Our Personal Lenders

In his work as a consumer lender, Jeremy prides himself on being able to give his customers excellent service in record time.  Whether they need a new vehicle, a boat, or just a line of credit – he provides the guidance and professional help that customers appreciate.  His background as a coach helped him learn to deal with different types of people and wear many hats, so he naturally can adapt to whatever the person or situation brings to the table.

When asked what he enjoys most about working with clients he said he enjoys earning their trust and helping them get access to needed financing.   He loves working for a bank that he says “has been a leader in this community for as long as I can remember” and loves being part of a team that has a strong bond and works together well.

Jeremy is a huge sports fan and follows the New Orleans Saints, Houston Astros, and everything Razorback related.  He and his wife, Lacey, have been married for 8 years and have a 6-year old son and 6-month old daughter.  He loves to play golf and is an active member of Wyatt Baptist Church where he teaches Sunday School and leads a Sunday evening Connections group.  When asked what three words people would use to describe him, Jeremy said “passionate, determined, and organized”.

After more than two decades in banking at our Mena, AR location, Darbi Scheppmann is well-versed in the details of lending and provides customers with the best loan product for their needs.  As Vice-President and Loan Officer for FFB, she evaluates and authorizes the approval of commercial, consumer and real estate loans.  She works closely with the loan operations and loan servicing departments to ensure that we service the loan (and the customer) effectively from beginning to end.

Darbi enjoys working with her FFB family in Mena and describes her co-workers as compassionate, respectful, and understanding.  “They are there for you whether it is work related or personal.  We are definitely like family here”, she concluded.  One of her main goals is to be sure every customer has a good understanding of the loan products available to them.  “No question is too big or too small”, she said.  “We want them to leave knowing that they understand the financial products and services we are offering them and how it meets their needs”.

She and her husband of 26 years reside in Cove, AR, where they enjoy spending time with family and with each other.  When not at work, their favorite pastime is spoiling their precious granddaughter, Katie.  They enjoy taking beach vacations and she loves to read in her spare time.  When asked what three words others would use to describe her, she said “friendly, dependable, and professional”.

As a Concierge Banker in Senatobia, Mississippi, Jo Evelyn Herron helps customers with all types of loan and deposit needs.  She is committed to making the process as easy for customers as possible, her customers LOVE her, and we’re pretty fond of her, too.  The recipient of many “thank yous” from customers, one of her recent customer notes said “Thank you is just not enough.  The world would be a better place with more people like you.”  If you talk to her just once – you’ll agree.

What Jo Evelyn likes most about her FFB team is the ‘family-type’ atmosphere and their unified focus on doing what’s best for their customers.  “I love being able to help customers achieve their goals and the relationships we create in the process are truly rewarding”, she stated.  She’s been involved in banking since 1986 and joined FFB in 2011, serving as a Teller, Sr. Customer Service Rep, and Assistant Manager.  In her current role, she helps with consumer/commercial/mortgage lending, CDs, IRAs, and checking/savings accounts.  If you have banking questions – she has answers!

Outside of work, Jo Evelyn enjoys cooking and travel.  She has two sons and one daughter, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and loves spending time with her family.  A member of East Antioch Baptist Church, she enjoys singing in the choir, helping on the kitchen committee, and leading Bible study.  When asked what three words she thinks people would use to describe her, she stated:  helpful, loving, and faithful.

Travis Overall understands that for most customers, buying a house is not only a very important decision but also a significant financial one.  He enjoys being able to help guide them through the process from beginning to end and get their financing closed as soon as possible so they can begin enjoying their new home.

Having spent his entire career in customer-focused positions, Travis is well-prepared with the tools he needs to communicate effectively and relate to his clients as a Mortgage Loan Officer.   “I love working in the community-bank atmosphere of FFB”, he said.  “We’re able to invest in our local communities while also serving borrowers’ needs on a more personal level”. 

When asked what three words others would use to describe him, he listed “honest, trustworthy, and funny (at least my wife thinks so!)”  When he’s not making his wife, Kati, laugh uncontrollably, Travis enjoys spending time with her and their two kids, Sadie and John Daniel.  They spend time following their kids’ activities and also enjoy just staying home for movie night with the family.

A lifelong resident of northeast Arkansas, Sarah Wood specializes in consumer and mortgage lending, but is also well-versed in commercial and agricultural lending in her community.  She fondly recalls her first impression of the folks at FFB:  “While I was waiting to be interviewed, I noticed employees laughing, smiling, and enjoying each other and their work.  It really made it easy to say “yes” when I received the job offer to join the FFB family”.

Her role at FFB involves working with customers to find the best product for their needs and helping them from start to finish with their loan process - taking whatever steps necessary to make it as smooth as possible.  “Being able to help someone buy a new home or business or just help them out in times of need is really satisfying”, Wood said.  She was part of a team that worked around-the-clock to help businesses in her community during the PPP loan process.  “I had one business owner that I visited with on a Friday night at dinner and they came to see me shortly after that and get the process started.  They were able to get funding via the PPP program, keep their doors open and provide jobs for their employees during the pandemic.  It felt great knowing I had a small part in helping them and helping our community”.

Sarah and her husband, Jim, have three kids who keep them very busy and on the go.  When not working, you’ll most likely find her at the softball fields, the park, or the pool.  She enjoys traveling, hosting gatherings, and is an avid sports fan.  (Roll Tide!) 

A native of Harrisburg, Pierce graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith with a degree in Operations Management. He has experience as a field appraiser for the Poinsett County Assessor’s office, utilities director for Harrisburg Water & Gas, and most recently worked as a Senior Appraisal Specialist. Nathan will report to Zachary Price in Harrisburg. “Nathan’s experience in real estate, along with many relationships in Northeast Arkansas make him a valuable addition to our bank family. We are excited to have Nathan on our team”, stated Price.

In his role as AVP/Loan Officer, Nathan will help customers meet their financial goals by providing loan solutions that are tailored to their needs. He also shares his leadership and expertise outside the workplace, serving as President of the Harrisburg Rotary Club, Vice-Chair of the Poinsett County Housing Authority, and a member of the Harrisburg Planning and Zoning Committee.

When not at work, Nathan enjoys traveling and camping in pursuit of his goal to visit all 52 Arkansas State Parks. Call or stop by today and talk with him about your financial needs.

Through his 20 years in education, John learned to connect with people. In education, parents just want the best for their children, and the same resonates with the banking industry. He’ll work to help provide clients with products and services to best serve them and their family. He chose First Financial Bank because he wanted to be a part of a company who wants to make an impact in the community. John enjoys getting time away with his wife. You’ll catch him cheering on the Crimson Tide of Alabama when he’s not at the ballfield with his three sons or watching his daughter dance.

Laura Hall has perfected customer service with her relationship banking mentality. To her, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the gratitude in people’s eyes when you are able to help them. She joined the FFB team in 2010 and has worked in various roles. In 2017, she won El Dorado News-Times Reader’s Choice award for Best Teller/Banker. When she’s not helping her clients, you’ll find her home with her husband and two dogs, exercising, or attending local events. She loves to travel and visits her family in Germany every summer and typically incorporates trips to other European countries such as France, England, and Spain. Her personal goal is to see the ocean (whichever one it may be) at least once a year!