Spotlight On Southwestern Illinois Banking And Finance

By Roberta Codemo    Chad Stafko comes from a banking family. He grew up in Mulkeytown, in Franklin County, where his mom worked as a loan officer at the local bank. That was his first introduction to the banking industry.    While pursuing his undergraduate degree at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, he knew fairly early on he…

By ROBERTA CODEMO    When Donna Luechtefeld-Tebbe was growing up, she recalls a grownup asking her if she was going to be a secretary. “I said: ‘No, I think I’ll have a secretary’.” She always pictured herself running a business.     She grew up in Okawville and credits her mother for the person she is today.…

By RITA DUCKWORTH    On Aug. 1, John Kemper became president and CEO of Commerce Bank. His father David Kemper held the position since 1988 and remains executive chairman. Commerce Bank is a public company but is family-led. John Kemper represents the sixth generation of his family to be at the helm.     After attending college…

By RITA DUCKWORTH    Susan Knabe joined First Bank three years ago. She was formerly branch manager of the downtown St. Louis location. When she was offered the opportunity to manage the O’Fallon, Ill., branch of First Bank, she jumped at the chance.     “This is where I always wanted to be,” she says. “O’Fallon is…