Berne, Ind. — First Bank of Berne is proud to announce that Joe McFarren has joined its team as the new Human Resources Manager. Joe brings over 20 years of HR leadership experience to his role, as well as team-building insights and knowledge gained from his lifelong military career. He holds a B.S. in Journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, IN, and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Business Administration and Management there, with graduation expected in summer 2026. He also served in the Indiana Army National Guard and the United States Army and is a graduate of the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence and Sergeants Major Academy.
"As we continue to grow, it’s important to have great people strategies in place to ensure our close-knit culture remains customer-driven and community-focused. Joe’s deep commitment to developing people and to fostering a positive and productive work environment is certain to play an invaluable part in our future success," said Kent Liechty, President and CEO of First Bank of Berne.
In his role as the HR Manager, Joe will ensure First Bank of Berne continues to attract and hire new talent, whose skills align with the bank’s organizational goals. He will also manage employee relations and oversee performance and compliance programs. “From workplace planning to training and development, HR is a career that offers endless opportunities to enhance the performance of both people and the organization through small changes that lead to great results,” says Joe.
Joe chose to make First Bank of Berne his first civilian job, after retiring from the military, because he admires its family-friendly and community-centric culture. “The work we do at First Bank of Berne makes an impact on where I live and where my family is growing up. It’s an honor to be part of an organization that's so committed to the growth and prosperity of the people and businesses in our area,” says Joe.
Joe is active in the local community and serves on the board of several area organizations including the Wells County Public Library, the Wells County 4H Association, and Bluffton NOW. He is also a member of Markle First Church of Christ, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, and the Adjutant General's Corps Regimental Affiliation. In his leisure time, Joe likes attending local cross country, track, FFA, and 4H activities with his wife, Heather, and daughters Sydney, Sarah, and Anna.
Joe maintains that the bank’s reputation for being trustworthy makes it a wonderful place to work. “First Bank of Berne is loaded with highly skilled and experienced people, who are great at their jobs and at bringing to fruition the bank’s vision of making banking easy for everyone,” says Joe.
First Bank of Berne is proud to welcome Joe McFarren to the team and looks forward to the many contributions he will make to the bank’s people and culture, as well as the community.