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VP Commercial/Ag Lender | First Farmers Bank and Trust
Age: 28
Hometown: Greentown
Education: bachelor’s in sport management, Taylor University
Family: wife, Ashlynn; newborn son, Fletcher; mini-bernedoodle, Hank
Years with organization: 6
First job: taking inventory photos and managing social media for Sound of Music, a music shop in Kokomo.
Community involvement: Downing serves as co-chair of the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance Chamber Council. He also is a committee member for the city of Kokomo’s Revolving Loan Fund and a member of 100+ People Who Care Howard County and has been an IHSAA-certified baseball umpire the past three seasons.
Something surprising: On weekends, he and his wife, Ashlynn, have a small business taking wedding photos.
In 10 years … : “I love Howard County and the people at First Farmers, and I don’t see myself leaving either. I plan to keep serving in whatever role best fits the bank’s needs.”
Downtime: The Downings are big baseball fans. There’s almost always a game on TV at their house, and they’re working toward visiting all 30 MLB stadiums (11 down).
Coffee order: pistachio latte from Coat Check
As a commercial lender, Alec Downing partners with new and existing customers to support their banking needs. On the lending side, he’s involved in everything from multimillion-dollar real estate deals to equipment financing and lines of credit. “I take pride in being my customers’ main point of contact, liaising between departments to ensure we find the best path forward for everyone involved,” he said. Downing started at First Farmers’ headquarters in Converse, learning the ropes of credit and lending. During COVID, he helped roll out the bank’s Paycheck Protection Program—“a crash course in adaptability and service.” In 2021, he moved to Kokomo, working at the bank’s two largest branches. Downing said he is especially proud to have been part of helping the Kokomo Rescue Mission expand its men’s shelter and add a community engagement center. “Supporting organizations that make a real impact in our community is incredibly meaningful to me,” he said.•
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