Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc., the parent of F&M Bank, announced several executive leadership changes at the Archbold, Ohio-based community bank, according to a press release issued June 25, 2026.

Eric Faust was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Faust joined F&M in 2022 as Chief Risk Officer and will now oversee bank operations, compliance, legal, enterprise risk management, information technology, and information security.

Melody Charlton was appointed Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, a newly established in-house legal role. Charlton previously held compliance leadership positions at Prudential Financial, GE Capital, Bank of the Sierra, and Northrim Bank, and has served as a licensed attorney, a course facilitator for the American Bankers Association, and an examiner with the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.

Benét Rupp was confirmed as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer on a permanent basis after serving in an interim capacity following her return to the organization in late 2025. Rupp had previously held the roles of Chief People Officer and Chief Administrative Officer at the bank.

Dave Gerken, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer since 2024, received expanded responsibilities that include strategic guidance to the bank's Regional Presidents.

F&M Bank reported total assets of approximately $3.55 billion, up from $1.1 billion in 2018. Over the same period, the bank's workforce grew from 282 to 499 employees and its branch network expanded from 24 to 38 offices.

"As F&M continues to grow, it is important that our leadership structure evolves alongside the organization," said Lars Eller, President and Chief Executive Officer.