First Farmers and Merchants Corporation (OTC Pink: FFMH), the holding company for First Farmers and Merchants Bank, today announced that Rory A. Mallard was named to the newly created position as Chief Banking Officer. Mallard has served as Chief Commercial Banking Officer of First Farmers since 2021.

“Rory Mallard joined First Farmers in 2011 as the Manager of our Cool Springs Branch. He later helped plan and launch the bank’s second Cool Springs Financial Center on McEwen Drive,” stated Brian K. Williams, First Farmers’ Chairman and CEO. “He was promoted to Senior Commercial Banking Officer in 2017 and then promoted to Chief Commercial Banking Officer in 2021. Under his dynamic leadership, we have experienced remarkable growth in our commercial lending and deposit areas. Additionally, he has spearheaded the development of a comprehensive suite of Treasury Management products that have contributed significantly to the expansion of our commercial accounts, all while upholding our exceptionally high credit standards.

“As Chief Banking Officer, Rory will be responsible for the strategic direction, growth, delivery, profitability, operational efficiency, and overall performance of the commercial, treasury management and retail banking business lines. His duties will include executive oversight for meeting budget targets for growth and profitability; assembling, supporting, evaluating and developing team members; ensuring that our product and service array remains current, competitive, relevant and profitable; supporting the risk culture of the Bank through monitoring of the loan portfolio including adherence to credit policy and sound portfolio management practices; and directing the Bank’s growth strategy,” concluded Williams.

Prior to joining First Farmers, Mallard was with Fifth Third Bank where he spent six years managing their Music Row financial center. He was inducted into Fifth Third’s President’s Circle in recognition of his outstanding performance and contributions to the bank. Prior to Fifth Third, Mallard was a senior personal banker at Bank of America. He has worked with the United Way of Williamson County and is a former board member of the Williamson County Better Business Bureau. Mallard is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University.

About First Farmers and Merchants Corporation and First Farmers and Merchants Bank

First Farmers and Merchants Corporation is the holding company for First Farmers and Merchants Bank, a community bank serving the Middle Tennessee area through 22 offices in seven Middle Tennessee counties. As of September 30, 2023, First Farmers reported total assets of approximately $1.9 billion, total shareholders’ equity of approximately $99 million, and administered trust assets of $5.4 billion. For more information about First Farmers, visit us on the Web at www.myfirstfarmers.com under “Investor Relations.”

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