Jerry Gaffner Appointed to FNB Boards

September 25, 2025

Jerry Gaffner, a Greenville, IL grain farmer and businessman, has been appointed to the boards of directors of The FNB Community Bank (FNB) and the First Vandalia Corp., effective September 10, 2025.

Gaffner "was an easy choice to become the newest director of the bank’s boards," commented Ann M. Schwarm, board chairman, noting Gaffner's extensive history of service, leadership and innovation. Dave Lidy, an FNB director for over eight years, concurred. "I've known Jerry for almost 30 years. His business experience and leadership skills will benefit the bank and its customers. He is known for his integrity and his strong commitment to his faith, family and the community." Steve Henna, FNB President/CEO added, "Jerry's eagerness to serve our local communities along with his varied business experiences, leadership roles and farming background, make him the perfect compliment to our already accomplished board of directors."

A Bond County native, Gaffner graduated from Greenville High School in 1984 and the University of Illinois with a BS degree in agriculture economics in 1988. While at the U of I, he received an introduction to banking when he worked at Busey Bank in the commercial lending department verifying collateral. Upon graduation, Gaffner moved to St. Louis where he was employed as an account manager by the specialized data processing / management entity, Auditec Company, where he had the opportunity to hone his technology and management skills.

Gaffner's return to rural Greenville and to the family farm came in 1993, "coming home" he said, "to help sustain and grow the family farm legacy." For the next 15 years, Gaffner, the University of Illinois ag econ graduate who also earned both the Illinois FFA Dairy Proficiency Award and the FFA State Farmer Degree, guided the family farming enterprise, Gaf-Fine Farms, Inc., as it invested heavily in high value Holstein cattle genetics. During that time, Gaf-Fine Farms sold embryos, bulls and Holstein cows all over the world. In 2008, the herd was dispersed and the proceeds invested in the expansion of his current grain enterprise. An early adopter of technology, Gaffner's precision agriculture practices have allowed the farm to lower the amounts of fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides used, thus lowering costs while at the same time increasing yields. Solar panels, another cost-savings measure, were installed on the farm in 2016.

Gaffner's investment in the area goes beyond agriculture. Along with his wife, Sherri, they own the Scooter's Coffee franchise in Greenville. Purchased in 2022, they have steadily grown the business and as a result the Greenville Scooters earned the distinction of being a "Million Dollar Store" in 2024.

A recognized leader, Gaffner serves in a variety of positions with local and regional organizations. Currently the president of the board of directors for Southwestern Electric Cooperative, Inc., he was first elected to the board in 2018. He is the past president of the board of directors of HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville and continues to serve on the board of directors of HSHS Medical Group in Springfield. A consultant to his alma maters, Gaffner served the University of Illinois Animal Science Department as it looked at research projects with the potential for commercial development and the Bond County Unit #2 Schools as it developed its strategic plan. He is also a longtime member and Sunday school teacher at the First Christian Church of Greenville.

While Gaffner spent a decade away from the area pursuing his education and establishing a technology career, he is home to stay, commenting "I am deeply committed to the growth and financial well-being of our local communities. I am honored to be invited to serve on the board of directors of FNB. I look forward to working alongside this dedicated team and am eager to bring my experience, energy and perspective to help shape a strong future."

FNB director Janice Romack, said "Jerry is a perfect match for our community bank board with his steadfast commitment to Bond County through family roots, history of community service and investments in farming and retail in Greenville. FNB is deeply invested in Bond County with our staff, locations and unwavering commitment to our customers. I am excited to welcome Jerry, a fellow Bond County resident, to the FNB Board of Directors."

Married for 33 years, the Gaffners are parents to five children and grandparents to two. "We are delighted to welcome Jerry and Sherri to the FNB family," said Ann M. Schwarm, Board Chair. "We look forward to many years working together as we serve the needs of 'farms, neighborhoods and businesses.'"

Chartered in 1865, The FNB Community Bank is the sixth oldest bank in Illinois. In June 2019, the bank converted to a state charter and changed its name from the First National Bank to The FNB Community Bank. Along with its main office on Gallatin Street and the Banker Blvd. Brank in Vandalia, FNB has locations in Greenville, Ramsey, Patoka and Mulberry Grove. More information regarding locations and services can be found at www.thefnb.com.