Meet the Team

As President and CEO of Anchor State Bank, Chris Crider brings 14 plus years of experience to the bank and a strong commitment to the customers, employees, and communities it serves. His leadership focuses on building lasting relationships, supporting his team, and ensuring Anchor remains a trusted financial partner. 

With deep roots in agriculture and small business, Chris understands the dedication, challenges, and opportunities that come with building something for the future. His firsthand experience in farming shapes his approach to community banking, where he believes in understanding each customer's unique needs and providing personalized support to help individuals and businesses succeed. 

Chris values the personal connections that make community banking meaningful. Whether working alongside his team, helping customers navigate financial decisions, or supporting the local community, he leads with a hands-on approach and a commitment to doing what is right for the people Anchor serves. His goal is to ensure every customer feels valued, supported, and confident in their banking relationship. 

Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons on their farm near Farmer City, where they raise corn, soybeans, sheep, and cattle. Much of their family time is spent working together on the farm and showing livestock, continuing the agricultural traditions that remain an important part of their lives. 

With 58 years of banking experience, Jim Eckert has played an instrumental role in shaping Anchor State Bank and its relationships within the community. Since joining Anchor in 1979, Jim served as CEO until December 2024 and continues to share his knowledge and experience as Executive Vice President and Trust Officer. 

Throughout his career, Jim has built lasting relationships with customers, often serving three and even four generations of the same families. He believes community banking is about more than financial services; it's about knowing people personally, earning their trust, and being there when they need you. Many of the customers Jim has worked with over the years have become lifelong friends. 

Jim remains actively involved in supporting customers and mentoring the next generation of bankers at Anchor. His decades of experience, institutional knowledge, and commitment to personal service continue to influence the Bank's approach to building meaningful relationships and serving the community. 

Outside of work, Jim enjoys golfing, reading, and collecting antiques. Originally trained as a historian before discovering his passion for banking, Jim brings a lifelong appreciation for history and the connections that shape a community. 

With more than 25 years of experience in community banking and financial services, Alex Zimmerman brings extensive financial expertise and a strong appreciation for community banking to his role as Chief Financial Officer at Anchor State Bank. A graduate of Baker University with a degree in Business and Accounting, Alex began his career in 1999 as a bank financial statement auditor before transitioning into financial institution leadership. Since joining Anchor in December 2025, he has focused on understanding and communicating the story behind the Bank's operations and financial results.  

Alex values the personal relationships and accessibility that make community banking unique. He believes customers should feel comfortable asking questions, discussing their financial needs, and working directly with knowledgeable employees to find practical solutions. He especially appreciates Anchor's small-town atmosphere and agricultural roots, which remind him of the close-knit communities he has known throughout his life.  

Known for his analytical perspective and thoughtful approach, Alex enjoys looking beyond the numbers to understand what financial results mean for the Bank and the communities it serves. He believes financial leadership is about more than reporting results; it's about providing insight, supporting informed decisions, and helping position the Bank for long-term success. 

Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Alex now lives on a small acreage near Kearney with his son. Outside of work, he enjoys boating, fishing, and watching his son play baseball. A former collegiate cross-country and track athlete, he remains an enthusiastic sports fan, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, and Missouri Tigers. He has also been a Chiefs season ticket holder since 2000. 

For more than 30 years, Karen Sandage has been a steady and trusted presence at Anchor State Bank, bringing extensive banking experience, dedication, and a genuine commitment to the customers and communities she serves. As Vice President, Cashier, and Assistant Trust Officer, Karen plays an important role in supporting the Bank's operations and maintaining the personalized service that defines community banking. 

Raised in McLean County and rooted in farm life near Saybrook, Karen understands the importance of hard work, loyalty, and building lasting relationships. She believes community banking is about being there for people, taking the time to understand their needs, and ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve. 

Known for her reliability, compassion, and attention to detail, Karen approaches every challenge with a thoughtful, solutions-oriented mindset. Whether helping a customer navigate a banking need or supporting a colleague, she takes pride in doing things right and being someone others can depend on. 

