F&M Bank Welcomes Neal Lineberry as Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending

/in

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
F&M Bank Welcomes Neal Lineberry as Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending

Harrisonburg, VA – F&M Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Neal Lineberry as Senior Vice President, further strengthening the Bank’s commercial lending team and commitment to serving businesses across the Shenandoah Valley and beyond.

With more than 30 years of banking experience, Lineberry brings deep expertise in commercial lending, including the past 17 years focused on large and complex commercial real estate transactions. In his new role, he will lead and support high-level lending relationships, helping clients navigate sophisticated financing needs with tailored solutions.

Lineberry’s connection to the region runs deep. A lifelong resident of the Shenandoah Valley, he understands the local market and the importance of community-focused banking. His experience also spans markets across the region, from Warrenton through the I-81 corridor to Stuarts Draft and Waynesboro, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the communities F&M Bank serves.

“I’ve previously worked with members of the leadership team and am highly confident that the right people are in place to help this bank succeed long-term,” said Lineberry. “That success directly translates into stronger communities, and I’m excited to be part of an organization that truly values that connection.”

Paul Eberly, Chief Lending Officer at F&M Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the addition to the team:

“Neal brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in handling complex commercial transactions. His deep roots in our region and his relationship-driven approach make him a perfect fit for F&M Bank. We’re excited about the expertise and leadership he adds to our lending team.”

Outside of his professional work, Lineberry enjoys spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. He is also a proud father of two adult daughters and grandfather to a four-year-old granddaughter.

F&M Bank continues to invest in experienced professionals who understand the unique needs of the communities it serves, reinforcing its commitment to long-term growth, trusted relationships, and personalized financial solutions.

About F&M Bank
F&M Bank, headquartered in Timberville, Virginia, has been serving the Shenandoah Valley since 1908. With a network of branches and a long history of community partnership, F&M Bank remains committed to helping individuals and businesses grow and thrive.

F&M Bank Welcomes Dustin Bowman as Agriculture Market Executive

/in ,

F&M Bank Welcomes Dustin Bowman as Agriculture Market Executive

F&M Bank is proud to announce the addition of Dustin Bowman as SVP and Agriculture Market Executive, further strengthening the bank’s long-standing commitment to serving the agricultural community across the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding regions.

Born and raised on a beef cattle and turkey farm in western Rockingham County, Bowman brings deep-rooted agricultural knowledge and a lifelong connection to the farming community. A graduate of Turner Ashby High School and James Madison University, where he earned a degree in Finance and played collegiate baseball, Bowman has built a career centered on financial expertise and relationship-driven service.

Bowman’s professional background includes experience as a Financial Advisor, roles within a community bank’s trust department, and commercial banking at BB&T. Most recently, he served agricultural communities across Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland with Farm Credit, where he also led their Agribusiness unit.

While leading our agriculture team, Bowman will focus on delivering tailored financial solutions to agricultural clients while supporting the bank’s mission to serve the “whole customer” with personalized, community-first banking.

“I do what I do because I enjoy helping people and watching them grow,” said Bowman. “Whether it’s developing strategies, finding financial solutions, or simply being a resource, we all have a responsibility to use our talents to help others.”

A lifelong resident of the Shenandoah Valley, Bowman values the strong family ties and close-knit community that define the region. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching youth sports, striper fishing at Smith Mountain Lake, and spending time with his wife of 22 years and their two sons.

“Dustin’s experience, character, and passion for agriculture make him a natural fit for our team,” said Paul Eberly, EVP and Chief Lending Officer. “His deep understanding of the industry and commitment to serving others align perfectly with our mission and values.”

F&M Bank has proudly supported the agricultural community for more than a century, and Bowman’s addition reinforces the bank’s dedication to providing responsive, relationship-driven financial solutions to farmers and agribusinesses throughout the region.

About F&M Bank
F&M Bank, headquartered in Timberville, Virginia, has been serving the Shenandoah Valley since 1908. With a network of branches and a long history of community partnership, F&M Bank remains committed to helping individuals and businesses grow and thrive.

F&M Bank Corp. Appoints Bret V. Harrison to Board of Directors

/in

Timberville, Va. – March 19, 2026 — F&M Bank Corp. announced that Bret V. Harrison joined the Company’s Board of Directors in January. Harrison also serves on the Board of Directors of Farmers & Merchants Bank,
the Company’s wholly owned banking subsidiary.

