As Senior Vice President and Illinois Market Retail Executive for Commerce Bank, William J. Phillips IV leads the retail line of business in Illinois, which encompasses 90 employees across the Bloomington/Normal, Peoria and Champaign markets. He is responsible for leading his team to maintain strong ties with community clients while shaping a positive employee culture. In 2015, he graduated from Commerce Bank’s Leadership Development Program, through which he learned significant leadership skills and best practices. That same year, he served as chair of the new Employee Engagement Committee, leading the charge for overall engagement strategy in the Illinois market.

In addition to his work at Commerce Bank, Phillips brings his energy and enthusiasm as an active leader in the community. He sits on the board of directors for a number of organizations, including Junior Achievement of Central Illinois, and serves as president of the Alzheimer's Association – Central Illinois Chapter. He is also a volunteer for Safe Harbor—creating meal plans, cooking and serving meals to individuals in need on a quarterly basis—and a past volunteer for Rebuilding Together, working with other volunteers to assist in home repair needs for struggling individuals. In addition, he is a 2015 graduate of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School.

Phillips has a history of recognition for exceptional work dating back to 2006, when he was honored as a JPMorgan Chase Tri-State Partner. He was named Outstanding Commercial Banker for Commerce Bank in 2014, and has received the One Commerce Award twice (2013 and 2014) for his strong engagement and motivation in collaborating with his team. Phillips’ positive attitude is said to be contagious, and the leadership shadow he casts—both at his workplace and in the community—has positioned him as a strong role model to all he encounters. iBi