Farmers & Merchants Bank, The Bank of Fayetteville Welcome Blake Pond to Board of Directors

Farmers & Merchants Bank and The Bank of Fayetteville are happy to announce an exciting addition to its leadership team. Blake Pond, a distinguished healthcare professional from Little Rock, has been appointed to the bank’s Board of Directors. This strategic move brings a unique blend of healthcare expertise and agricultural insight to a board that already boasts a deep bench of experience in various industries.

Pond’s career includes more than 15 years in healthcare. He is currently a Product Manager in Oncology at Johnson & Johnson. In his role, he collaborates with cancer centers nationwide to support advanced CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma patients. But Pond’s roots run deep in the Arkansas soil; he also helps manage his family’s farm in Stuttgart, a century-old operation specializing in rice, soybeans and wheat cultivation.

“Blake’s deep understanding of healthcare and agriculture aligns perfectly with our bank’s needs and vision for the future,” Board Chairman Dr. Chris Morgan said. “His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow and adapt to the evolving needs of our customers.”

Before working at Johnson & Johnson, Pond held key leadership positions at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, first as chief of staff and special assistant to the director for the Myeloma Institute, and then as director of program development for the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. He also worked at the University of Texas Southwestern Simmons Cancer Center as a clinical researcher for blood cancers.

“I am honored to join the Board of Directors and Farmers and Merchants Bank,” Pond said. “This institution has a long-standing reputation of supporting local businesses. As a Stuttgart native with a rich family history at F&M, I look forward to contributing to the bank’s continued success and its mission of fostering economic growth in our communities.”

Pond is active in the community. He chairs the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Little Rock Chapter Board of Trustees and co-founded the Arkansas Outdoor Society, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering young adults’ interest in outdoor activities.

With Pond’s appointment, Farmers & Merchants bank is poised for continued growth and innovation. As a locally-owned community bank with 26 locations across Arkansas and assets exceeding $1.8 billion, the institution plays a crucial role in supporting local businesses and driving economic development. Pond’s unique combination of healthcare acumen, agricultural background, and community dedication will enhance the bank’s ability to serve its customers and contribute meaningfully to Arkansas communities.