Nicole Roades named to MNB Board of Directors

Merchants National Bank (MNB) has announced that Dr. Nicole Roades, of Hillsboro, has joined the bank’s board of directors. 

She assumes the bank’s director role and joins the existing members in supporting the bank’s strategic direction, financial health, and community engagement efforts.

“Nicole’s extensive qualifications, combined with her deep community involvement, align perfectly with the values of Merchants National Bank. We are excited to see the significant contributions she will bring to our mission as a REAL Community Bank,” said Paul W. Pence, Jr., Chairman and CEO.

“I am beyond honored to join the current leaders of the Merchants National Bank Board of Directors,” shared Dr. Roades. “The growth and success of this institution reflects our community, and I am proud to join the other directors who care so deeply about this. I look forward to working alongside the MNB team to promote the community’s financial well-being and ensure outstanding service for years to come.”

Dr. Roades is the president of Southern State Community College, having been appointed in July 2022. This year marks her 26th year in higher education. Although Dr. Roades has spent most of her professional life in the education field, she worked for a finance company during college and spent several years in banking before transitioning to higher education. A common thread throughout her life has been a passion for supporting and empowering rural areas to remain competitive in a changing world. This includes investing time and energy in building networks and a workforce essential to economic sustainability while preserving the charm and essence of the unique communities in which people choose to live, work and play.

Dr. Roades reflected, “I have been blessed with an unusual blend of familial exposure to banking and education. My mom always worked in banking, and my dad spent his life helping align financial aid programs to support young people pursuing higher education. As a kid, I recall thinking it was pretty cool that my mom worked in downtown Cincinnati at the Federal Reserve Bank during the day and retreated to the country every evening. 

"Later in life, I recognize the irony of my dad’s unique path, starting in banking and ending in student financial aid. I guess I’ve grown to realize that whether rural or urban, education or banking, it all boils down to the people and how much they care for their community. I believe this is why I am eager to support a community bank like Merchants National Bank in bridging hard-working people with financial health and well-being.”

Throughout her life, Dr. Roades has devoted her professional life to advancing the mission of providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education to the communities across southern Ohio. She has developed an impressive background in developing strategies to advance the College’s vision and has become skilled at leading organizational change. She has a professional style grounded in interpersonal communications and has demonstrated success in people and project management. Dr. Roades has built and continues to grow a strong local network through her personal and professional affiliations.

In addition to her substantive executive and academic experience, Dr. Roades is an active member of the southern Ohio community, serving on various boards and contributing to areas aligned with her passion for helping others. She has participated in many local planning committees, lending her professional expertise, and has held leadership roles in others. Dr. Roades has an accomplished educational background and an impressive summary of professional affiliations. However, she says, “My true blessings rest in my family, including Brad Roades and our kids, Jack and Katy Jo.” Dr. Roades and her family reside in Hillsboro.

About Merchants National Bank

Established in 1879, MNB is an independent institution built upon a foundation of financial strength and customer service to be a Real Community Bank.

MNB employees specialize in providing exceptional service on a personal level. The bank is large enough to provide financial products at competitive prices, yet small enough to know its customers. MNB offers real estate, construction, agricultural, bridge, commercial and installment loans, all designed to meet dynamic customer needs. MNB has 17 convenient local offices in Athens, Hillsboro, Greenfield, Washington Court House, London, Mt. Orab, Springfield, Batavia, Georgetown, Marysville, Wilmington, and Logan. Supported by ATMs at 15 locations, each office is individually and locally managed.