Mattoon, IL (November 19, 2025) First Mid Bancshares, Inc. has appointed Alex J. Melvin to its Board of Directors, effective November 18, 2025. He will also serve on the board of directors of First Mid Bank & Trust, which is a subsidiary of the company.
Melvin currently serves as the Owner and Chairman of Rural King Farm & Home Store and Rural King Real Estate. As the head of Rural King, a third-generation, family-owned enterprise founded in 1960, Melvin oversees a rapidly expanding organization with 149 stores across 17 states, employing more than 9,000 associates and managing approximately 20 million square feet of property. Under his leadership, Rural King has surpassed $2.5 billion in annual revenue and continues to expand its footprint by 10 percent each year.
“Bringing nearly two decades of leadership experience in retail operations, strategic growth, and real estate management, Alex’s deep understanding of business operations, entrepreneurship, and community investment will be a valuable asset to our Board,” said Joe Dively, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at First Mid. “His experience in guiding a complex, multi-state enterprise reflects the same dedication that drives our ongoing efforts toward sustainable growth and long-term success.”
Melvin began his career at Rural King as a Store Manager in Mattoon, IL, progressing through leadership roles including Vice President and Chief Executive Officer before being named Owner and Chairman in 2023. His career is a testament to operational excellence and maintaining the core values that have defined Rural King’s success for more than six decades.
This appointment continues a long-standing relationship between the Melvin family and First Mid. His father, Gary Melvin, served on the Board of Directors for more than 30 years, offering valuable guidance and leadership until his retirement in 2020 upon reaching the board’s required retirement age.
A graduate of Monmouth College with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, Melvin is also active in his community. He serves on the Board of Directors for Arthur Christian School and the RK Foundation for Rural America, further demonstrating his dedication to fostering growth and opportunity within rural communities.
“I am honored to join the First Mid Board of Directors,” said Melvin. “First Mid’s strong regional presence and focus on community and customer relationships mirror the values that have guided Rural King for generations. I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued growth and success.”
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About First Mid Bancshares, Inc.: First Mid Bancshares, Inc. is the parent company of First Mid Bank & Trust, N.A., First Mid Insurance Group, and First Mid Wealth Management Company. First Mid is a $7.8 billion community-focused organization that provides financial services including banking, insurance, wealth management, brokerage, and ag services through a network of locations in Illinois, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin, and a loan production office in Indiana. Together, our First Mid team takes great pride in providing solutions and services to our customers and communities and has done so since 1865. This year, we proudly celebrate our 160th anniversary, marking a long history of dedication and service. More information about the Company is available on our website at www.firstmid.com. Our stock is traded in The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the ticker symbol “FMBH”. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender.
Investments and Insurance Products: Not a Deposit | Not Guaranteed by the Bank or its Affiliates | Not FDIC Insured | Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency | May Go Down in Value.