T. Randy Stevens will retire from his post as chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Farmers and Merchants Bank after serving the Columbia-based bank and community for almost 50 years.

"Banking is not just sitting behind a desk, it's about the people and building relationships," Stevens said as he reflected on his career.

A job that was only supposed to last a year, long enough to save money for graduate school, turned into a five decade career in Stevens' hometown of Columbia.

As a 21-year-old in his formative years, Stevens said the mentoring he received from then First Farmers chairman and CEO Virgil Moore, made him feel so much "like family" that he decided to stay instead of pursuing a Master's of Business Administration in hospital administration through a scholarship from the University of Alabama. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 1972 with a degree in psychology.

"One year in banking turned into 49 years," Stevens said.

He immersed himself in the world of banking with the support of his mentors, absorbing all of the education he could, attending banking schools at Vanderbilt University and Louisiana State University.

Stevens watched the bank grow from a few branches in Columbia to 22 locations today across Maury, Williamson, Lawrence and Davidson counties.

One of the most memorable times in Stevens' career dates back to 1985 when the bank purchased a building in Lawrence County.

"That was the first major step in our bank expanding," Stevens said.

Stevens will formally leave the post on Jan. 1, according to an announcement shared by the bank on Wednesday. He will continue as chairman of the board and CEO of First Farmers and Merchants Corporation.

Brian K. Williams, the bank’s president, will succeed Stevens as Chairman and CEO of the bank.

Stevens’ achievements extend beyond his successful leadership at First Farmers to the greater community.

He believes the bank has gained recognition because of its relationship and service to the community.

"It's been a tradition since 1909 for the bank and its employees to serve the community. It's a culture for this bank," he said. "Our employees enjoy serving and giving to the community. I began serving my first year with the bank and have continued ever since."

The Tennessee Bankers Association named him a Leader in Banking Excellence in 2008, highlighting his outstanding banking career, his service to the community and his civic involvement.

Stevens is associated with a wide range of established organizations

He has served on the boards of the Columbia State Foundation, Columbia Rotary Club, the Boys & Girls Club of Maury County, Maury Alliance, Leadership Maury, Maury County Red Cross, the Middle Tennessee Council and the Duck River District of the Boy Scouts of America, and Maury County Mental Health Association. Stevens founded the Youth Educational Foundation along with a board of community and business leaders.

Stevens has also been recognized for his leadership and contributions across Middle Tennessee.

He was bestowed with the Columbia State Community College President’s Award of Honor for Distinguished Alumni, the Jaycee Distinguished Service Award, the Boy Scouts of America Long Rifle Award and Silver Beaver Award, the Boys & Girls Club of America National Service to Youth Award, the Rotary Club of Columbia Service Award, and the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow Award.

First Farmers & Merchants Bank, a community bank serving the Middle Tennessee area through 22 offices in seven Middle Tennessee counties. As of September 30, 2021, First Farmers reported total assets of approximately $1.9 billion, total shareholders’ equity of approximately $162 million, and administered trust assets of $6.2 billion.

“I have spent my entire career at First Farmers, and I am grateful to Virgil Moore, First Farmers’ Chairman and CEO in 1973 when I was hired, for the opportunity he gave me to join the bank,” Stevens said.

“I have been very fortunate to have my wife, family and countless friends who have promoted and encouraged me during my banking career. I will always remember the friendships that I have had with the employees and officers of the bank, and I want to thank them for their loyalty and support. I have also been blessed to work with the best bank Board of Directors. I have learned from their outstanding leadership skills and wisdom and want to thank them for their loyalty to me and the bank in serving our stockholders. I am gratified by our bank’s stature in Middle Tennessee as we continue our 112-year tradition of serving our customers and communities."

Stevens said the bank has a bright future and strong legacy to uphold.

"I am confident that we have a strong management team and believe they will continue to build long-term shareholder value as we have for over a century,” Stevens said.

“I have worked closely with Brian for the past 28 years at First Farmers. He has served in key lending, credit and trust officer positions and as the Bank’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer prior to his promotion as the Bank’s President in 2016. I am confident in Brian’s vision for the Bank and that he will continue the long tradition of serving our customers and community in his expanded leadership roles."

Williams said he's humbled to follow in the footsteps of Stevens.

“He started as a management trainee and has served in virtually every leadership role at the Bank,” Williams said in a press release.

“He was appointed CEO of the Bank and the Company in 2002 serving in that role for approximately 20 years of First Farmers’ 112-year history. The bank had $888 million in assets when Randy was promoted to CEO. Since that time, First Farmers’ assets have passed the $1.9 billion mark and $6.2 billion in administered trust assets. Under his leadership, First Farmers expanded into Williamson and Davidson Counties and opened nine new offices. Randy has championed the bank’s focus on safety and soundness and leaves First Farmers as a much stronger institution.”

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: T. Randy Stevens retires from top post at First Farmers