First Farmers Bank & Trust welcomes Shelby Bowen to board of directors

First Farmers Bank & Trust has announced the appointment of Shelby Bowen to its Board of Directors. With this appointment, Bowen joins a distinguished group of 11 board members who help guide the bank’s strategic vision and long-term success.

A Marion, Ind., native and former Division I baseball player at Indiana State University, Bowen earned his law degree from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2005. He began his career at Pedcor Companies, where he played a role in the $300 million redevelopment of downtown Carmel. He later led economic development efforts for the City of Fishers and then served as Vice President at Envoy Companies.

In 2017, Bowen founded Rebar Development, an Indiana-based real estate firm focused on public-private partnerships. Under his leadership, Rebar has developed more than $397 million in projects across Indiana, securing $122 million in public incentives and $77 million in private equity.

Bowen’s connection to First Farmers extends beyond business. Following the tragic loss of his brother, SFC Collin J. Bowen, in Afghanistan in 2008, Shelby partnered with First Farmers to establish the SFC Collin J. Bowen Memorial Scholarship and the Indiana Freedom Memorial Foundation. These organizations honor Collin and seven other fallen soldiers from Grant County. This partnership reflects the deep, personal ties between Bowen and the First Farmers family.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the Board of Directors and Shareholders for this opportunity to serve the bank and its customers,” Bowen said. “I’ve had a great relationship with First Farmers Bank & Trust for nearly two decades and am excited to now be a part of their extraordinary team.”

As a board member, Bowen will help oversee business operations, guide strategic initiatives, manage risk, and support the bank’s mission of serving its customers and communities.

To learn more about First Farmers Bank & Trust, visit ffbt.com.