F&M Bank Announces Board Leadership Transition: Andrew Briggs to Step Down as Chairman, Kevin J. Sauder Named Successor

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F&M Bank (Nasdaq: FMAO) announced a significant leadership transition as Andrew Briggs steps down as Chairman of the Board, with Kevin J. Sauder appointed as his successor, effective immediately. Briggs, who has served on the Board for seven years and as Chairman since 2024, will continue as a director until his retirement in 2026.

Sauder, the former President & CEO of Sauder Woodworking Co., brings extensive leadership experience and has been a board member since 2004. The transition plan, initiated by Briggs, emphasizes continuity and strategic momentum, with both leaders working together over the coming year to ensure a seamless handover.

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ARCHBOLD, Ohio, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- F&M Bank (“F&M”), an Archbold, Ohio-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO), announced that Andrew Briggs, Chairman of the Board, will step down from his position as part of a plan he initiated. Briggs, who has served on the Board for seven years and as Chairman since 2024, will continue serving as a director through his retirement from the Board in 2026 and will work closely with newly appointed Chairman, Kevin J. Sauder, to ensure a seamless transition.

Sauder, who currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Board and is Retired President & CEO of Sauder Woodworking Co., has been named Chairman of the Board, effective today. A member of F&M’s Board since 2004, Sauder brings extensive leadership experience, deep community ties, and a strong commitment to the mission and values of F&M Bank. He and Briggs will work together over the coming year to support board continuity and strategic momentum.

“Andrew’s guidance has been instrumental in helping F&M expand our footprint and deepen our community relationships,” said Lars B. Eller, President and CEO of F&M Bank. “He has been a passionate advocate for our employees, customers, and shareholders. His dedication to ensuring a smooth and collaborative transition is a reflection of his deep commitment to F&M’s future.”

Eller added, “Kevin is a thoughtful, strategic leader who understands the importance of relationship banking in the communities we serve. His business acumen, integrity, and vision make him an ideal successor. I look forward to working with Kevin in his new role as Chairman as we continue building on the strong foundation Andrew helped establish.”

Throughout his tenure, Briggs has played a vital role in advancing F&M’s strategic vision, supporting its community banking mission, and strengthening its governance. His leadership has positioned the bank for continued growth and sustained value for all stakeholders.

About F&M Bank:
F&M Bank is a local independent community bank that has been serving its communities since 1897. F&M Bank provides commercial banking, retail banking and other financial services. Our locations are in Butler, Champaign, Fulton, Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Shelby, Williams, and Wood counties in Ohio. In Northeast Indiana, we have offices located in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Jay, Steuben and Wells counties. The Michigan footprint includes Oakland County, and we have Loan Production Offices in Troy, Michigan; Muncie, Indiana; and Perrysburg and Bryan, Ohio.

Safe harbor statement
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements by F&M, including management’s expectations and comments, may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which F&M and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions, capital market conditions, or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions. F&M assumes no responsibility to update this information. For more details, please refer to F&M’s SEC filing, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings can be viewed at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or through F&M’s website www.fm.bank.

Company Contact:	Investor and Media Contact:
Lars B. Eller President and Chief Executive Officer Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (419) 446-2501 leller@fm.bank	Andrew M. Berger Managing Director SM Berger & Company, Inc. (216) 464-6400 andrew@smberger.com

FAQ

Who is the new Chairman of F&M Bank (FMAO)?

Kevin J. Sauder, the former President & CEO of Sauder Woodworking Co. and previous Vice Chairman of the Board, has been appointed as the new Chairman of F&M Bank.

Why is Andrew Briggs stepping down as Chairman of F&M Bank (FMAO)?

Andrew Briggs is stepping down as part of a planned transition he initiated. He will continue serving as a director through his retirement from the Board in 2026.

How long has Kevin Sauder been on F&M Bank's (FMAO) Board?

Kevin J. Sauder has been a member of F&M Bank's Board since 2004, bringing extensive leadership experience and deep community ties.

When did Andrew Briggs become Chairman of F&M Bank (FMAO)?

Andrew Briggs has served as Chairman since 2024 and has been on the Board for seven years.

Will there be an immediate leadership change at F&M Bank (FMAO)?

Yes, Kevin J. Sauder's appointment as Chairman is effective immediately, but Briggs will continue as a director and work with Sauder over the coming year to ensure a smooth transition.