Harrison, a Shenandoah Valley native, is President and Chief Executive Officer of ComSonics, headquartered in Harrisonburg. He joined the company in 1994 in a regional sales role and has since held numerous leadership positions. Prior to becoming CEO, Harrison served as Chief Operating Officer, where he provided strategic leadership for the company’s manufacturing, repair and calibration, and public safety operations.

In addition to his corporate leadership, Harrison is actively engaged in the community. He has served on the ComSonics Board of Directors since 2020, is President of the Lake Shenandoah Development Corporation (Lakeview Golf Course), and currently serves as Chairman of the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation Board.

“Bret is a great addition to our board of directors.  He brings strong leadership experience, strategic vision, and a deep understanding of the communities we serve,” said Mike Willkerson, CEO of F&M Bank. “We are pleased to welcome him to the board and look forward to his perspective as we continue serving the businesses, farms, and families across our markets.”

Harrison holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from the University of South Florida and an MBA in Management from the Florida Institute of Technology. He also completed the CEO ESOP Leadership Program at the University of Pennsylvania.

AS SEEN IN Forbes & Fortune: VIRGINIA / Best in Banking | People, Places, and Progress

/in ,

People, Places, and Progress

With an eye on innovation and a heart for the community, F&M Bank is shaping the
future of banking in the Shenandoah Valley.

Across Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, the old song still echoes: “Oh, Shenandoah, I long to see you.” It’s a melody about promise and passage, and, in many ways, the land still sings it. Timbered ridges rise above quiet fields, rooted deep and reminding those who live here that real growth begins from solid ground.

F&M Bank was built in that same spirit. Founded in 1908 in Timberville, it initially served as a gathering place for farmers and merchants to find both capital and conversation. More than a century later, those roots remain strong, even as the bank helps new industries reach greater heights.

“We’ve helped put crops in the ground and digital banking resources in the market,” says John Sargent, senior vice president and retail banking director. “Our customers might raise cattle or develop health care technology, but they all share the same need for a partner who understands how this region works.”

That understanding has become F&M’s quiet advantage. From its headquarters in Rockingham County, the bank now operates more than a dozen branches, employs over 179 team members, and manages assets exceeding $1.4 billion. Listed on the OTCQX under the symbol FMBM, it remains Rockingham County’s only publicly traded financial institution, a distinction that sets it apart from most community banks in the Shenandoah Valley.

Unlike many privately held peers, F&M’s structure enables it to raise capital through public markets while maintaining decision-making authority close to home. The result is a rare balance of independence and accountability with local leaders guiding a publicly transparent institution whose growth directly benefits its shareholders.

Pure Potential

The ability to fund opportunities at scale keeps F&M focused on tangible outcomes. So far in 2025, the bank has originated significant loan volume—supporting dairy operations, farm equipment upgrades, housing developments, Main Street renovations, and helping more local families step into homeownership. One project helped a local dairy farm double production after modernizing its equipment—a reminder that progress often starts with partnership.

That same reliability has earned F&M national recognition, including 5-star ratings from BauerFinancial and a place among American Banker’s Top 200 Community Banks. Throughout the Valley that spirit continues to take shape as manufacturers expand, farms reinvest, and entrepreneurs bring back old storefronts. “In this Valley, success is measured by families, farms, and the businesses that keep both moving,” Sargent says. “Our role is to ensure that momentum continues.”

That philosophy runs deep within the organization. F&M’s guiding values, expressed through its GROW mantra—gregarious, resolute, original, wholehearted—capture a culture built on connection, determination, creativity, and care. The GROW catchphrase itself grew from conversations among bank employees who wanted to define, in their own words, what community banking should look like for the next generation.

Like the timber that inspired its name and the song that still carries across the hills, F&M stands for endurance and belonging. Its branches may stretch across the Valley, but its heart remains in the communities that first gave it purpose. Sargent says the need for steady partners who understand both the pace and promise of local progress is constant. “Everything we do traces back to one belief,” he says, “that progress and place can thrive together.”

Download the original article here: AS SEEN IN Forbes & Fortune, F&M Bank

Article originally published and featured in Forbes & Fortune

F&M Bank Announces Lauren Morris as Branch Manager of Coffman’s Corner

/in ,

Timberville, Va. [January 22, 2026] — F&M Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Lauren Morris as Branch Manager of its Coffman’s Corner location.

