Christine Walker-Bowman Steers Farmers and Merchants Trust Company Towards Modernization and Growth

Farmers and Merchants Trust Company Welcomes New Leadership

In an exciting new chapter for Farmers and Merchants Trust Company (FMTC), the organization announces Christine Walker-Bowman as its Chief Operating Officer. With deep roots in the company as a fifth-generation member of the Walker family, Christine brings two decades of experience to this pivotal role.

A Legacy of Leadership

Christine Walker-Bowman steps into her position following the tenure of Kevin Tiber, who is now focusing on his new role as president of Farmers Merchants Bank. Tiber will remain involved as an executive officer at FMTC, providing guidance to legacy clients. With a commitment to service and innovation, Christine will work to strengthen FMTC's digital infrastructure, expand its clientele, and enhance interactions with existing clients.

“Farmers and Merchants Trust Company has built a legacy of trust and excellence for over a century,” stated Christine. “I feel honored to assume this role. Together with our dedicated executive team and experienced management, we will continue our tradition of unparalleled service while modernizing our outreach to attract new clients and talent.”

Focus on Growth and Community Engagement

Christine's appointment signifies a renewed emphasis on visibility and engagement within the community that FMTC serves. The trust company has continuously operated since its founding in 1920, specializing in trust management and investment services tailored to families, businesses, and non-profits.

As Christine leads these efforts, her goal is clear: to keep FMTC’s values at its core while embracing modern methodologies. “With my seasoned team, we aim to deepen our community presence and maintain the financial well-being of the legacies entrusted to us,” she emphasized.

An Experienced Executive Team

FMTC's strength is bolstered by its long-standing management team, which includes Sean Miller, Jeff Hahn, Matthew Kimmel, and Jay Ferrara. Their collective experience brings reliability and dedication, ensuring that clients receive exceptional service whether for complex real estate transactions or family estate management.

The company is also expanding its workforce, recently welcoming Tory Milazzo as Senior Vice President and Regional Manager in the Santa Barbara offices. This growth in staff not only increases capacity but also enhances the collective expertise available to clients.

Commitment to Traditional Values

Daniel K. Walker, Chairman and President of FMTC, expressed pride in Christine’s appointment, emphasizing the enduring Walker legacy within financial services. “Christine’s leadership illustrates our commitment to the community and the families we serve. Her honest vision aligns perfectly with our core values of service and integrity.”

This transition marks an exhilarating new era for FMTC as it balances a rich history of personal service with the necessary adaptations for a digital future. FMTC focuses on building lasting relationships with clients, ensuring every individual and family receives personalized attention in managing their financial futures.

As they embark on this journey, FMTC remains dedicated to its foundational principles: protecting clients' financial legacies with trust and excellence. For more information on their services, visit fmtrust.com.

Farmers and Merchants Trust Company looks forward to contributing to community growth and applicable innovations while staying rooted in a legacy built over the past century.