Executive on the Move-Amy McElhenney

Who is the most influential person in your personal life and why?

My husband is the most influential person in my life. He holds me accountable in things that make me a better person and helps me to be stronger in life decisions.

What is your definition of success?

Success to me is being a wife, mother, and Vice President of Farmers & Merchants Bank. Its not easy to juggle your life and full time employment, but all of these things including my job is my family and my life.

Essential business philosophy:

There are always multiple sides to every situation. Hear them all out before jumping on the bandwagon.

Amy McElhenney has been working for Farmers & Merchants Bank for over 23 years at a variety of different positions. As the current Vice President and Human Resources Director, she is able to have the most hands-on experience possible working at one of the most prominent local banks in the City of Eatonton. When she’s not working full-time at Farmers & Merchants she takes part in a variety of different local boards and committees in the Eatonton community.

“I’m involved with a lot of boards in the community right now, I do have time that's spent more and more outside the doors of the bank, and I see those as opportunities to meet great people but to provide opportunities for the bank and others,” McElhenney said.

After earning a degree in sociology from Georgia College, McElhenney worked as a financial aid officer and in the field of secondary market lending before she moved to the city of Eatonton to start her eventual career path. Being part of a community bank has not only allowed her to grow with a company over a long period of time, but it has also given her a direct connection to the people of the city on a more personal level.

“Working for a community bank, we truly care and our employees care about others and we build those connections with some heartstrings attached to that,” McElhenney said. “We feel if something’s going on in the community or one of our customers, we all feel it and it's a part of life experiences that we share in.”

Having that direct connection has also allowed her to divide her time between Farmers & Merchants, Leadership Putnam, Kiwanis Club, and EPTAHP. Above all else, McElhenney wants to help the business she works with thrive by being a part of the daily lives of everyone in the community and being a reliable source for guidance and support.

“Lots of conversations are had, I like to talk. I get the opportunity to do that every day and I’ve always had an open door policy so employees know that if they need something they can always come to me and I make time,” McElhenney said.

Favorite quote?

“You’re not here to be average, You’re here to be awesome! (Unknown)

What was your first job?

Treasury Drug Store in Milledgeville

Looking back, what is the best piece of advice you would give to your 25 year old self?

Success is not in what you do, but how you do it.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I worked at a car rental business right out of college.

If you were stranded on an island, what three things would you have to have with you?

My dog, Bo, food, and water. My family would come rescue us, so that is why they wouldn’t be there! LOL!

What is your life motto?

Always trust God.

How do you keep a competitive edge?

Friendly, but sometimes, heated debates with Co-Workers and my husband. It keeps me on my toes.

What would be your first choice for a new career?

I absolutely love my job and wouldn’t want to do anything else. If I had to pick something though, I would somehow take care of dogs and cats and find them healthy homes.

Why did you choose the career you are in?

Honestly, God chose it for me. He lead me on the path that put me right where I am without my knowing it. Today, I clearly see it, but as the journey began I wasn’t as aware of his plan.