04/17/2019: Bank of Belleville Announces Enhancements to its Management Team

(Belleville, IL, April 12, 2019) Ronald R. Stephens has been promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Belleville as well as its holding company, Belleville Bancorp, Inc. Stephens was part of the team that organized Bank of Belleville when it was established in 2005. He had previously held the position of Executive Vice President/Chief Credit Officer and most recently served the Bank as Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer.

“This promotion represents the continuation of our management succession plan. Ron has played an integral leadership role for our Bank since its inception,” said Wyatt Rawlings III, Chairman of Bank of Belleville and Belleville Bancorp. “We are very fortunate to have someone such as Ron to lead our team and continue the mission of serving our clients, our communities and our shareholders.”

“I am excited to lead Bank of Belleville into its next period of growth,” Stephens said. “Simply stated, our strategic plans are centered around staying true to our core values – being the best community and client focused bank as possible resulting in the continued increase in long-term value to our shareholders”

Former President and CEO, Kevin M. Pesko, will remain in a key leadership role with the Bank, serving as Market President of St. Clair County. During Mr. Pesko’s tenure as CEO, the Bank began operations as a de novo institution. Today, the Bank has more than $200 million in total assets and operates as the only locally-owned independent community bank headquartered in Belleville, Illinois. “Our relationship has always been more of a partnership,” Pesko said. “So, while I am proud we will have Ron to direct our team and the bank’s future, he is also to be congratulated for his leadership and resourcefulness since the bank’s beginning.”

“We are extremely grateful for the leadership that Kevin has provided for the last thirteen years,” Rawlings said. “In his new position as Market President, Kevin will ensure that we continue to provide the signature level of service that our clients have come to know and expect from this institution.”

Further enhancing the Bank’s Executive Management Team, Karl Abert was promoted to Chief Credit Officer and Jennifer Warren was promoted to Chief Operations Officer. Abert joined the bank in 2011 after considerable experience in the private accounting field. Since joining the bank, he has distinguished himself in the area of Credit Administration. Warren joined the bank in 2017 after considerable experience in community banking. While initially overseeing Deposit Services, Warren’s role has expanded to include leadership of Bank Operations, Bank Secrecy Act, Bank Security and Information Technology. “We are pleased to have these very talented bankers within the Bank and we congratulate them on their new roles,” said Stephens.

Bank of Belleville operates from its headquarters at 215 South Illinois Street in Belleville Illinois.   The Bank serves individual and business clients throughout St. Clair County and beyond. As of December 31, 2018, the Bank had total assets of $209 million and 38 full and part-time team members.

Contact Information:

Ron Stephens, President and CEO

(618) 233-6400

www.bankofbelleville.com