New Bank President Named in Luverne

First Farmers & Merchants National Bank has named Ethan Bates as the new President for their branch in Luverne. Ethan is originally from Arizona, but migrated his way north in 2007 to Minnesota. He has an extensive banking and finance background and is very familiar with the Ag industry. He has also worked as a real estate agent along the way and is very knowledgeable in affordable housing and also community and economic development. 

Something impressive about Ethan, is that he spent several years working with and helping Hmong immigrants and refugees, as well as many other immigrants and refugees from various parts of the world, resettle in Minnesota. He speaks fluent Hmong and Spanish! In his time outside of the bank, he enjoys spending time with his wife and five children, helping out in the community and also watching and playing sports.

Ethan is succeeding long-time President, Michael Engesser who retired at the end of 2016.