A bank that's as much a part of the community as you are.
Bank of Farmington has been locally owned and operated since 1903. Not by a holding company. Not by investors in another state. By the families and people who live right here.
Our Story
Central Illinois has always been a place for people with independence in their bones.
The Pottawatomi who first settled this area came looking for peace. The families who followed them built something from nothing. The immigrants who arrived in the 1870s to work the deep shaft mines in Farmington showed up with courage and not much else. And when the town needed a bank of its own, a small group of local investors made it happen, chartering the Bank of Farmington in January 1903.
That was over 120 years ago. Descendants of those original investors still hold the majority of the stock today. That's the reason we do things differently.
From the beginning, our goal has been to stay independent so we can stay focused on you, the customer, and on the communities we serve. From Farmington to Canton and Williamsfield, and now into Peoria and West Peoria, every step has been about bringing community banking to more people who deserve it, not about building something to sell.
Along the way, we've invested in the tools to keep up with banks ten times our size – mobile banking, text banking, drive-ups with extended hours — so you never have to choose between personal service and modern convenience.
We're still the bank where people know your name, and we also have the technology so you can bank on your own terms, anytime you need us.
What does "community bank" actually mean?
You hear "community bank" a lot. Most banks say it. Here's what it means when we say it:
The People Behind the Bank
Joseph Higgs
President & CEO
Joe joined the bank in 1990, became president in 2012, and brings more than 35 years of banking experience to his role. He resides in the Farmington area with his wife, Shelley, and enjoys spending quality time with family.
William DeBord
Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer
Bill joined Bank of Farmington in May 2018 and brings more than 40 years of banking and financial experience to the team. He resides in Princeville with his wife and is committed to providing knowledgeable, personalized service to the communities he serves.
Kathy Williamson
Executive Vice President, Human Resources Manager
Kathy is a graduate of Western Illinois University and brings more than 40 years of banking experience to Bank of Farmington. She joined the Bank in 2018 and serves customers from our West Peoria Branch. Kathy is passionate about helping others and making a positive impact in the communities we serve. She also proudly serves as a Board Member for the Illinois Bankers Association, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the banking industry and supporting community banking throughout Illinois.
Clint Naugle
Vice President, Loan & Compliance Officer
Clint is a graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in Finance and is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking. He joined Bank of Farmington in May 2019 and brings more than 30 years of banking experience to the team. Based in our Peoria Branch, Clint is dedicated to serving customers and building lasting relationships. He resides in Peoria and enjoys spending time with his children.
Danielle Nelson
Vice President, Operations Manager
Danielle has been a valued member of the Bank of Farmington team since joining in October 2016. Based in our Farmington administrative office, she plays an essential role in keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes. Danielle resides in Farmington with her husband and their two children.
Megan Kraft
Vice President, Financial Officer
Megan is a graduate of Western Illinois University with a degree in Finance and has been serving customers in the banking industry since 1999. She joined Bank of Farmington in April 2018 and is based in our West Peoria Branch. Megan resides in Princeville with her husband and their three children.
Brook Trunk
Vice President, Senior Branch Manager & Loan Officer
Brook serves as the Branch Manager of our Peoria office while also overseeing the Bank's retail banking operations. As a Loan Officer, she specializes in Consumer Lending and is dedicated to helping customers achieve their financial goals. With more than 20 years of banking experience, she joined Bank of Farmington in 2020. Brook lives in the Bartonville area and enjoys spending time with her three children.
Austin Elliott
Vice President, Loan Review & Credit Analysis Manager
Austin is a graduate of Western Illinois University with a degree in Finance and has been a member of the Bank of Farmington team since 2016. As a Credit Analyst based in our Peoria Branch, he helps support the lending process through thoughtful financial analysis and exceptional service. Austin resides in Peoria.
Alec Higgs
Vice President, Loan Officer
Alec is a graduate of Monmouth College and has been a valued member of the Bank of Farmington team since joining in June 2015. As a Loan Officer based in our Farmington Branch, he specializes in Commercial and Agricultural Lending. Alec resides in Elmwood with his wife and their two children.
Emylee Bitner
Branch Manager, Business Development, and Loan Officer
Emylee is a graduate of Bradley University and has been a member of the Bank of Farmington team since joining in August 2021. She serves as both Branch Manager of our Farmington Branch and a Loan Officer, specializing in Consumer and Residential Lending. Emylee is actively involved in the community through her memberships with the Rotary Club and Farmer's Closet. She resides in Hanna City with her husband and their energetic son.
Kevin Sprecher
Vice President, Loan Officer
Kevin is a graduate of Western Illinois University and has been a valued member of the Bank of Farmington team since joining in November 2011. As a Loan Officer based in our Williamsfield Branch, he specializes in Commercial and Agricultural Lending. Kevin resides in Galesburg with his wife and their children.
Where We Are
We serve five communities across central Illinois — and we're proud of every one of them.
Farmington
Where it all started in 1903. Our Main Street branch is still the heart of the bank.
Canton
Serving families and businesses in Fulton County.
Williamsfield
A small town that deserves a full-service bank. We're here.
Peoria
Conveniently located near the Shoppes at Grand Prairie, providing easy access to personal and business banking services in one of Peoria's premier shopping destinations.
West Peoria
Local service for a community that's been overlooked by bigger banks.
Common Questions
What is a community bank?
A community bank is a locally owned and operated bank that focuses on serving the people and businesses in its area. Unlike larger regional or national banks, community banks make lending decisions locally, keep deposits working in the local economy, and build personal relationships with their customers. Bank of Farmington has been independently owned since 1903.
Is Bank of Farmington locally owned?
Yes — 100%. Bank of Farmington is not owned by a holding company or an out-of-state corporation. Descendants of the original investors who founded the bank in 1903 still hold the majority of the stock today. Every decision is made right here in central Illinois.
Where is Bank of Farmington located?
Bank of Farmington has five branch locations across central Illinois: Farmington, Canton, Peoria, West Peoria, and Williamsfield, Illinois. We also have ATMs and drive-ups with extended hours at select locations.
Does Bank of Farmington offer mobile banking?
Yes. We offer a full mobile banking app, online banking, text banking (text us at 309-245-2441), online bill pay, and drive-ups with extended hours. You can deposit checks, pay bills, transfer funds, and manage your accounts from your phone.