Farmers & Merchants Bank Announces Board Leadership Changes

Farmers & Merchants Bank of Stuttgart this week announced the retirement of Mickey Pierce, its long-serving board chairman. Pierce, who has been an integral part of the bank’s leadership for more than three decades, is succeeded by Dr. Chris Morgan as chairman, while Kyle Ludwig will assume the role of vice chairman.

With more than $1.8 billion in assets, Farmers & Merchants has 26 locations across Arkansas with eight operating as the Bank of Fayetteville.

Pierce, a graduate of Arkansas State University of Jonesboro with a Bachelor of Science degree in business management, has been a driving force behind Farmers and Merchants Bank’s growth and success since joining the board in 1987. With a career spanning more than four decades as a licensed general contractor and the founder of Pierce & Company Inc. of Stuttgart, Pierce brought invaluable expertise and vision to his roles as director, vice chairman and eventually chairman of the board.

Mickey Pierce

“It has been an honor to serve on the board of Farmers and Merchants Bank for the past 37 years,” Pierce said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside such a dedicated and talented team, and I am confident that the bank will continue to thrive under the leadership of Chris and Kyle.”

Morgan, who assumed the role of chairman effective May 14, joined the Farmers and Merchants Bank board in 2018. A graduate of Hendrix College of Conway with a Bachelor of Arts in biology and a medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine, Morgan brings a unique perspective to the board as a practicing physician at Baptist Health Medical Center in Stuttgart and an active community leader.

Chris Morgan

“I am humbled and excited to take on this new responsibility,” Morgan said. “Mickey’s leadership has set a strong foundation for the bank, and I look forward to working with the entire team to build upon that legacy and continue serving our customers and communities with excellence.”

Morgan also serves as a board member for the Stuttgart Memorial Hospital Foundation. He is the president of the Harry “Butch” Richenback Scholarship Foundation, Walker Jones Land Company and Prairie Wings Land Company. Morgan is also a partner in Twin Bayous Cattle Company.

Kyle Ludwig

Ludwig, the newly appointed vice chairman, also joined the board in 2018. With a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and more than two decades of experience at Ludwig Distributing Company of Stuttgart, where he serves as vice president and general manager, Ludwig brings a wealth of business acumen to his new role.

“I am honored to step into the role of vice chairman and work alongside Chris to lead Farmers and Merchants Bank into the future,” Ludwig said. “Together, we will strive to maintain the bank’s commitment to our customers, employees and the communities we serve.”

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