First Farmers and Merchants Corporation (OTCID: FFMH), the holding company for First Farmers and Merchants Bank, is proud to announce the strategic addition of a Director of Business Banking and the continued expansion of its Business Banking team, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to serving the small businesses that drive local economies throughout the state.
Small businesses are the backbone of the communities First Farmers serves, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and strengthening local markets. As a community bank, First Farmers recognizes its responsibility not only to provide financial products, but to serve, support, guide, and deliver services that meaningfully support business owners at every stage of growth. This strategic hiring and team expansion reflects the bank’s intentional investment in business banking capabilities designed to meet the evolving needs of small businesses today.
The team is led by Greg Davis, Director of Business Banking, who brings more than 20 years of experience in commercial and middle‑market banking. Throughout his career, Davis has built a reputation for combining strong credit discipline with a common‑sense, relationship‑driven approach to helping businesses navigate growth, transitions, and challenges. In his role, Davis leads the team’s strategy, oversees credit quality, and guides day‑to‑day execution with a focus on long‑term client relationships and sustainable growth.
“Our goal is simple,” said Davis, “we want to be a steady, knowledgeable partner for business owners, someone they can call when they’re making big decisions, not just when they need a loan.”
Built around a relationship‑first approach, the Business Banking team is comprised of seasoned professionals focused on helping businesses grow with confidence. The group provides local business owners with practical guidance, responsive service, and tailored financing solutions that reflect the real‑world complexities of running a business.
Joining Davis is Brent Bythewood, Business Relationship Manager, who has spent more than a decade working alongside local businesses. Known for his hands-on approach, Bythewood works closely with clients to understand their operations, identify opportunities, and structure financing that supports both immediate needs and long-term plans.
Christian Dickson, Business Relationship Manager, brings a strong background in commercial and industrial lending. He is deeply involved in the community and is known for building genuine, lasting relationships with business owners. Dickson takes pride in helping clients think through not just financing, but the broader strategy behind their growth.
The team is currently rounded out by Bob Gerard, Business Relationship Manager, who brings extensive experience in business lending and client management. He works with companies across Tennessee, managing a diverse portfolio of loan and deposit relationships with a focus on closely held businesses. Bob is known for connecting lending strategies with treasury management solutions, helping clients improve cash flow and day-to-day operations while supporting long-term growth.
Together, they offer a full range of business banking services, from working capital lines of credit to commercial real estate and construction loans, all delivered with a consistent, relationship-driven approach. Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, the team focuses on understanding each client’s business and tailoring solutions accordingly.
The growth of the Business Banking team reflects First Farmers’ continued belief that local businesses are best served by bankers who live and work in the same communities.
“We’re building something that’s meant to last,” Davis said. “When our clients succeed, our communities benefit, and that’s what drives everything we do.”
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.”
