First Farmers and Merchants Corporation announced that Rory A. Mallard was named to the newly created position as Chief Banking Officer. Mallard has served as Chief Commercial Banking Officer of First Farmers since 2021. He was promoted to Senior Commercial Banking Officer in 2017 and then promoted to Chief Commercial Banking Officer in 2021.

Under his dynamic leadership, we have experienced remarkable growth in our commercial lending and deposit areas. Additionally, he has spearheaded the development of a comprehensive suite of Treasury Management products that have contributed significantly to the expansion of our commercial accounts, all while upholding our exceptionally high credit standards. Prior to joining First Farmers, Mallard was with Fifth Third Bank where he spent six years managing their Music Row financial center.

He was inducted into Fifth Third?s President?s Circle in recognition of his outstanding performance and contributions to the bank. Prior to Fifth Third, Mallard was a senior personal banker at Bank of America. He has worked with the United Way of Williamson County and is a former board member of the Williamson County Better Business Bureau.

Mallard is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University.