Outside of work, Karen enjoys spending time with family and friends, tending to her flower beds, and caring for the family farmstead. Her creativity and determination extend beyond banking. During the Care Bear shortage of 1983, Karen handmade and sold more than 100 Care Bears after her young daughter challenged her to make one, proving that a little resourcefulness can go a long way.

With a career spanning multiple areas of financial services, Anthony Hugh Meadows brings extensive experience in banking operations, consumer credit, risk management, and mergers and acquisitions to his role as Chief Risk Officer at Anchor State Bank. Since joining Anchor, Hugh has focused on strengthening the Bank's risk management practices and supporting its commitment to safe and sound banking. 

Throughout his career, Hugh has helped establish three Industrial Loan Company (ILC) banking charters across the healthcare, wholesale electronics, and equipment leasing industries. His diverse experience provides a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing financial institutions. He believes effective risk management plays an essential role in protecting customers, supporting responsible growth, and ensuring the Bank remains a trusted financial partner. 

Hugh values the people he works alongside and the opportunity to navigate new challenges. Although his role is primarily behind the scenes, his work supports the Bank's ability to serve its customers and community with confidence. Working remotely, Hugh particularly enjoys visiting Anchor and experiencing the agricultural landscape and close-knit community that make the area unique. 

Originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, Hugh enjoys spending time with his wife and their five sons, playing basketball, pickleball, golfing, and traveling. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he also officiates high school football. One of his more unique experiences was living on a kibbutz while studying in Israel. 

Bringing more than a decade of experience across community banking, national financial institutions, and fintech-related banking environments, Kevin Stiles offers a well-rounded perspective to his role as Deputy Risk Officer at Anchor State Bank. His background spans banking operations, regulatory compliance, risk management, and consumer protection, with a focus on helping financial institutions operate safely, efficiently, and with customers in mind.  

Kevin believes community banking starts with putting people first. He values building meaningful relationships, understanding individual needs, and making decisions that support long-term financial well-being. His goal is to ensure customers feel confident that Anchor is a trusted financial partner committed to transparency, consistency, and personalized service.    

With a passion for practical problem-solving and effective risk management and operational improvements, Kevin enjoys finding opportunities to strengthen processes, support sound governance, and contribute to sustainable growth. He approaches challenges with curiosity and a solutions-oriented mindset, believing that even complex banking topics can be made approachable through clear communication and mutual respect. His approach emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and creating a positive experience for both customers and employees.  

Outside of work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family, sharing a good laugh, and working on personal projects. He values treating everyone with kindness, fairness, and respect, a philosophy that carries through both his personal life and professional relationships. 

For Chad Hoffman, community banking is more than a career; it's an opportunity to serve the people and community he has called home his entire life. Raised on his family's grain and Angus cattle farm in Colfax, Chad brings a personal understanding of agriculture, small businesses, and the importance of strong local relationships to his role as Loan Officer at Anchor State Bank. 

Since joining Anchor, Chad has worked closely with customers to help them secure the financing they need to achieve their personal and business goals. He believes community banking is about understanding each customer's unique needs, building lasting connections, and providing personalized support to help individuals and businesses succeed. 

Chad takes pride in helping customers reach important milestones, whether expanding an agricultural operation, growing a business, or turning an idea into reality. His local knowledge, agricultural background, and commitment to the community allow him to bring a personal perspective to every customer relationship. 

Outside of work, Chad enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons on their family farm, showing Angus cattle and pigs, and coaching football and track at Ridgeview High School. One of his proudest experiences has been coaching all three of his sons at the Illinois State Track Meet.

Katie Wells brings more than 18 years of experience in banking, payments, and regulatory compliance to her role at Anchor State Bank. Beginning her banking career as a teller in 2008, Katie worked her way through various operational roles, gaining firsthand experience and a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities within community financial institutions. As a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and Accredited ACH Professional (AAP), her background spans community banking, financial technology, payment operations, and risk management. 

Katie believes effective compliance is more than meeting regulatory requirements; it's about building trust, protecting customers, bridging the gap between regulatory expectations and everyday banking practices, and supporting responsible growth. She values the personal relationships that define community banking and believes strong risk management practices are essential to maintaining a safe, reliable financial institution. 

