MATTOON -- John Hedges, senior executive vice president and chief credit officer for First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, retired Dec. 31, after devoting more than 15 years to serving customers throughout our 33 communities in Illinois and Missouri.
He will remain a part of the First Mid team as a consultant overseeing strategic projects.
Eric McRae, executive vice president and senior lender at First Mid, replaced Hedges as the new chief credit officer. In this role, McRae is responsible for loan growth and quality, portfolio risk management, as well as managing all credit analysis functions. Hedges and McRae together have consistently grown First Mid’s credit portfolio above industry averages year-over-year and maintained industry leading asset quality.
“It has been my pleasure to be a part of the First Mid team and have the opportunity to build relationships with our clients over the years, as well as contribute to the credit policies of the bank,” Hedges said. “Eric and I have worked together for over 20 years. I am confident in his ability to successfully guide the organization forward.”
McRae is a graduate of the University of Illinois and joined First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust in 1999 as regional manager and Decatur Community President. His involvement in the Decatur community includes membership on the boards of non-profit and civic organizations including current leadership roles with the Macon County Mental Health Board, Decatur Public Building Commission and Community Bankers Association of Illinois.
