IL HR0994

Illinois House of Representatives recognizes Preston G. Smith for 50 years of service to East Central Illinois as a community banker.

Smith began his banking career in 1972 as assistant vice president at First National Bank in Greenville, joined Central National Banks of Mattoon in 1979, and purchased The First National Bank of Mulberry Grove in 1989, serving as president and chairman until its sale to Washington Savings Bank in August 2021.

Smith led significant growth and development of The First National Bank, including opening a Mattoon banking center in 1998 and establishing The First National Bank Wealth Management and Broadway Banking Center in 2017.

Smith served on boards for the Mattoon Area Family YMCA, Mattoon Chamber of Commerce, and Lakeland Community College, and served on the Federal Delegate Board for the Independent Community Bankers of America from 2010 to 2016.

Smith served as chairman of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois from 2004 to 2005 and continues to serve as a consultant to Washington Savings Bank.