Outside of work, Katie enjoys spending time with family and exploring the outdoors. Whether fishing, paddleboarding, hanging out with her kids, or spending time in the mountains, she appreciates opportunities to stay active, unwind, and enjoy the people and places that matter most to her.

With over 12 years of experience in both banking and management, Andi brings a strong background in leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving to Anchor State Bank. Since joining the team, she has embraced opportunities to take on new challenges, expand her knowledge, and contribute to an environment where both employees and customers can thrive. 

Andi believes community banking is about more than providing financial services; it's about supporting and strengthening the people and businesses that make a community special. She values the close-knit relationships that define small-town banking and strives to ensure every customer feels comfortable, confident, and proud of their banking experience. 

Passionate about helping others succeed, Andi brings a collaborative spirit, curiosity, and a willingness to tackle new challenges. She enjoys working alongside her coworkers, building relationships with customers, and finding opportunities to make a positive impact. Her commitment to service extends beyond the Bank through volunteer work at the local, state, and national levels. 

Outside of work, Andi enjoys spending time outdoors, solving puzzles, traveling, and seeking out unique experiences. One of her more unusual adventures has been visiting over 40 of the world's largest roadside attractions and landmarks, reflecting her adventurous spirit and love of discovering something new.

A lifelong connection to Central Illinois and more than 25 years of banking experience have shaped Kamey Jones's dedication to community banking. A native of LeRoy, Kamey began her banking career in 1999 and joined Anchor State Bank in 2014. She brings extensive experience, reliability, and a commitment to providing the personalized service customers have come to expect. 

For Kamey, the most rewarding part of community banking is the people. She values the familiar faces, lasting relationships, and friendly atmosphere that make a small-town bank special. Kamey believes every customer deserves to feel welcomed, appreciated, and confident that their banking needs are being handled with care. 

Known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and genuine care for others, Kamey approaches her responsibilities with a commitment to doing things right. She is a graduate of LeRoy High School, Parkland College, and the Midwest School of Banking, sponsored by the Community Bankers Association of Illinois. Her education and years of experience contribute to the knowledge and dependable service she brings to Anchor. 

Outside of work, Kamey enjoys spending time with her family, including her two young adult children. She and her family reside in rural Saybrook. A unique part of her childhood was helping her family with hot air ballooning, an experience that adds a fun and unexpected detail to her story.

With a passion for helping others and a natural curiosity for learning, Amanda Wright brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a collaborative spirit to her role at Anchor State Bank. Since starting, Amanda has supported the Bank's daily operations while embracing opportunities to grow her knowledge, develop new skills, and work alongside her team. 

Amanda believes community banking is about building meaningful relationships and investing in the people and communities we serve. She appreciates the close-knit atmosphere of small-town banking, where customers are known by name and personal connections matter. Her goal is to ensure every customer feels comfortable, welcomed, and valued through a personalized banking experience. 

Known for her kindness, creativity, and sense of humor, Amanda approaches challenges with curiosity and a willingness to find solutions. She enjoys collaborating with coworkers, sharing fresh perspectives, and stepping in wherever she can make a difference. Whether offering a new idea or bringing in freshly baked bread, Amanda contributes to the positive, supportive environment at Anchor. 

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with family, attending sporting events, cooking, gardening, and enjoying nature.

Since joining Anchor State Bank, Alayna Appleton has brought enthusiasm, creativity, and a genuine passion for helping others to her role. With a positive attitude and eagerness to learn, she has quickly become an important part of the team, embracing new challenges and opportunities to expand her banking knowledge. 

Alayna believes community banking is about creating meaningful connections and ensuring every customer feels welcomed, comfortable, and valued. She appreciates the personal relationships that make small-town banking special and takes pride in providing friendly, attentive service that helps build trust within the community. 

Known for her determination, curiosity, and upbeat personality, Alayna approaches her responsibilities with a commitment to learning and doing things right. She enjoys finding solutions, taking on new challenges, and supporting both customers and coworkers. Her positive energy and thoughtful approach contribute to the welcoming environment at Anchor State Bank. 

Outside of work, Alayna enjoys spending time with family and friends, spoiling her pets, and exploring her creative side through personal projects. She especially enjoys bringing new ideas to life and finding opportunities to express her creativity.

Brittany Parkhurst

Kendra Rule