Trust Services Team

Darren Wright is the Vice President, Chief Investment Officer with First Mid Wealth Management. A seasoned professional in the field of investment management, Darren holds both the prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®️) designation and an MBA from the University of Illinois – Springfield. With over 30 years of experience and a strategic approach to portfolio management, he has successfully guided numerous clients toward achieving their financial goals. His expertise spans across various asset classes, including equities, fixed income, and alternative investments.

Known for his analytical skills, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering exceptional results, Darren values integrity, transparency, and client-centric service, ensuring that each investment strategy is tailored to meet the unique needs of his clients.

Outside of his professional life, Darren enjoys fishing and golf, which provide a well-rounded balance to his career. He is also a devoted family man, cherishing time spent with his loved ones. His passion for continuous learning and staying updated with the latest industry developments makes him a trusted advisor in the investment management community.

Raymond James is not affiliated with any other organization mentioned. Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC, an independent broker/dealer. Non-deposit products and services through Raymond James are Not FDIC Insured, Are Not Bank Deposits, Are Not Guaranteed, and May Lose Value. First Mid Bank & Trust and First Mid Wealth Management are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.. 

Nathan Ihnes is a Vice President and Trust Administration Officer with First Mid Wealth Management. He provides trust and estate administration as well as investment services for clients in the Bloomington, IL area.

Joining the First Mid team in mid-2024, Nathan brings 15 years of experience in banking and wealth management to his role. Previously, he was a Trust Officer and in-house counsel for a regional community bank, then a Senior Fiduciary Advisor with a large national bank, both based in the Bloomington-Normal area. Prior to his career in banking and wealth management, he practiced law with a small firm in west central Illinois representing numerous banks. 

Nathan is a past Treasurer of the McLean County Bar Association and current Board Member of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation in Bloomington. He lives in Bloomington and enjoys IndyCar, traveling, and camping.

Kenneth Baker is a VP, Senior Fiduciary Officer with First Mid Wealth Management. Prior to joining First Mid in January 2022, Kenneth spent nine years as a Vice President and private client advisor within the wealth management industry. He also spent six years in private law practice with a firm in Peoria, Illinois, where his areas of practice were estate planning, estate administration, real estate transactions, business organizations, and litigation. 

Kenneth graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Northern Illinois University and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. In 2020, he obtained a Master’s in Business Administration through the corporate program at Illinois State University. 

Kenneth was the recipient of Peoria’s InterBusiness Issue’s “40 Leaders Under Forty” award as recognition for his dedicated service to his community. In 2010, Kenneth was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the United States Army Reserves. Kenneth currently serves on the board of directors for Freedom Paws Service Dogs Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that provides fully trained service dogs free of charge to veterans and first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Joshua Schuette is a Vice President, Senior Investment Officer with First Mid Wealth Management. Joshua joined the First Mid team in early 2021. In his current role, he is responsible for the research, analysis, and implementation of investment philosophy and processes of the Trust Investment Services department. Joshua also chairs and sets the agenda for the monthly meetings of the Trust Investment Committee, which monitors and evaluates performance of investment strategies and models. Prior to joining First Mid, he worked as a Portfolio Manager with other wealth management services providers serving the St. Louis and Metro East areas.

Joshua has worked in financial services since 2003, serving individual, corporate, and institutional clientele, from public pensions and municipalities to individual trust and retirement accounts. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. Later, he earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois in Springfield. A life-long learner, Joshua also completed requirements for his Chartered Life Underwriter and Certified Financial Consultant designations in the financial services industry through the American College.

Personally, Joshua is married to his wife Stephanie and together they are raising three boys. In his spare time, Joshua enjoys golfing, camping, and hiking. He also serves as a deacon on his church’s board and assists in coaching various sports with their boys.

Joshua says, “It is gratifying to work with clients over the years and play a role in the achievement of their stated goals. I have observed that long obedience in a positive and consistent direction often yields amazing results!”

Raymond James is not affiliated with any other organization mentioned. Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC, an independent broker/dealer. Non-deposit products and services through Raymond James are Not FDIC Insured, Are Not Bank Deposits, Are Not Guaranteed, and May Lose Value. First Mid Bank & Trust and First Mid Wealth Management are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.. 

Jordan Lindenmeyer is a VP, Director of Trust Services with First Mid Wealth Management. In his role, Jordan oversees all aspects of trust services, including administration, investments, operations, and compliance. His previous experience includes positions with First Mid as trust investment officer and, most recently, trust administration officer.

Jordan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business with a major in Finance from Eastern Illinois University. He holds the designations of Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor, Certified Investment Management Analyst^®, and Accredited Investment Fiduciary^®. He also is a member of the Investments & Wealth Institute.

Linda Spradling is an AVP, Trust Administration Officer I with First Mid Wealth Management. She has over 39 years of trust administration experience, specializing in Special Needs Trusts. Prior to joining First Mid, she began her trust administration career at Regions Bank, where she served for 28 years.

Linda studied Trust Services at the Cannon Trust School and The American Banking Association.

Michael Neill is a VP, Trust Administration Officer II with First Mid Wealth Management. In addition, Michael holds the position of Community President, where he works closely with the lending and deposit teams to help grow overall business within the Southern Illinois Region of the First Mid footprint.

Michael brings extensive experience and education to his roles. Prior to his arrival at First Mid, he was a Trust Officer for over 25 years in Carbondale. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from DePauw University, a Juris Doctor from Drake University Law School, and the certification of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

Michael continues to stay involved with the Carbondale community. He has served 20 years of local political office on the Park District Board, City Council, and High School Board. Michael has been a member of the Rotary Club for over 30 years, including past president, and has also volunteered as a Junior Sports Football and Basketball Coach.

Check the background of this investment professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP^®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP^® (with plaque design) and CFP^® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Securities are offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.  member FINRA / SIPC, an independent broker/dealer, and are not insured bank insurance , the FDIC or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of First Mid Bank & Trust, are not guaranteed by First Mid Bank & Trust, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. First Mid Bank & Trust and First Mid Wealth Management are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.  Raymond James Privacy Notice.

Raymond James financial advisors may only conduct business with residents of the states and/or jurisdictions for which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed. Please note that not all of the investments and services mentioned are available in every state. Investors outside of the United States are subject to securities and tax regulations within their applicable jurisdictions that are not addressed on this site. Contact your local Raymond James office for information and availability.

Laura Reichart is a VP, Senior Trust Administration Officer with First Mid Wealth Management. Laura has been part of the First Mid team for over 15 years. In her role, she is responsible for administering accounts where First Mid Wealth Management acts as: Executor or Administrator of an estate; court appointed Guardian of an Estate; Agent under a Cash or Investment Management Account; Qualified Intermediary of 1031 Exchanges; and Trustee of various types of trusts.

Laura received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from McKendree University. She is also a graduate of the Cannon Trust School at Cannon Financial Institute where she earned her Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor designation.

She is an active member of Mattoon Rotary.