Ryan Bailey, of Olney, joined the Lawrenceville regional office as an assistant vice president of lending Feb. 15. The Lawrenceville office serves farm families and rural landowners in Crawford, Lawrence, Richland and Wabash Counties.

Did you grow up in Rural America? 

I was raised in Richland County where I learned to value of its quality of life, abundance of agricultural activity, and the hardworking people. I received an associate’s degree from Olney Central College before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agribusiness economics from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with hopes to serve farm families.

What drew you to FCI?

Farm Credit Illinois has a strong reputation of Helping Farm Families Succeed and that is truly important to me. FCI's core values of Family, Integrity, Relationships, Expertise, and Passion are ones I believe in both professionally and personally. With this strong foundation behind me and three years of experience from previously working as an agricultural and commercial loan officer at TrustBank in Olney, I am confident I can add value to an agriculture operation with financial expertise, knowledge, and experience.

What community organizations are you involved in? 

I'm a member of the Richland County Farm Bureau Young Leaders, a mentor and board member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Richland County, and an assistant coach for the Olney Jr. Pro football program.