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FNB’s England makes career move; Owens, Phelps promoted

Cheryl England, vice president and loan officer at First National Bank, has announced her plans to leave the bank to pursue an opportunity with the Office of the Comptroller of Currency.

England began her career in banking in 1993. With First National Bank, she has held several positions, including assistant cashier, registered assistant for Investment Centers of America, loan technician, loan officer, mortgage department manager, community reinvestment officer, information security officer and compliance officer.
She obtained an associate’s degree from Lake Land College and a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. England has attended various educational programs, including the Community Banker’s Association of Illinois (CBAI) banker's school, and has been designated by the CBAI as a certified community lender.
“I would like to thank the many wonderful customers I have met and worked with during my tenure at the First National Bank, she said. "I am looking forward to expanding my career, but will miss the First National Bank family.”
England has three sons: Tim, of Chicago; Jeremy and family of Ramsey, and Zach and his wife, Brandy, of Ramsey. She is a member and pianist at Ramsey Christian Church, a board member for Soroptimist of Vandalia and FAYCO Enterprises, and a member of the Fayette County Habitat for Humanity.
“On behalf of our directors and staff, I would like to extend our best wishes to Cheryl in her new career,” said Ernie Chappel, FNB president. “Her dedication to First National Bank and her years of knowledge, experience and customer service will be greatly missed.”
Along with England’s departure, First National Bank announced this week that Pam Owens and Sarah Phelps have been promoted.
Phelps began her employment with First National Bank on May 10, 2010, as a loan clerk. She has been promoted to mortgage specialist. Before joining the bank, Phelps worked at United Stationers in Greenville as a customer service representative.
She graduated from Pana High School and Lake Land College with an associate’s degree in business administration. She and her husband, Gary, live in Ramsey with their four-year-old son, Damian.
“I am excited about this promotion and the opportunity to better serve our communities,” said Phelps.  
Owens began her employment with the First National Bank on Jan. 27, 1998, as a teller. In her years at the bank, she has held positions in bookkeeping, IT, proof, loans and mortgages. She has been promoted from mortgage loan processor to senior mortgage specialist.
“I have primarily worked in mortgage lending since 2009 and have always found it challenging,” said Owens. “I look forward to continue working with our bank customers to meet all of their mortgage needs.”
Owens has more than 19 years of banking experience, and received her accounting certificate from Sparks Business College. She has two children, Cody and Diana.
“We are fortunate that Pam Owens, as senior mortgage specialist, and Sarah Phelps, as mortgage specialist, will continue our tradition of quality service to our customers,” Chappel said. “Their promotions are well deserved because they have the knowledge, customer service skills and dedication that our customers expect of First National Bank.”
First National Bank has seven facilities in Vandalia, Ramsey, Patoka, Mulberry Grove and Greenville.
Chartered in 1865, First National Bank has grown to more than $275 million in assets,  while serving area communities for 147 years.

Pam Owens and Sarah Phelps

Cheryl England

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