Meet Lance White: VP of Ag and Business Banking

February 28, 2025

We are excited to feature Lance White in our latest blog post. Lance has been an integral part of our team, embodying our core principles of integrity and our mission to IGNITE PROSPERITY®. His dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact, and we wanted to give you a chance to get to know him better.

We sat down with Lance to ask about his role, experiences and interests—here’s what he had to say! Read the full Q&A here:

Personal & Professional Background

What inspired you to pursue a career in banking?

I studied accounting in college because I enjoyed finance as well as working with people, but banking wasn’t on my radar yet. While job hunting after graduation, I was working the McDonald's drive-thru when Kim Hoyt from John Warner Bank noticed my energy and enthusiasm. She encouraged me to explore a role at the bank, and after starting as a teller, I worked my way up through various loan department roles until becoming a loan officer. Everyone at the bank treated each other like family, and I discovered it was personally rewarding to help people improve their finances and gain momentum, whether it be buying a car or house or getting finances back on track. At that point, I quit looking at other job careers and focused on being a banker. As my career developed, I discovered how much I also enjoyed working with small business owners, and my role has continued to develop and grow over the years.

What’s the most memorable client interaction you’ve ever had?

Over a decade ago, I had to be creative to help a young entrepreneur secure his first business loan. He was a hard worker and strategic planner, and I believed in his potential. Today, he’s built a multi-million-dollar business, and I’ve had the privilege of getting to know him and his family along the way. The banking relationship has continued to grow over this timeframe, and I believe we both have received great value as a result of it and truly appreciate it. Helping people, building new friendships and celebrating others' success is a very rewarding part of my job, and this instance is a great example of it.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone applying for a loan, what would it be?

Start by sharing your loan purpose and your "big picture" goals, then ask your banker for advice. You get much more out of building a long-term relationship with a banker instead of just seeking a one-time loan approval.

What’s a common myth about banking or lending that you’d like to debunk?

The myth that spreading banking across multiple institutions keeps options open overlooks the value of a strong, primary relationship. A trusted banking partner provides advice, builds trust and fosters mutual success—especially in commercial lending, but also for individuals. To truly benefit, it's essential to be known by your bank and build a meaningful connection.

What skills or qualities do you think make someone successful in your role?

It requires being an analytic problem solver with good communication skills who wants to help others. It also includes improving sales skills, attention to detail as well as navigating time and stress management.

What’s the most surprising thing about your job that people wouldn’t expect?

How much workload is involved behind the scenes in the loan department. It takes a lot of work and teamwork to serve the client well.

Beyond Banking

If you weren’t in banking, what would your dream job be?

Being paid to be a journalist writing about motorcycle tours for an online magazine. I enjoy motorcycle touring now and used to enjoy creative writing back in the day.

What is one thing you never leave the house without and why?

Music! I grew up in the 80s where music was hyped up, and we were excited to find a new band or buy a new album. It energizes and refreshes me.

What does a typical Sunday afternoon look like for you?

Sunday morning church is a favorite part of my week to worship - growing closer to God and being with my church family. In the afternoon and evening, I focus on refreshing, whether that's spending time with friends playing games or riding motorcycles or enjoying my other hobbies.

What’s one thing in your office that always sparks a conversation with clients or coworkers?

My family pictures or pictures of a couple of motorcycle trips.

 

Personal Interests & Hobbies

Current boards or volunteering you do and why you choose to get involved with those organizations?

I currently serve on the Nazarene Church board as board secretary and volunteer with the youth, as well as on the DeWitt County Development Council (DCDC) board as treasurer and the Clinton Chamber of Commerce board. My passion for faith and community drives much of my involvement—I’ve been a leader and Sunday School teacher in the teen department for over 25 years. Serving with DCDC and the Chamber is especially rewarding, as my work in commercial lending aligns with my commitment to fostering growth and success in our community.

Do you have a hobby or skill that your coworkers/clients don’t know about?

Motorcycles, I love them and am so blessed that my wife, Sally rides with me too! I ride out to the Smokies and ride the "Tail of the Dragon" area with a few friends every year. I've ridden in over half of the U.S. states, including in Hawaii. When I retire, a goal will be to have ridden in them all, including to Alaska!

  

What’s a dream destination you’d love to travel to?

Either Egypt to see the pyramids and history there, or the Holy Lands in Israel.

If you could recommend one book or movie that influenced you, what would it be?

Dead Poets Society was one of those movies, "Carpe diem, seize the day boys!" Do more, live life more, take some risks.

What’s your favorite local small business to support and why?

All of them! Anyone who lives around here and runs a small business locally has earned my respect for their efforts. As they become successful and sustainable, they become an important piece of our community. I enjoy it even more when my banking career has helped them in some way.

  

To work directly with Lance, reach out at lance.white@firstnbtc.com or 217.935.7466.

At First National Bank and Trust, we IGNITE PROSPERITY® by helping our clients do more with their money. Whether it’s saving a little extra cash each month or accomplishing a long-term strategy, our goal is to help you transform your financial life. Call and schedule an appointment today, one of our team members would love to help you do more with your money at FNBT. For more information visit firstnbtc.com or call 217-935-2148 in Illinois or 608-323-3331 in Wisconsin. #igniteprosperity