Mid and Blackhawk during a period of transition. Their teamwork was critical to the project’s successful completion and exemplified First Mid’s core values of collaboration and excellence.
Millie White is the Regional Deposit Manager for the Northern Region, located at the Beloit Broad banking center. She has profoundly impacted the organization with her dedication and significant contributions. White’s leadership and collaboration in developing a critical onboarding tool have enhanced client experience and strengthened the company’s operational excellence. Her recent transition to a larger region exemplifies her commitment to growth, both personally and in mentoring her successor, ensuring seamless leadership transitions. White’s exceptional ability to balance personal development with the fostering of talent highlights her vision and selflessness as a leader.
About First Mid Bancshares, Inc.: First Mid Bancshares, Inc. is the parent company of First Mid Bank & Trust, N.A., First Mid Insurance Group, and First Mid Wealth Management Company. First Mid is a $7.5 billion community-focused organization that provides financial services including banking, insurance, wealth management, brokerage, and ag services through a network of locations in Illinois, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin, and a loan production office in Indiana. Together, our First Mid team takes great pride in providing solutions and services to our customers and communities and has done so since 1865. This year, we proudly celebrate our 160th anniversary, marking a long history of dedication and service. More information about the Company is available on our website at www.firstmid.com. Our stock is traded in The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the ticker symbol “FMBH”. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender.
Investments and Insurance Products: Not a Deposit | Not Guaranteed by the Bank or its Affiliates | Not FDIC Insured | Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency | May Go Down in Value