Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. and F&M Bank Appoints Andrew Briggs As Chairman; Jack Johnson Will Retire Later This Month After Reaching The Maximum Age Requirement As Set Forth In F&M's Bylaws

F&M Bank ("F&M"), an Archbold, Ohio-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:FMAO) announced the appointment of Andrew Briggs as Chairman of the Board of both the Company and the Bank. As part of F&M's comprehensive succession plan, current Board Chairman Jack Johnson will retire later this month after reaching the maximum age requirement as set forth in F&M's bylaws. Kevin Sauder, President and CEO of Sauder Woodworking Company, will continue to serve as Vice Chairman of the Boards of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. and F&M Bank.

 

Lars Eller, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "On behalf of everyone at F&M, I want to thank Jack for his long-standing service to the Company. As a member of our board since 1991, Jack has provided valuable leadership and guidance to the Company. I wish him all the best on his retirement from F&M."

Mr. Briggs, age 69, has served as a director of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc., and F&M Bank since 2019, and serves on the Enterprise Risk Management Board Committee. He brings 40-plus years of banking experience to F&M, and was the former Chairman of Limberlost Bancshares, Inc. and President of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bank of Geneva. Limberlost Bancshares, Inc. merged into F&M on January 1, 2019.

Lars Eller, President and Chief Executive Officer, lauds Mr. Briggs' appointment, remarking, "Having a leader of Andrew's caliber at the helm of our Boards exemplifies F&M's steadfast commitments to our people and our passions. Today's announcement also demonstrates our comprehensive succession plan and multi-year commitment to add new members to our Board of Directors. Of our 13 current board members, over half have joined our Board since 2016. I look forward to Andrew's continued counsel and commitment to F&M, as our management team and Board work together to create long-term value for our shareholders."

Mr. Briggs is a proven banker, leader, and community advocate. He was the 2019 Chairman of the Indiana Bankers Associations and is a member of the Indiana Bankers 40 Year Club. In 2019, he was honored with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award by Indiana Governor, Eric J. Holcomb, and in August 2022, he was a recipient of the Indiana Bankers Association Leadership in Banking Excellence Award.

As an active member in his community, Mr. Briggs is Treasurer of the Indiana State Museum, corporate secretary of Limberlost State Historic Site, a current Director and past Treasurer of the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority, Director of the READI Commission for Northeast Indiana Region, Treasurer of Adams County Economic Development Corporation, and Treasurer of the Adams Public Library System. Additionally, he is past President of the Geneva Town Council.

Mr. Briggs is a proud alumnus of Ball State University. His comprehensive background in banking and corporate stewardship equips him to offer invaluable insight on industry dynamics, business expansion, and community enrichment to the Board.