Jennifer J. McConnell Joins First Farmers as Chief Credit Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

First Farmers and Merchants Corporation (FFMH) announced the appointment of Jennifer J. McConnell as Chief Credit Officer. McConnell brings 27 years of banking experience, including leadership in credit risk management, portfolio management, and relationship management. She joins from BankUnited, where she served as Executive Vice President, Managing Senior Credit Officer. Prior to that, she held senior roles at First Tennessee Bank, Fifth Third Bank, and Regions Bank. McConnell's appointment is expected to strengthen First Farmers' credit culture and business banking initiatives.

COLUMBIA, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- First Farmers and Merchants Corporation (OTC Pink: FFMH), the holding company for First Farmers and Merchants Bank, today announced that Jennifer J. McConnell has joined the bank as Chief Credit Officer.

“We are pleased to announce that Jennifer McConnell has joined our bank as Chief Credit Officer,” stated Brian K. Williams, First Farmers’ Chairman and CEO. “Her banking career spans 27 years and includes a wealth of leadership experience in credit risk management, portfolio management and relationship management.”

“Jennifer is transitioning into her new role under the guidance of Andy W. Davis who has served as Chief Credit Officer for the last eight years. Under Andy’s leadership, First Farmers has steadily improved loan quality metrics, reduced loan losses and maintained a strong credit culture. We are pleased that he will be working closely with Jennifer to ensure a smooth transition.”

“We have known Jennifer for a number of years, and her significant experience in commercial lending and executive leadership positions in credit were key attributes we sought as our next Chief Credit Officer. We are confident that she will continue to enhance our strong credit culture and high credit standards. We also believe that her extensive work with small businesses will enhance our strategic initiatives focused on business banking,” concluded Williams.

Prior to joining First Farmers, McConnell served as Executive Vice President, Managing Senior Credit Officer for Commercial, Retail/Small Business, SBA and Equipment/Franchise Financing Divisions for BankUnited, a Miami, Florida based bank with $37 billion in assets. She was responsible for the processing, due diligence, credit analysis, underwriting, credit approval, portfolio management, loan closing, loan documentation, construction loan management, legal, booking/funding, servicing and secondary market teams within the above-mentioned divisions of BankUnited. In addition, Jennifer oversaw SOX review, credit review, internal audits, and compliance/fair lending exams for the same divisions. Prior to joining BankUnited in 2017, she served as Senior Vice President and Senior Credit Manager for First Tennessee Bank (First Horizon) where she was responsible for centralized credit teams and director of their SBA/government guaranteed lending unit. She previously served as SBA National Manager and Business Banking Team Lead for Fifth Third Bank and Senior Vice President of Business Banking at Regions Bank. She started her banking career in 1997 in the management training program of SunTrust Bank.

McConnell is a Nashville native and lives in the Franklin area with her family. She is a graduate of Centre College with a B.A. in Economics.

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.”

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” that represent First Farmers’ expectations or beliefs concerning future events and often use words or phrases such as “opportunities,” “prospects,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” “intends” or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements contained herein represent the current expectations, plans or forecast of First Farmers’ and are about matters that are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are not guarantees of future results or performance and readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on them, whether included in this news release or made elsewhere from time to time by First Farmers or on its behalf. First Farmers disclaims any obligation to update such forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231207015857/en/

Felicia Y. Brown

Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

(931) 380-8372

Source: First Farmers and Merchants Corporation

FAQ

Who is the new Chief Credit Officer of First Farmers and Merchants Corporation?

Jennifer J. McConnell has been appointed as the new Chief Credit Officer of First Farmers and Merchants Corporation.

What is the ticker symbol of First Farmers and Merchants Corporation?

The ticker symbol of First Farmers and Merchants Corporation is FFMH.

What is Jennifer McConnell's background and experience in the banking industry?

Jennifer McConnell brings 27 years of banking experience, including leadership in credit risk management, portfolio management, and relationship management. She has previously held senior roles at BankUnited, First Tennessee Bank, Fifth Third Bank, and Regions Bank.

Where is Jennifer McConnell from?

Jennifer McConnell is a Nashville native and lives in the Franklin area with her family.

What are the strategic initiatives focused on by First Farmers and Merchants Corporation?

First Farmers and Merchants Corporation is focused on enhancing their strong credit culture and high credit standards, as well as enhancing their strategic initiatives focused on business banking.