Merchants National Bank is beginning the new year with familiar faces in new roles on its management team. The bank is promoting two team leaders from within to new roles as the bank prepares for the retirement of president Jim Evans.

After nearly 36 years of service to Merchants National Bank, James “Jim” D. Evans, president and chief operating officer, is retiring on Jan. 31, 2023. After serving as a consultant for the bank for five years, Evans joined MNB in January 1987 as executive vice president. Throughout his distinguished tenure he has served in various leadership roles and been instrumental in growing MNB’s loan portfolio and branch network, a news release said.

To celebrate the occasion, receptions are being held at several Merchants National branches: Friday, Jan. 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Washington Court House location and Friday, Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hillsboro location. The community is invited to stop by and wish him well on his retirement.

In preparation for Evans’ retirement and to ensure a smooth transition, the board of directors has appointed Paul W. Pence, Jr. to be president of the bank and Bancorp. In addition to Pence’s duties as chairman and chief executive officer, he will assume the president’s role, which he previously held from 1981 to 2014. Pence has demonstrated exemplary service to MNB for more than 42 years. Through his guidance, extensive financial knowledge and commitment to the community, he has led MNB to be recognized as a high-performing bank.

Additionally, Denise Fauber, vice president of branch administration/director of human resources, will be promoted to chief operating officer. Fauber started her banking career 26 years ago, serving six of those years at MNB. Her demonstrated leadership and passion for community banking have been instrumental in shaping and maintaining the MNB’s community bank culture.

“Much of the bank’s success over the last three decades can be attributed to Jim and his leadership, which will be greatly missed,” said Pence. “However, the bank is well-positioned with a strong senior management team whose members live and breathe our Real Community Bank philosophy and will ensure the bank’s continued success for years to come.”

Submitted by Merchants National Bank.