WEST LAFAYETTE — The Farmers and Merchants Bank is pleased to name Donald Blume as bank president effective Jan. 1, 2025, succeeding current bank President Grant Whaley.
“It has been an honor serving as President, CEO & Chairman of The Farmers and Merchants Bank. I would like to personally thank Bill Cook and the Board of Directors of The Farmers and Merchants Bank for taking a chance on me when they hired me as president 19 years ago. I have been blessed to serve with an amazing staff. Every day, they come to work and selflessly provide great service for our customers and our community,” Whaley said. “I will retain the title of CEO and Chairman during this transition as we look to our future, I know Donald will be a great leader for our bank and help us continue to grow and serve our community. Donald has been instrumental in helping grow our bank and leading our lending operation. He understands that in this position, the main responsibility is to serve others rather than being served, which he has already demonstrated with his lending team.”
Blume has been in the banking industry for 28 years and held the title of Executive Vice President of The Farmers and Merchants Bank and bank director of The Farmers and Merchants Bancorp since 2017. His responsibilities have included oversight of consumer and business loan growth, loan portfolio management, and being involved in digital strategy. He joined the bank in 2017 as the Chief Lending Officer and has served on the bank leadership team, ALCO and Trust committees and served in a variety of marketing and strategic planning roles.
Blume has been involved in the Greater Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Purdue University Daniels School of Business Mentor, Calvary Church leadership teams, Junior Achievement Instructor, Greater Lafayette Recreational Soccer Alliance coach, and Boy Scout of America Cub Scout leader.
Blume earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University. He has also held Series 7, 66 and life and health licenses and as well as an Indiana Real Estate Brokers license.