As vice president for Central Illinois Commercial Banking at Wells Fargo, Jason Clay is responsible for driving business development and institutional growth, cultivating relationships with companies around the region, and delivering financial solutions that help them grow and succeed. He works tirelessly to increase the company’s visibility in the community and serves as a member of the Wells Fargo Community Foundation Board for Central Illinois.
A seasoned banking professional and proven sales leader, Clay previously led the business banking team throughout central Illinois and eastern Iowa, helping them achieve double-digit annual loan growth for five straight years. During his second year as manager, he was recognized as a high-potential employee and invited to participate in a companywide program for emerging leaders. More recently, he assisted clients and team members around the country in successfully completing federal PPP loan applications to help businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic.
An agent for positive change, Clay serves as chairman of the board for LISC Central Illinois, which works to strengthen neighborhoods and communities in the Peoria area through targeted and comprehensive investment. To that end, he and the local LISC team have secured millions of dollars in grants and low-interest loans for small business owners and nonprofit organizations serving the community.
Clay is also a member of the Regional Workforce Alliance, which works to increase essential skills training and credentialing for individuals and businesses in central Illinois. He recently joined a regional taskforce led by Greater Peoria Economic Development Council that is focused on the COVID-19 response, considering how the Peoria region can position itself to attract remote workers and leverage potential opportunities in big-city migration outflow. In addition to his community work, he enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling with his wife and two daughters, and serves as a volunteer coach for their basketball, soccer and softball teams. PM
