The Farmers & Merchants Bank is pleased to announce Kim A. Ruff as its newest Bank Officer.  Kim is a native Putnam County resident graduating from Putnam County High School in 1992.  She continued her education at Mercer University Stetson School of Business where she received a BBA degree in Economics.  For the past 6 and a half years, Ruff has been a member of the FMB family, holding the positions of Drive-thru Teller, Customer Service Representative and Human Resources Manager.  Each of these positions has allowed Kim the opportunity to work first hand with the public, which she enjoys.  She explains “We have a great customer base that I love serving.”  

As a Bank Officer, Kim will oversee several different departments, including Tellers, Customer Service Representatives as well as continuing with her Human Resource responsibilities.  She will also assist the day to day bank operations and see that the employees are all well trained and performing their jobs to the best of their abilities.  Joe Hudson, executive Vice-President of FMB is pleased with the appointment of Ruff as FMB’s newest bank officer.  “From the time Kim came to work for our bank in 2004, she began to make a positive difference.  She knows how to get along with her fellow employees, but she also knows how to provide constructive criticism when it is appropriate.”  Hudson continues, “Her supervisory skills are excellent.”  She is excited for the challenges her new position will bring.  “Managing others is generally a difficult task, but it will greatly enhance my leadership skills as well as teach me how to be more empathetic” she says.  

Kim is also avidly involved in the community.  She is the secretary for Mothers Against Crime, Vice-Chairman of the School Governance Authority, Better Hometown Board member, treasurer for Boy Scouts Troop 34, stewardess board member of Brown Chapel AME Church and a member of the Economic Development committee.  Hudson encourages Kim’s dedication to her community.  “Kim promotes the bank wherever she goes which is an important part of a community banker’s job,” he says.  On top of her new position at FMB and her multiple volunteering, Kim is also a wife and proud mother of two boys.  “I spend most of my time being a baseball mom and travelling from town to town watching my son play,” she says.  “I thoroughly enjoy my family and my church.”

Farmers & Merchants Bank serves Putnam County with offices in downtown Eatonton and Lake Oconee in Harmony Crossing.  For more information on how Farmers & Merchants Bank can assist you in your financial needs, please call (706) 485-9941 or visit www.ibankfmb.com.