Bank Strategy: Community Banks vs. National Banks

Guest: Andy Baker, Chief Strategy Officer for F&M Bank

Podcast Show Notes:

Our This Month In Banking (TMIB) podcast features discussion with colleagues and other industry thought leaders on interesting banking topics. TMIB is available on the last Wednesday of every month here, and on Apple and Android podcast apps for your listening enjoyment. Join us on your commute, at your desk, or at home.

Topic: Bank Strategy: Community Banks vs. National Banks

On this episode of This Month in Banking, we delve into the strategic differences between massive financial institutions and agile community banks by speaking with Andy Baker, Chief Strategy Officer for F&M Bank. Drawing on his nearly 30-year career, which includes senior leadership roles at a national giant before moving to F&M, Andrew offers a rare “inside-out” perspective on what drives banking strategy. We explore how scale dictates strategic planning, from timelines and talent acquisition to digital investment priorities, while dissecting where the genuine competitive advantage lies for both models, discussing critical areas like how F&M strategically chooses technology partners to compete with larger institutions, the essential strategies for localizing customer relationships, and Andy’s predictions on the biggest trend that will disrupt community bank planning in the next five years.

Biography

Andrew Baker joined F&M in 2022 serving as Regional President of Northern Indiana. In 2025, Mr. Baker was named F&M Bank’s Chief Strategy Officer to drive our strategic plan and chair a committee to drive strategic initiatives, projects, products and services. He remains responsible for F&M’s Northern Indiana region ranging from Fort Wayne, Indiana to the Michigan border.

In his newest role, Mr. Baker is responsible for leading all aspects of F&M’s community-based retail banking operations, including the company’s branch network, mortgage line of business and private banking.

Mr. Baker brings nearly 30 years of banking experience, most recently as Executive Vice President and the Market Manager for PNC. Throughout his career, he has excelled in several leadership roles along with being recognized for his ability to build and strengthen teams.

Mr. Baker has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Indiana University and a Master of Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University.

Andy and his wife live in the Fort Wayne area.

Relevant Links:

This podcast episode relates to The Kafafian Group’s Strategic Management service. 

Watch for episode 121 of This Month in Banking to be released on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

Thank you for listening!