William "Sammy" Stuard
William "Sammy" Stuard Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 22, 1954 Adams, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, business executive |
| Known for | CEO and President of F&M Bank; former Chairman of Tennessee Bankers Association |
William "Sammy" Stuard Jr. serves as the Chief Executive Officer and President of F&M Bank, which is based in Clarksville, Tennessee and manages assets surpassing $1.2 billion. He previously held the position of Chairman at the Tennessee Bankers Association and was honored with the Wendell H Gilbert Award by Austin Peay State University in 2020. In 2007, American Banker Magazine recognized him as "Community Banker of the Year." Stuard is a board member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, participates on the Clarksville Regional Airport Authority, and contributes to the ASPIRE Foundation. His civic involvement includes serving as a Montgomery County Commissioner and chairing both the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council.
Early life and family
Stuard was born on November 22, 1954, in Adams, Tennessee and spent his formative years in Florida and Guthrie, Kentucky. Prior to entering the banking industry, he gained experience working as a butcher and in real estate. His academic background includes studies at Austin Peay State University, Vanderbilt University, and Louisiana State University's banking school. He currently resides in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Banking career
His banking journey started at Northern Bank, which was Tennessee’s oldest bank at that time, before moving to Farmers and Merchants Bank. Progressing to the role of President and CEO, Stuard spearheaded notable asset growth along with geographic expansion throughout Middle Tennessee, including market penetration into the Nashville metropolitan area. Under his guidance, F&M Bank earned recognition from TN Biz Magazine as one of Tennessee’s top 100 fastest-growing companies. His approach to community banking drew national attention during the financial crisis of 2007–2008.
In 2007, American Banker honored Stuard with its Banker of the Year award for his innovative efforts in customer engagement and public relations. The following year, he was appointed Chairman of the Tennessee Bankers Association. In 2010, Governor Phil Bredesen named him to the Tennessee Student Assistance Corp Board. Currently, Stuard holds several leadership positions including Director at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (TN), Chairman of the ASPIRE Foundation which supports industrial recruitment in Clarksville, Director of Two Rivers Company, Chairman of the Clarksville Regional Airport Authority, and member of Austin Peay State University’s President's Circle of Advisors.
Government and community service
Stuard’s public service record includes multiple influential roles within state and local government. From 1994 to 2002, he served as County Commissioner representing District 3 in Montgomery County. He later assumed the presidency of the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce and was appointed Chairman of the North Tennessee Workforce Board. Additionally, he led as Chairman of the Clarksville-Montgomery County Industrial Development Board of Directors. As a director and former chairman of the Downtown District Partnership, Stuard played a crucial role in revitalizing downtown Clarksville following the devastating tornado on January 22, 1999. Presently, he directs the Economic Development Council for Clarksville/Montgomery County, championing major projects that have significantly bolstered regional economic progress.