Farmers & Merchants CEO Brad Chambless on Leadership & Community Banking

This Q&A feature with Farmers & Merchants Bank CEO Brad Chambless originally appeared in the January 27, 2025 edition of Arkansas Business. Click here to see the full digital edition.

Brad Chambless grew up in Dumas and spent 11 years a trial attorney before joining Farmers & Merchants Bank in 2006 as a commercial loan officer. He was named CEO of the $1.8 billion-asset bank in 2021.

He holds a bachelor’s from the University of Arkansas-Monticello and a law degree from the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville.

What attracted you to banking?

As an attorney I had represented banks, but actually working in a bank had never crossed my mind. I had been practicing law for several years when my wife and I had our first son. Shortly after he was born, I was away from home for three weeks in a jury trial. Upon my return, Don Pattillo and Gary Hudson came to visit and offered me a job and career path at Farmers & Merchants Bank. I can never thank them enough for providing me an opportunity to make a living and be home with my family; it has truly been a blessing.

What are the biggest challenges facing bankers?

The sheer magnitude of fraud across the U.S. has led the Arkansas Bankers Association to explore new collaborative efforts between law enforcement and banks to better protect our citizens. For all of the benefits from the advancement in technology, it has also made fraud more attractive to bad actors, and we are challenged daily to protect our customers and our banks.

What is your platform as chairman of the Arkansas Bankers Association?

First, I want to bring awareness to elder financial exploitation in an effort to enhance the protection of our senior citizens. Second, I want to promote and recognize the service members in our state for their sacrifices in providing us the freedoms we enjoy. Third, I want to improve the communication and support for banks of all sizes across the entire state, so that no institution feels too small nor remote. These goals seemed the logical choice as they form the foundation of “community banking” in Arkansas.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

My passion is helping people. Whether it is supporting a food pantry, an entrepreneur in a small business, a teacher appreciation luncheon, or recognizing our veterans and service members, I love to be involved with our customers and communities. Making a difference in our communities is truly what drives me, and I get great reward from being a small part of that.

What’s the best advice you ever received?

Several years ago my law partner Rusty Berry told me, “It is never about what happens to you, but how you respond to it.” His comment was made in the context of a potential adverse witness in an upcoming jury trial. But I have found that it applies equally to every aspect of my personal and business life.