Rockford community activist Martesha Brown returns to Midland States Bank

ROCKFORD — Martesha Brown has accepted a new challenge from a former employer.

The 36-year-old community activist and volunteer has left the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau for Midland States Bank, where she is working as a regional community development relationship manager for the banks’ northwestern Illinois region.

She is assisting in the development and execution of Midland’s regional community development plans.

“Anyone who has had the pleasure to meet Martesha quickly learns that she has a huge heart for her community and wants to help others thrive,” Midland States Bank director of community economic development David Noble said in a news release. “Her expertise will help Midland continue to provide quality banking opportunities for all in the communities we serve.”

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Brown most recently worked as director of advancement for the Convention & Visitors Bureau, a position she held for about three years.

“I love the commitment that the Convention & Visitors Bureau has with the community, and I enjoyed my job,” Brown said. “I just reflected and took a look at my purpose and what I can do to really help to shape and revitalize our neighborhoods, continue to commit to the community and even make a larger impact.”

In addition to her work at the RACVB, Brown’s resume includes leadership roles in economic development, public relations, marketing, strategic planning and operations for the Rockford Park District and Alpine Bank, which Midland States Bank acquired in 2018.

Brown has served the community through various boards and committees, including Goodwill of Northern Illinois, Transform Rockford, Habitat for Humanity and Community Foundation of Northern Illinois.

In April of 2021, Brown made history by becoming the first Black woman to be elected to the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners.

Brown is a Rockford native and an Auburn High School graduate. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and media arts from Southern Illinois University and a master’s degree in business administration from Rockford University.

Ken DeCoster: kdecoster@rrstar.com; @DeCosterKen

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Community activist Martesha Brown returns to Midland States Bank