Luke Brandon, President/CEO of Merchants & Farmers Bank, announces Lea Ann Purtiman has been promoted to Vice President/BSA-Deposit Compliance Officer/Audit Manager.

“Lea Ann’s proven leadership and experience will be invaluable as she steps into this new role at the bank. We are excited to see the continued positive impact she will bring to our team and risk management practices,” states Brandon.

Purtiman began her career at the bank in January 2000, as a Data Processor, and has since worked as an Operations Floater, Investment/Loan Secretary, Assistant Cashier, Security Officer, and BSA Officer.

Purtiman will now oversee the bank’s deposit compliance policy and procedures for regulatory accuracy, while administering the bank’s BSA/AML program to monitor and prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and financial fraud. As audit manager, schedule and oversee internal and outsourced audits and banking exams, being a liaison between the bank, auditor and federal and state examiners, and present audit and exam reports to the bank’s audit committee and board of directors.

Lea Ann is an ICBA Certified BSA/AML Professional, a Sheshunoff Certified Security Officer, and has over 20 years of LBA, ABA, and ICBA bank training. She resides in Hicks with husband, Jim. They have two daughters, Nicole and Jennifer, and four grandchildren: Evan, Ian, Emmitt, and Keeley.

“I love working for a community bank that has all the products and security features you would expect of a large bank with employees that really care about their customers,” states Purtiman.

In operations since 1928, Merchants & Farmers Bank is an independent community bank headquartered in Leesville, Louisiana, with nine full-service locations in seven cities. Among the first of Louisiana banks to establish online banking, MFB offers a variety of products and services. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.