Heather Himstedt, Age 37
Vice President and Marketing Manager, Busey Bank
“Heather Himstedt is and continues to be a motivational and forward-thinking leader of Busey’s mission to provide service excellence in everything we do,” said her nominator. “While she oversees a direct team of six associates, nearly 30 total associates are under her purview in the Peoria area. Heather’s support of her team is widely recognized and recently noted by one associate as ‘an immense help not just to me personally, but the whole team she serves.’”
Since joining Busey in 2013, Himstedt has received several promotions, from service manager to area manager to her current role as marketing manager. In addition, she serves as a “wellness champ” for Busey in support of a culture of wellness and inclusion.
Outside of her work life, Himstedt serves on the board of directors of the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce. She volunteers with a variety of organizations including Neighborhood House, Peoria Humane Society, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Peoria and Junior Achievement of Central Illinois at Limestone Community High School.
Childhood ambition: “I had always wanted to be a teacher.”
Advice to 20-year-old self: “Things always work out. … If I would have realized this years ago, it would have saved me a lot of time and energy worrying about things that truly didn’t end up mattering.”
Unknown to colleagues: “I don’t think anyone in my organization realizes I only applied for a job with the bank because I was bored. I began my banking career thinking I would find something to keep me busy while I was going to school. This ended up quickly changing into something I had a passion about.”
Bucket list: “Skydiving. I have wanted to do this for quite some time, and recently decided with my oldest son that we will be doing this on his 18th birthday together.”
Biggest challenge: “Being a working mother. … No matter how the day has gone or how exhausted I am, I never want to give my children less than what they deserve.”
Favorite book: “The Bible. There is an answer to every question within this book.”
Local inspiration: “(East Peoria) Mayor John Kahl. … It takes courage to stand up to outside pressure and Mayor Kahl does this regularly.”
Peoria needs: “The Cheesecake Factory.”
