Heather Gauna Joins Peoples Bank & Trust Consumer Department
January 14, 2026
Peoples Bank & Trust Welcomes New AVP Consumer Banking to Charleston Branch
Pana, Ill. – January 14, 2026 – Peoples Bank & Trust is proud to announce that Heather Gauna has joined the Charleston branch as Assistant Vice President of Consumer Banking. With more than 25 years of customer service experience and six years of banking, Gauna brings a strong commitment to customer focused service and relationship building.
John Gardner, President and CEO of Peoples Bank & Trust shared his enthusiasm for the addition, stating, “We are excited to welcome someone with Heather’s experience to our team. In her role, she will work closely with customers to address the consumer banking needs while upholding Peoples Bank & Trust’s long-standing commitment to exceptional customer service.” Gardner added, “Heather will play an important role in supporting our customers on a day-to-day basis.”
In her new position, Gauna will serve customers at the Charleston branch, where she will leverage her extensive background in customer service and banking to support both individual and household financial needs.
A lifelong resident of Arcola and a graduate of Arcola High School, Gauna values community involvement. She and her husband enjoy staying active with their four children and are regularly involved in school activities. In addition, Heather volunteers as a T-Ball coach in the community.
Gardner concluded, “We look forward to the valuable contributions Heather will make and are delighted to have her join 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.