After graduating from college with a degree in cello performance, Bethany O’Brien suffered from wrist complications that held her back from a professional career in music. Turning her passions to a new venture, she headed to the Chicago-Kent College of Law, where she distinguished herself as a standout student. O’Brien later returned to Peoria, where she now serves as assistant vice president and trust officer of the Private Client Group at Commerce Trust Company. In this role, she oversees business development and deals with the administration of trust, estate and investment agency assets with a focus on high net worth client relations.
Before accepting her current position, O’Brien was assistant vice president, relationship manager and business development officer at Citizens First National Bank in Princeton, Illinois. She administered over $10 million in trust, estate and investment agency assets, and consistently led her department in sales and referral goals. She also developed a training program for trust services, coordinated ongoing training to front-line personnel in 21 of the bank’s branches, and developed partnerships with local attorneys to present free estate planning seminars to the public.
Recognized for her professional leadership, O’Brien won the Gold Medal Leadership, Winning With Service, and Above and Beyond awards during her tenure at Citizens First National Bank.
O’Brien is also a committed community leader. She serves on the board of the Peoria Ballet and is a member of the Junior League of Peoria, serving on its fundraising council and chairing the annual Julep’s Closet event, the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser.
Taking her service beyond the local community, O’Brien has participated in medical missions to provide free medical care to impoverished children and families in Haiti through the Peoria-based Friends of the Children of Haiti.
In addition to playing lead roles in dramatic productions at Corn Stock Theatre, O’Brien was named Miss Heart of Illinois in 2000, Miss Chicago in 2001 and Miss Central Illinois in 2002. iBi
