F&M Bank, an Archbold, OH-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, added Mike Benson as senior vice president, senior small business banking manager. This newly created position will facilitate F&M’s strategy to support small businesses across its growing footprint in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan.
With 40 years of banking experience, Benson brings a wealth of leadership and expertise in credit management, retail banking and business banking development. In this new role, he will help strengthen F&M’s small business lending programs and establish the processes, procedures and reporting structures that will drive the company’s continued growth and success.
“Mike’s deep understanding of the small business landscape and proven track record of leadership make him a tremendous addition to our team,” Dave Gerken, executive vice president, chief lending officer at F&M Bank, said. “His experience and passion for community banking align perfectly with our mission to help local businesses grow and thrive.”
Throughout his distinguished career, Benson has served in several key leadership roles, including chief credit officer at Andover Bank, Akron market manager at Consumers National Bank, retail market leader at First Commonwealth Bank, business banking segment leader at FirstMerit Bank, and business banking team leader at National City Bank.
Benson lives in Ohio with his wife, Carol. They have three adult children and two grandchildren. Active in his local church, Benson enjoys teaching Sunday School, gardening and spending time with family. Outside of banking, he is also known as the lead guitarist for the local band, The Fender Benders.
