Peoples Bank & Trust Welcomes New VP Credit Administration Manager to Charleston Branch

Peoples Bank & Trust is proud to announce that Lora Bergfeld has joined the bank as Vice President, Credit Administration Manager at the Charleston branch. With more than 16 years of banking experience, she brings extensive expertise in credit risk management, commercial lending, credit analysis, portfolio management, loan operations and regulatory compliance to her new position.

John Gardner, President and CEO of Peoples Bank & Trust, shared his enthusiasm regarding Bergfeld joining the organization, stating, “We’re excited to welcome Lora to the Peoples Bank & Trust team. Her extensive experience combined with her leadership background, will make her a tremendous asset to our organization.” Gardner continued, “Her knowledge and perspective will help strengthen our lending operations and ultimately benefit the customers and the  communities we serve.”

In her new role, Bergfeld will report to Cindy Whittemore and will help strengthen the bank’s credit administration function through credit analysis, loan documentation, exception tracking, portfolio monitoring, reporting and process improvement initiatives. Her work will support safe, sound and efficient lending practices throughout Peoples Bank & Trust while helping the bank continue to provide exceptional service to its customers.

Bergfeld brings a strong background of leadership experience. Most recently, she served as a Senior Credit Risk Manager where she led credit analysts, managed complex credit underwriting and supported portfolio risk management efforts. Prior to that, she worked in commercial banking.

Bergfeld holds both a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a Master’s Degree in Economics from Eastern Illinois University. She looks forward to continuing her active involved in leadership development and community service, including serving on the United Way of Effingham County Board and participating in numerous leadership and professional development programs.

Bergfeld is a resident of Teutopolis, Illinois, where she and her husband are raising their three children, ages 10, 8 and 5.

Gardner concluded, “Lora’s commitment to professional development and community involvement are traits that we greatly value at Peoples Bank & Trust. We look forward to the experience and leadership she will bring to our Credit Administration Department and are excited to have her as the newest member of the Peoples Bank & Trust team.”

Peoples Bank & Trust is a locally owned and managed, independent community bank with thirteen offices located in Charleston, Altamont, Arcola, Arthur, Tower Hill, Pana, Taylorville, Tuscola, Morrisonville, Springfield, Waverly, Palmyra and White Hall.

Peoples Bank & Trust is a full-service bank offering outstanding customer service to consumers, small businesses, and farmers in Central Illinois. People First Bancshares, Inc., with corporate offices in Pana, Illinois, is the holding company for Peoples Bank & Trust.

For more information on Peoples Bank & Trust and their available banking services or how they can help with consumer or business lending needs, contact the bank at 888-728-1954 or visit www.BankPBT.com.