FIRST ILLINOIS AG GROUP - Key Persons
Bruce was raised on a grain and dairy farm in Montgomery County. He earned a B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois in 1984 after which he began his career working with Farm Credit Services of Southern Illinois. In 1988, Bruce joined Magna Trust Company as a Farm Manager and Rural Appraiser. In 1994, he was named head of Real Estate Brokerage and Appraisal and continued this role for Union Planters Bank when they purchased Magna in 1998.
Bruce and James Schroeder purchased the Agricultural Services division from Union Planters Bank in August 2001 and then joined Hickory Point Bank & Trust, fsb as Vice President of Agricultural Services in October 2001, and presently is Senior Vice President.
Bruce is a State Certified General Appraiser, Licensed State of Illinois Managing Real Estate Broker, Licensed Auctioneer, Accredited Farm Manager and an Accredited Rural Appraiser. He is a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, a member and past President of the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, and a member of the Macon County AG Boosters.
Dale received his B.S. degree in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in 1992. Following graduation, he spent three months in Switzerland learning different agricultural practices. Upon returning to the United States, Dale began his career with Magna Trust Company in 1993. In 1999, he was named Assistant Vice President of Union Planters Agricultural Division and in August 2001 continued that role with Schroeder/Huber LLC. On October 1, 2001, he joined Hickory Point Bank & Trust, fsb as Assistant Vice President of Agricultural Services, is in charge of the Southern Region, and presently is Senior Vice President.
Dale is a Licensed State of Illinois Real Estate Broker, an Accredited Farm Manager and a State Certified General Appraiser. He is a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.
Job Titles:
- Associate Appraiser, Farm Manager
Mark comes from Valmeyer, IL, a small farming community just south of St. Louis. He received his associate degree from Southwestern Illinois College and completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Southeast Missouri State with a concentration in Agribusiness.
Mark is a Licensed State of Illinois Real Estate Broker and Trainee Appraiser. He is a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and joined First Illinois Ag Group in May, 2021.
Job Titles:
- Associate Appraiser, Farm Manager
Matt was raised on his family's grain and livestock farm in Pike County, Illinois. He received his B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics with a concentration in Agribusiness Markets and Management from the University of Illinois in May 2023.
Matt is a Licensed State of Illinois Real Estate Broker and Trainee Appraiser. He is a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and joined First Illinois Ag Group in October 2023.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President, Associate Appraiser, Farm Manager
Megan was raised on her family's grain farm in DeWitt County. She attended the University of Illinois where she earned a B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics with a concentration in Farm Management and an M.S. degree in Agriculture and Applied Economics with a concentration in Agricultural Markets and Finance in May of 2022. She completed internships in farm management and with Farm Credit.
Megan is a Licensed State of Illinois Real Estate Broker and Trainee Appraiser. She is a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and joined First Illinois Ag Group in June of 2022.