In her role, Morris will oversee day-to-day branch operations, support customer relationships, and lead the Coffman’s Corner team in delivering personalized financial solutions to individuals, families, and local businesses. She brings a strong commitment to customer service and community engagement that aligns with F&M Bank’s long-standing mission as a locally grown community bank.

“Lauren’s leadership style and dedication to both customers and employees make her a great fit for this role,” said John Sargent, Retail Banking Director at F&M Bank. “We’re confident she will continue to strengthen relationships in the Coffman’s Corner community and provide the level of service our customers expect.”

Morris has 13 years of experience in financial services and has been part of the Shenandoah Valley community for over a decade. She is passionate about building strong relationships and expanding financial education opportunities for youth throughout the Valley. Outside of work, Morris enjoys camping and hiking and appreciates the natural beauty and strong sense of community that makes the Shenandoah Valley a special place to live and work. As Branch Manager, she looks forward to building strong connections within the community and supporting the growth of local individuals and businesses.

The Coffman’s Corner branch is located at 2030 Legacy Lane, Harrisonburg, VA.

F&M Bank CFO Appointed to Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

/in ,

F&M Bank is pleased to announce that Lisa Campbell, its Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce for the 2026–2028 term. This appointment reflects Campbell’s leadership within the regional business community and F&M Bank’s continued commitment to economic development across the Shenandoah Valley.

The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is composed of business leaders from across the region who work collaboratively to advance local economic growth, advocate for business interests, and foster community engagement. Campbell joins a slate of professionals representing a diverse range of industries, supporting the Chamber’s strategic initiatives and priorities.

In this role, Campbell will leverage her financial expertise, community insight, and strategic leadership experience to help strengthen the Harrisonburg-Rockingham business environment and enhance opportunities for Chamber members.

“We congratulate Lisa on this well-deserved appointment,” said Mike Wilkerson, CEO of F&M Bank. “Her deep understanding of financial strategy, passion for community involvement, and collaborative leadership make her an excellent representative of F&M Bank and a valuable addition to the Chamber’s Board of Directors.”

Campbell added, “I am honored to serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and to work alongside fellow leaders who are invested in the success of our region. I look forward to advancing initiatives that support local employers, workforce development, and long-term economic prosperity.”

F&M Bank Welcomes Evan McHaffa as Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer

/in ,

Timberville, VA – January 12, 2026 – F&M Bank is pleased to announce that Evan McHaffa has joined the organization as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. In this role, McHaffa will oversee the bank’s credit administration, portfolio management, and risk governance, supporting F&M’s long-term growth and commitment to responsible lending.

McHaffa brings extensive experience in commercial lending, credit strategy, and portfolio oversight, with a strong background in aligning credit discipline with relationship-focused banking. He will work closely with executive leadership and lending teams across the bank’s footprint to ensure consistency, sound risk management, and thoughtful decision-making.

“I’m tremendously excited and honored to join F&M Bank and be part of an institution with such a strong community focus and long-standing reputation, especially in the community that I’ve called home since childhood- the Shenandoah Valley,” McHaffa said. “As a native of the Valley who has called Stuarts Draft my home since the age of 8, F&M’s commitment to local decision-making and relationship banking aligns closely with my own values, and I look forward to supporting the bank’s continued growth in a way that serves both our customers and our communities.”

As Chief Credit Officer, McHaffa will play a key role in strengthening credit processes, supporting lenders, and maintaining the bank’s high standards for safety, soundness, and service.

“Evan’s broad credit expertise, local market knowledge and strategic approach will help F&M Bank continue to meet the lending needs of our Agriculture, Commercial, and Consumer customers. His relationship focused philosophy is consistent with our GROW culture and values,” said F&M Bank’s CEO, Mike Wilkerson. “As an Executive Vice President of our company, Evan’s leadership will be instrumental as we continue to build the future of F&M Bank.”

About F&M Bank
F&M Bank, headquartered in Timberville, Virginia, has been serving the Shenandoah Valley since 1908. With a network of branches and a long history of community partnership, F&M Bank remains committed to helping individuals and businesses grow and thrive.

