Farm Bureau Bank adds Jake Kennedy to commercial real estate team

Farm Bureau Bank named Jake Kennedy as Commercial Real Estate Market Executive on Oct. 2, 2026, adding a banker with experience on both the lender and developer sides of commercial real estate. The hire is aimed at supporting CRE lending, relationship development and growth across the bank’s small and rural market footprint.

Why it matters: - Farm Bureau Bank is adding CRE expertise as commercial real estate lending remains tied to job creation, new business activity and local tax growth. - The hire strengthens the bank’s ability to offer relationship-based financing in the small and rural communities it serves.

What happened: - Farm Bureau Bank announced Jake Kennedy as Commercial Real Estate Market Executive on Oct. 2, 2026. - Kennedy joins the Commercial Banking Team and will focus on commercial real estate lending and relationship development. - The bank said Kennedy will help customers secure financing that supports business growth, community investment and long-term economic development.

The details: - Kennedy is originally from Shelby, North Carolina. - He earned a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Indiana University Kelley School of Business. - He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University. - Before joining Farm Bureau Bank, Kennedy worked as a regional CRE developer. - In that role, he led equity capital raising for commercial real estate development projects, structured debt financing solutions and managed relationships with institutional and high-net-worth investors. - Kennedy has worked on both the lender and developer sides of commercial real estate. - Farm Bureau Bank said that background supports its delivery of specialized real estate expertise and customized financial solutions.

Between the lines: - Eric O'Toole, Chief Commercial and Credit Officer, said commercial real estate lending is about helping communities grow and thrive. - O'Toole said successful developments can create jobs, attract new businesses, expand local tax bases and support market vitality. - Kennedy said he is excited to join Farm Bureau Bank and build relationships that help customers reach business and development goals. - The hire fits the bank’s broader pitch of “Not just branches. Roots.” and its focus on long-term relationships.

What's next: - Kennedy will begin supporting commercial real estate clients across Farm Bureau Bank’s footprint. - The bank will continue promoting lending and treasury services for individuals, families and businesses in small and rural communities. - More information about Farm Bureau Bank is available at the bank’s website. - Farm Bureau Bank also maintains a LinkedIn page and a Facebook page.

The bottom line: - Farm Bureau Bank is betting that Kennedy’s mix of banking, capital markets and development experience will deepen its CRE relationships and support growth in the communities it serves.