News and Updates

November 13, 2024

WILSON BANK & TRUST TO ACQUIRE ADDITIONAL OFFICE IN COOKEVILLE FROM F&M BANK

Wilson Bank & Trust (“WBT”) announced today that it has entered into a purchase and assumption agreement to acquire an office from F&M Bank located at 900 North Washington Avenue in Cookeville, Tenn. Under the terms of the agreement, WBT will acquire the physical location and related fixed assets, substantially all of the customer deposit accounts affiliated with the office, currently estimated at approximately $35 million, and most of the loan accounts associated with the office.

Upon completion of the proposed transaction, WBT will operate 31 offices across 10 Tennessee counties, including two offices in Cookeville, and will hold more than $4.5 billion in deposits. This acquisition will also enable WBT to strengthen community ties and enhance its service capabilities in Cookeville and Putnam County.

John McDearman, CEO of WBT, commented, “We are excited about this opportunity to expand our footprint in Cookeville and provide even greater accessibility to our customers across Putnam County. This transaction allows us to deepen our commitment to a dynamic, growing market, complementing our existing office on Jefferson Avenue. We look forward to welcoming new customers and employees to the WBT family and to delivering our personalized approach to banking. With this new location, we are well-positioned to meet the needs of Cookeville’s community.”

"As part of F&M Bank’s strategic plan to sharpen our focus on core markets and strengthen our position, we have made the decision to sell our Cookeville branch. This transaction is a significant step in aligning our resources and investments where they can best support our long-term growth and serve our customers more effectively. We remain committed to delivering exceptional service and value to the communities that form the heart of our institution," said C. DeWayne Olive, CEO of F&M Bank.

The proposed transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by applicable regulatory authorities, is currently anticipated to close in the first half of 2025.

Olsen Palmer LLC served as WBT’s financial advisor for the transaction, while Bass, Berry & Sims PLC provided legal counsel. Piper Sandler & Co. served as F&M Financial Corporation’s exclusive financial advisor for the transaction, while Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP provided legal counsel.

About Wilson Bank & Trust

Founded in 1987, Wilson Bank & Trust (WBT) is a full-service, independent community bank headquartered in Lebanon, Tenn, and a subsidiary of Wilson Bank Holding Company. With $5 billion in assets and more than 600 employees across 30 offices, WBT remains dedicated to providing customized, local banking solutions for businesses and individuals. WBT offers a complete range of commercial and consumer banking products and services, including treasury management, electronic banking, and investments while staying true to its commitment to community and equal access to credit. Learn more at www.wilsonbank.com.

About F&M Bank

F&M Bank, chartered in 1906 and headquartered in Clarksville, Tennessee, is a proud subsidiary of F&M Financial Corporation. The bank operates 19 full-service branches serving the communities of Middle Tennessee and South Central Kentucky, providing a comprehensive range of financial solutions. With assets totaling $1.7 billion, F&M Bank demonstrates its longstanding financial strength and commitment to growth. As a privately owned institution, it remains focused on delivering personalized, community-oriented banking services. For more information, please visit www.myfmbank.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") regarding, among other things, the anticipated acquisition by Wilson Bank & Trust of a branch office located in Cookeville, Tennessee operated by F&M Bank. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Wilson Bank Holding Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release any modifications or revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Wilson Bank Holding Company cautions investors that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and these risks and uncertainties may cause the actual results or performance of Wilson Bank Holding Company to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risk include the ability of WBT to secure any regulatory approvals required to consummate the proposed acquisition of the Cookeville, Tennessee branch being acquired by WBT; the ability of WBT to retain key employees of the branch being acquired; WBT’s ability to successfully integrate the acquired branch that it has agreed to acquire; and the performance of the loan portfolio to be acquired by WBT in the branch acquisition.
 
Contact Information:

Wilson Bank & Trust
John McDearman
Chief Executive Officer
(615) 443-6675
jmcdearman@wilsonbank.com

F&M Bank
DeWayne Olive
Chief Executive Officer
(931) 553-4660
dewayne.olive@myfmbank.com

October 29, 2024

F&M BANK HONORED WITH ABA FOUNDATION COMMUNITY COMMITMENT AWARD

F&M Bank was nationally recognized by the American Bankers Association Foundation for its Operation Honor with a 2024 ABA Foundation Community Commitment Award. The award was given to F&M Bank for its efforts in the supporting military families category and was presented during ABA’s Annual Convention on Oct. 29 in New York City.

F&M Bank spearheads Operation: Honor, alongside several local and national non-profit organizations. The endeavor distributes resources to combat the food insecurity that is affecting nearly one-third of military families. Additionally, opportunities are provided to active-duty military, veterans, and their family members through financial education and personalized banking services. Through this ambitious program, F&M is committed to identifying and meeting the ever-changing needs of those who strengthen our country and community.

Entries were submitted in seven categories: affordable housing, community and economic development, financial education, economic inclusion, protecting older Americans, supporting military families and volunteerism. Award winners were chosen by a field of nationally-recognized experts in each field.

The selection committee chose the winning banks based on the creativity and thoughtfulness of programs — traditional or innovative in nature and structure — that embody the ideals of corporate social responsibility and demonstrate success in making an impact.
“F&M Bank’s Operation Honor demonstrated the extraordinary impact that banks can make in the communities they serve,” said Lindsay Torrico, executive director, ABA Foundation. “We’re proud to recognize them as one of the 2024 Community Commitment Award winners and hope their efforts will inspire others throughout the industry.”

“We are honored to be recognized by the ABA Foundation with this award. F&M Bank is committed to serving and investing in our community not only financially, but civically as well and military families are an important facet of that mission.”, says CEO, DeWayne Olive.