F&M Bank Gifts $7,500 to Local Nonprofits to Support Food Security, Community & Compassion

/in ,

This Giving season, we’re proud to donate $7,500 to three organizations making a meaningful difference in our region: Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Connected Communities, and Willow Haven Farm Sanctuary. Each organization received $2,500, and all three were nominated by our employees, reflecting the causes that matter most to the people who serve our customers every day.

Blue Ridge Area Food Bank

The Food Bank continues to be a reliable source of nutritious food for individuals and families facing food insecurity. Their mission demonstrates Sustenance by supporting basic needs and helping neighbors maintain stability during difficult times.

Connected Communities

Connected Communities focuses on housing stability, access to resources, and building stronger support systems for families. Their efforts closely align with Security, ensuring neighbors have a safe foundation and the help they need to move forward.

Willow Haven Farm Sanctuary

Willow Haven provides a safe, compassionate home for rescued farm animals and offers community education around care and sustainable living. Their work reflects the spirit of Enrichment, strengthening empathy, connection, and understanding across our region.

Why These Gifts Matter

While each organization serves a unique purpose, together they reflect F&M Bank’s Brand Pillars: Sustenance, Security, and Enrichment. This donation helps extend their impact of providing safe refuge for animals, meals for families, and support for individuals working toward stability.

F&M Bank Welcomes New Branch Manager in Shenandoah County

/in ,

Timberville, VA – November 21, 2025 – F&M Bank is pleased to welcome Madison Estep as the new Branch Manager for its Woodstock and Edinburg locations. A lifelong Shenandoah County resident, Estep brings deep community ties, strong customer service experience, and a passion for relationship banking.

“I love working in banking because of the relationships it allows me to build,” Estep said. “It’s rewarding to help people during some of the most exciting moments of their lives, whether opening a business, buying or selling a home, or financing their first vehicle. Being part of that joy is what keeps me passionate about what I do.”

Estep’s family has lived and worked in the area for generations, and many locals know them through Tom’s Chili Dogs at the Shenandoah County Fair, a community staple since 1947. She also serves on the Mount Jackson Town Council and chairs the Mount Jackson Hometown Partnership, where she helps lead local projects and community events. She is an active member of the Chamber and is already collaborating on upcoming initiatives.

“I’m excited to get to know our clients and neighbors,” Estep added. “I want to be someone people can rely on – not just for their banking needs, but as a familiar face in the community.”

“Madison brings genuine hometown connection and reflects our GROW values,” said John Sargent, Retail Banking Director. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Woodstock and Edinburg markets.”

F&M Bank Welcomes Deacon Kozel as Commercial Relationship Manager for Harrisonburg and Rockingham County

/in ,

Harrisonburg, VA — F&M Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Deacon Kozel as Commercial Relationship Manager, serving Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

A Rockingham native, Kozel brings a strong educational background and deep community roots to his role. He began his academic journey at Blue Ridge Community College, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA, before continuing his studies in finance and economics at James Madison University. He is also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society recognizing excellence in business studies.

Kozel joins F&M Bank with a passion for building relationships and supporting the growth of local businesses. “I am excited to join F&M Bank because my goals and values align with the bank’s mission of being the choice financial partner in the Shenandoah Valley – yesterday, today, and tomorrow,” Kozel said. “Being at F&M is important to me because I can help foster growth in my own community.”

F&M Bank Senior Vice President and Valley Market Executive, Katherine Preston, shared her enthusiasm about the new addition:

“Deacon’s local network, strong work ethic, and dedication to the community make him a great fit for our commercial banking team. We are excited for the positive impact he will have on our clients and the region.”

Kozel embodies F&M Bank’s core values of being Gregarious, Resolute, Original, and Wholehearted. He identifies most strongly with being Gregarious, noting his genuine interest in connecting with others and enthusiasm for building lasting relationships.

Beyond his professional work, Kozel has been actively involved in the community, including serving with Young Life at East Rockingham High School during his college years.

As Commercial Relationship Manager, Kozel will focus on developing and maintaining partnerships with businesses and nonprofits throughout Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, providing tailored financial solutions to help organizations thrive.

About F&M Bank
F&M Bank, headquartered in Timberville, Virginia, has been serving the Shenandoah Valley since 1908. With a network of branches and a long history of community partnership, F&M Bank remains committed to helping individuals and businesses grow and thrive.

F&M Bank Contact

Jacob Mowry
Marketing Manager
marketing@fmbankva.com