Tom Whooley,

SVP, Commercial Lender, Champaign

NMLS # 743078

Tom Whooley joined INB in 2017, but banking has been part of his life for as long as he can remember. His father owns a mortgage company in the Chicagoland area, and Tom got his own start in the industry early. While still in high school, he took a part-time job as a teller at a Chicago-area bank and continued working there throughout college, filling in over school breaks and in the summer.

As a student at Illinois State University, Tom studied finance with a concentration in both small business management and entrepreneurship. That meant some additional time in school, so he took a job as a customer service rep at a Bloomington bank to help with expenses. While he had every intention of moving back home to take over his dad’s business, Tom met his wife during college and chose to build his life and career in Central Illinois.

After earning his degree, Tom worked at Bank One/Chase and later Commerce Bank, progressing from private banking relationship manager to mortgage officer. In 2012, he moved into commercial lending at Commerce.

Today Tom serves as SVP, Commercial Lending at INB, partnering with local business and property owners to help them secure financing, understand their options, and structure loans that support their growth and stability.

“I love seeing businesses grow knowing I played a small part in helping someone pursue their dream,” he says. “My focus has always been building long-term relationships with my clients.”

Tom serves as a connector in the community, building relationships, supporting local initiatives, and representing the bank as a partner in the local economy. He truly loves the variety that each day brings at INB.

“Whether it’s financial analysis, structuring a new deal, finding a solution to help a business expand or meeting new people, each day usually brings something different,” he shares. “I enjoy being involved in the community, attending events, supporting nonprofits, and helping shape local development.”

When not at the office, you can often find Tom and his family at a field or court throughout the Midwest. His sons are active in Diamond Dog Travel Baseball, and they also play football, basketball and baseball through their school. Tom enjoys giving back to the local athletic community by coaching football and serving as Treasurer for the Diamond Dogs.