Careers

Q: Most impactful moment in your career?
A: When I was offered the manager position at the Prairie Grove location. Becoming a branch manager had always been a huge career goal of mine, and I was inspired by the leaders that I had worked under in this industry.
Q: Where is your Happy Place in Arkansas?
A: My happy place will always be Prairie Grove! The community, the history and above all the people are truly unmatched. If I had to pick a second… probably Hobby Lobby or Target!

Emily Bullington

Q: Most impactful moment in your career?
A: Prior to working on the PIT (Process Improvement Team), I had never heard of robotic process automation (RPA). During my career so far, I have had time to learn some of the RPA software and been able to build bot processes. These bots help save fellow co-workers time and alleviate manual tasks they would have had to perform.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Spending time with family and friends, playing with my dogs, watching Friends, or working on my Mustang with my husband.

Kimberly Castleberry

Q: What inspired you to get into banking?
A: A Career in banking allowed me to combine my financial knowledge from studying Finance at the University of Arkansas, with my passion for being involved in my local community, which stems from growing up in a small town. At our Bank, I get the privilege of working alongside coworkers that share the same passion for community banking.
Q: Where is your Happy Place in Arkansas?
A: Camping in the Ozarks, or Wright‘s BBQ in Johnson, AR.

Will Tate

Q: Most impactful moment in your career?
A:When I changed from Retail banking in Marianna AR to the Solutions Center in Stuttgart AR. It was a change I was not too sure of at the time. It has turned out to be the best change. I realized: Helping people, is where my calling is. I love what I do everyday and the amazing people I work with here at Farmers & Merchants Bank and The Bank Of Fayetteville.
Q: Where is your Happy Place in Arkansas?
A: Northwest AR , I love to camp and ride the motorcycle in the mountains.

Rhonda Baker

Q: Most impactful moment in your career?
A: Due to the bank’s willingness to allow me to be a part of an incredible leadership program, I have been given the opportunity to dedicate volunteer hours to various Social Services in NWA. I always felt there was more I could be doing for my community, but I had no idea the magnitude of help needed right in our backyards.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: Watch the Hogs play! But I‘m usually chasing after my 6 year old son.

Jenny Riggles

Q: What inspired you to get into banking?
A: The one thing that inspired me to continue my banking career were the wonderful people I had the privilege of working with. My friendships with co-workers and customers is one of the most rewarding benefits of my career.
Q: What are some things others don’t know about you?
A: I have two wonderful daughters, two terrific sons-in-law, and two awesome granddaughters, Leah is a year old and Claire was just born in May!

Rhonda Peterson

Q: Most impactful moment in your career?
A: I was recently promoted to Audit Director. From starting as an Internal Auditor, to now leading the audit team 5 years later, I have experienced so much growth through Farmers and Merchants Bank. The support of my team and other employees throughout the bank has been unmatched. I am grateful for this new opportunity!
Q: Where is your Happy Place in Arkansas?
A: We enjoy spending our summer at Lake Hamilton. Seeing our son make memories at the lake has been very special.

Ashton Smith

Q: Most impactful moment in your career?
A: Helping my customers and teammates is by far my favorite part of the job. Sometimes you forget how much the customers make your day because you’re always trying to help them.
Q: What are some things others don’t know about you?
A: My husband and I own a kennel where we board dogs. So I get to not only love my fur babies but everyone else’s as well.

Shauna Thomas

One of the driving factors of being drawn to the Bank of Fayetteville was the community involvement the bank displays on a continual basis. The teammates we have are all so dedicated to the same goals of giving back, and it is on display constantly. The customers I have had the opportunity to serve and relationships I have made are truly priceless. Family is one word that comes to mind, and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. I feel so blessed to be a part of this team and community!

Phil Phillips, Mortgage Lender

I have excelled in my banking career throughout my time at Farmers & Merchants Bank over the past sixteen years from starting out as a Retail Banker to now serving in the Branch Manager role for two branches. It has given me the wonderful opportunity to take care of and serve the customers within our community. Farmers & Merchants Bank encourages their employees to be involved with organizations in their local communities, so I proudly get to work with multiple non-profit organizations to give back to my community. Customer service and community involvement are most definitely the parts I look forward to most every day and I could not ask for better teammates to work alongside.

Dena Wood, Branch Manager

The most rewarding aspects of my job revolve around customer service and team success, especially ensuring customers leave with a smile and watching my team thrive.

Bethany Reed, VP Retail Operations Director

I have been with the Bank of Fayetteville since 2010 and have had the opportunity to grow within the bank as it has grown; from a teller and retail banker, debit card coordinator, online banking/wires specialists, and now the electronic banking manager. The Bank of Fayetteville is a family of coworkers, all striving to provide a great service to our community that expanded further with Farmers & Merchants Bank. I am proud of our ability to work together toward the common goal of providing a great customer experience and service to our communities across the state.

Kris Loveless, Electronic Banking Lead