To learn more about the ABA Foundation Community Commitment Awards, visit aba.com/awards.

November 20, 2023

VP/Commercial Lender, Sallie Eley, Relocated to St. Bethlehem Office

An experienced commercial lender with F&M Bank was recently added to the bank’s team of financial and banking associates at its St. Bethlehem location.

Sallie Eley, a licensed professional lender affiliated with F&M Bank for more than 15 years, joined the St. Bethlehem team in October. A seasoned banking professional, she has developed many key business relationships that have resulted in the steady growth of her loan portfolio. Eley is described as active in the Clarksville community and throughout Montgomery County working with different organizations. She “looks forward to increasing her involvement in the St. Bethlehem community and growing the market share for this important branch location.”

When asked to reveal the most challenging aspect of her job, Eley stressed the importance of ensuring a seamless process for customers, from start to finish, when applying for consumer or commercial loans. She further indicated that an effective project management system is her tool of choice to ease the process.

When asked for advice to aspiring lenders, Eley emphasized the importance of having supportive and knowledgeable mentors. She considers this a cornerstone of her success in lending.

Eley may be contacted by email at Sallie.Eley@myfmbank.com or by phone at 931-905-7940. NMLS 2084066

October 31, 2023

Franklin and Midtown Brand Stories in Livability Magazines

View the full Williamson County Magazine here.	View the full Nashville Region Magazine here.

October 13, 2023

DePierri Appointed as Branch Manager at F&M Bank’s Franklin, TN Location

F&M Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Will A. DePierri as Branch Manager of its Franklin, Tennessee, location.

With an impressive 20-year career in the banking industry, DePierri brings a wealth of experience to the role. His rich history includes achieving organizational objectives while delivering high quality customer service. DePierri’s background also includes specialized banking software expertise. As Branch Manager, he will be pivotal in managing branch operations and staffing, sales and strategies, and the execution of growth incentives.

"DePierri's commitment to achieving positive outcomes and his passion for building strong customer relationships align perfectly with our vision at F&M Bank," said Sammy Stuard, F&M Bank CEO. "The Williamson County market is pivotal to the bank’s growth strategy,” said Stuard. “We trust his leadership and skillset will enhance opportunities available within the Franklin community and help the bank achieve key initiatives to propel it forward. We’re excited and privileged to welcome him aboard."

DePierri’s previous banking experience included roles as Relationship Manager and Vice President where he excelled in business development, community reinvestment, credit application management, and improving the delivery of products and services through education and communication.

With DePierri’s appointment as Branch Manager, F&M Bank continues its ongoing commitment to fostering bank growth and delivering the premier financial services clients expect. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to DePierri as he embarks on this new leadership journey with F&M Bank.

May 3, 2023

F&M Bank, Tennessee Bankers Association make history with state’s first-ever banking program at Austin Peay

John Peck, Ronnie Boling, Sammy Stuard, Dr. Michael Licari, Charlie Koon and Dr. Mickey Hepner.

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – F&M Bank and the Tennessee Bankers Association have announced the “Banking on Govs” program, a new partnership with Austin Peay State University. The program is the first of its kind in Tennessee and will offer business students unique training, networking and mentorship opportunities within the banking industry.

“The ‘Banking on Govs’ program reflects our commitment to the student experience," said Dr. Michael Licari, Austin Peay president. "By partnering with our community, we provide Austin Peay students with practical learning opportunities, so that they can apply what they learn in class while gaining professional experiences.”

Qualified students from the College of Business will have the opportunity to attend the Tennessee Bankers Association Southeastern School of Banking with all expenses paid while connecting with banking professionals throughout their enrollment.

“It is our privilege to partner with the Austin Peay State University Foundation and the Tennessee Bankers Association to gift qualified APSU College of Business students with an experiential learning opportunity,” said Sammy Stuard, president of F&M Bank. “We are proud to be part of this inaugural program – the first in Tennessee state history. It is extremely gratifying to help students along their educational and professional roads to success.”

Selected students will participate in the program over two consecutive summers, taking a hands-on approach to learning the skills and insights necessary to succeed in the banking industry.

"Equipping aspiring banking professionals with the necessary blend of theoretical and practical skills is essential for a successful career in the industry,” said Ronnie Boling, director at TBA’s Southeastern School of Banking. “At The Southeastern School of Banking, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the banking sector and have the chance to apply that knowledge in real-world settings. As a result, graduates will have a competitive edge in starting their careers. We are excited to collaborate with F&M Bank and Austin Peay State University in delivering this program, and we can't wait to see the positive impact it will have on the future leaders of the banking industry."

Erin Morton, director of development for Austin Peay’s College of Business, said she also looks forward to seeing students grow through their participation in the program.

“It has been an honor and a privilege working with F&M Bank and the Tennessee Bankers Association,” she said. “We are excited to help bring this program to fruition, offering a unique learning opportunity for our students.”

Students interested in participating in the “Banking on Govs” program should contact Dr. Dong Nyonna, chair of the department of accounting, finance and economics, at nyonnad@apsu.edu.

April 17, 2023

F&M Bank Announces 2023 Officer Promotions

April 17, 2023 – F&M Bank announced the promotions of 19 individuals to new leadership positions within the company, following board approval in April 2023. “These individuals have demonstrated a strong commitment to their respective positions and have proven to be great leaders. Their dedication to exceptional customer experiences, community involvement and the stability and growth of our bank is commended,” said Sammy Stuard, President of F&M Bank.

Senior Vice President Promotions

Vice President Promotions

Assistant Vice President Promotions

You will find all officer contact information on the Meet Our Team page.