Starting in 1997, Howard Mooney worked for FirsTech, a payment processing company and subsidiary of Busey Bank. When he was named CEO and put in charge of growing the company, he realized the only way to compete was through product development and innovative technology.
“From there, technology developed into a creative passion centered around building talented teams that created revenue driven opportunities,” he says.
Howard’s passion for maximizing advancement with technology has only grown. And at INB, we’re excited to welcome him as our new Chief Information Officer (CIO)!
Howard is quite familiar with the Midwest landscape as he’s a native of Decatur; his father worked for Caterpillar when Howard was growing up.
“His position relocated us to Belgium for three years, and that gave us the opportunity to tour Europe, sparking my love of history and travel,” Howard shares.
Howard’s family returned to Decatur after their years abroad, where eventually he met his wife who also grew up there. The couple has a daughter who lives in Denver and son who lives in Dallas. Since both are University of Illinois graduates, “we are all big Illini fans,” Howard says, “and we have an annual tailgate tradition every homecoming.”
INB “On the Radar”
Howard’s banking career began in Correspondent Banking at First of America Bank. Years later, after managing so much growth at FirsTech, Howard became CIO of Busey in 2013.
Today he has more than 25 years of experience in banking and payment processing, developing strategic technology, and achieving organizational goals through revenue growth and process improvement.
It was during his time at First of America that he worked with INB staff members and has always kept INB on his radar.
“I’ve followed the bank’s impressive organic growth and success over the years,” he says. “I always had a strong admiration for the people, and the culture aligns closely with my values.”
Off the clock, Howard enjoys sports, traveling, cooking, trying new restaurants, and remodeling houses. “I find working with my hands to be therapeutic,” he explains.
We’re pleased to welcome Howard to his new role of CIO as he helps to pave the way for exciting innovation at INB.
“I’m looking forward to utilizing my experience to add merit to INB, but most importantly I’m excited to learn about the people. I hope to provide value through thoughtful perspective and drive opportunities that help further the bank’s growth,” he says.
Welcome, Howard!