First Farmers and Merchants Corporation (OTCID: FFMH), the holding company for First Farmers and Merchants Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Matt Patterson to Chief Credit Officer, effective June 1, 2026.
This leadership transition reflects the bank’s continued growth and underscores the critical role of strong credit risk management in supporting long-term performance and strategic expansion. As First Farmers continues to build momentum across its markets, the role of the Chief Credit Officer remains central to ensuring lending practices align with the bank’s commitment to disciplined growth and relationship-driven service.
Patterson brings more than 26 years of experience with First Farmers to his new role, along with deep institutional knowledge and a proven track record of strengthening the bank’s credit platform. Throughout his tenure, he has played a key role in supporting lending teams, enhancing credit processes, and managing risk with a thoughtful, balanced approach that enables opportunity while protecting the bank’s long-term stability.
In his new position, he will lead the bank’s credit risk management team and guide the continued evolution of its credit strategy to support sustainable growth, stronger alignment across business lines, and ongoing enhancements to risk management practices. His leadership will be instrumental as the bank expands its lending capabilities while maintaining the disciplined approach that defines its success.
“Matt’s experience, judgment, and deep understanding of our organization make him exceptionally well-suited for this role,” said Brian Williams, Chief Executive Officer of First Farmers & Merchants Bank. “He brings a steady, strategic perspective to credit leadership and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to both sound risk management and thoughtful growth. As we continue to build on our momentum, Matt’s leadership is essential in ensuring we remain well-positioned to serve our customers and communities with strength and integrity.”
Patterson’s collaborative leadership style and dedication to continuous improvement have helped position the credit function as a strong partner to the bank’s lending teams. His focus on alignment, efficiency, and forward-thinking practices will support First Farmers’ ability to meet evolving client needs while maintaining the high standards that have guided the bank for generations.
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 Tennessee area through 22 locations in seven counties and one production office in Chattanooga. As of March 31, 2026, First Farmers reported total assets of approximately $1.8 billion, total shareholders’ equity of approximately $174 million, and administered trust assets of $6.8 billion. For more information about First Farmers, visit us on the Web at www.myfirstfarmers.com under “Investor Relations.”
