Meet the Team

Todd Stephens

Agent and FMIC Board of Directors Member President

Mr. Stephens’s insurance career spans over three decades, encompassing various roles in both the captive and independent agency fields. He joined the Farmers Mutual family in 2000 and served as the Company’s General Manager until his retirement from day-to-day management duties in December 2025. Mr. Stephens was elected to the Board of Directors in January of 2025 and is currently serving as President, in addition to his role as an agent for the Company.

Angela Scott

Account Manager

Angela Scott has been a trusted part of Farmers Mutual Insurance Company for 18 years. A longtime Gravette resident, she’s known for her friendly spirit and dedication to the people she works with. Outside the office, Angela enjoys gardening and spending time with her family, especially her two granddaughters who keep life joyful and full of laughter.

Angela Scott

Account Manager

Angela Scott has been a trusted part of Farmers Mutual Insurance Company for 18 years. A longtime Gravette resident, she’s known for her friendly spirit and dedication to the people she works with. Outside the office, Angela enjoys gardening and spending time with her family, especially her two granddaughters who keep life joyful and full of laughter.

Brenda Howard

Account Manager

Brenda Howard, CISR Elite, is a dedicated Account Manager at Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. She holds the prestigious Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) Elite designation, reflecting advanced expertise and commitment to excellence in insurance services. Brenda is a native of Missouri and a graduate of Missouri Western State University with a bachelor’s in Computer Information Systems and a minor in General Business. She has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry.

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Beyond her career, Brenda loves browsing flea markets for unique finds and hidden treasures, often turning outings into fun adventures hunting for antiques, crafts, or bargains. Above all, she values quality time with her husband and family—whether sharing meals, creating memories, or simply enjoying each others company in the beautiful Northwest Arkansas surroundings.

Caroline Riggs

Senior Project Manager and FMIC Board of Directors Member

Caroline Riggs is proud to be a lifelong resident of Gentry, AR. She graduated from Gentry High School in 1973. Her career with Farmers Mutual Insurance Company began in 1978 and has continued for more than four decades. Caroline joined the Board of Directors in April 2024. Caroline’s experience at the Company provides her with a unique perspective on best practices that benefit our policyholders. Caroline believes wholeheartedly in Farmers Mutual and its ability to continue to serve our policyholders in the unique and professional way that has kept us in business since 1902.

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Outside of the office, Caroline enjoys spending time with her husband, Howard, of 52 years. They enjoy walking, fishing, camping, traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. They continue to count their blessings daily.

Caroline Riggs

Senior Project Manager and FMIC Board of Directors Member

Caroline Riggs is proud to be a lifelong resident of Gentry, AR. She graduated from Gentry High School in 1973. Her career with Farmers Mutual Insurance Company began in 1978 and has continued for more than four decades. Caroline joined the Board of Directors in April 2024. Caroline’s experience at the Company provides her with a unique perspective on best practices that benefit our policyholders. Caroline believes wholeheartedly in Farmers Mutual and its ability to continue to serve our policyholders in the unique and professional way that has kept us in business since 1902.

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Outside of the office, Caroline enjoys spending time with her husband, Howard, of 52 years. They enjoy walking, fishing, camping, traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren. They continue to count their blessings daily.

DeWayne Merritt

General Manager

DeWayne joined Farmers Mutual in 2025 and assumed the role of General Manager in 2026. DeWayne has spent more than 25 years in the insurance industry. He has served in leadership roles responsible for overseeing agency/district operations, regional sales performance and catastrophe events across the nation. He is excited to bring his industry experience to Farmers Mutual.

DeWayne and his wife, Lori, make their home in Bentonville, AR. They are adventurous spirits who share a passion for experiencing life to the fullest and finding joy in every journey. They especially love jetting off to fun destinations and singing along at their favorite concerts.

Faron Ledbetter

FMIC Board of Directors Member

Faron Ledbetter is a lifelong resident of the Wesley community in Madison County. He and his wife Ginger continue to live on and manage his family’s fourth generation beef cattle farm. He is a graduate of Huntsville High School and the University of Arkansas. He was elected to eleven terms as Madison County Clerk and served in that position from 1999-2019. He has two daughters, Kristyn, Katie and her husband Jose, and one grandson Carter Raye.

Faron Ledbetter

FMIC Board of Directors Member

Faron Ledbetter is a lifelong resident of the Wesley community in Madison County. He and his wife Ginger continue to live on and manage his family’s fourth generation beef cattle farm. He is a graduate of Huntsville High School and the University of Arkansas. He was elected to eleven terms as Madison County Clerk and served in that position from 1999-2019. He has two daughters, Kristyn, Katie and her husband Jose, and one grandson Carter Raye.

Lance Smith

Agent and FMIC Board of Directors Member

Lance Smith was appointed as an agent with Farmers Mutual Insurance Company in 1988. Just a few years later, in 1993, Lance joined the Board of Directors of Farmers Mutual. Lance has primarily served the policyholders of Crawford and Sebastian counties. Lance and his wife, Kathy, live in Mountainburg, AR. They have 3 children, Clint, Rees and Blake. Lance is a Veteran of the United States Army. Lance enjoys spending time outdoors, especially hiking as well as enjoying nature and all types of wildlife.

Paul W. Rye

Agent and FMIC Board of Directors Member

Paul W. Rye became affiliated with Farmers Mutual Insurance Company in 1983 when the Board of Directors appointed him as agent in Russellville, AR. Paul is a second- generation agent as his father, Ray Rye, was also an agent for the Company and served on the Board of Directors. Paul joined the Board of Directors in 1987 to replace his father. Paul has two daughters, Ali Rye and Shelby Rye.

Paul W. Rye

Agent and FMIC Board of Directors Member

Paul W. Rye became affiliated with Farmers Mutual Insurance Company in 1983 when the Board of Directors appointed him as agent in Russellville, AR. Paul is a second- generation agent as his father, Ray Rye, was also an agent for the Company and served on the Board of Directors. Paul joined the Board of Directors in 1987 to replace his father. Paul has two daughters, Ali Rye and Shelby Rye.

Phillip M. King

FMIC Board of Directors Member

Phillip M. King is a retired Sebastian County dairy and beef farmer. King is a retired Farmers Mutual Insurance Company agent and still serves on the FMIC Board of Directors.

Phillip is a credentialed cooperative director with a Board Leader Certificate and Director Gold Credential. In addition to serving on the AVECC Board of Directors, he serves as a statewide board of directors for the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives. He is also a member of the OAEC budget committee. Mr. King is proud to have been instrumental in establishing WAVE, a subsidiary of AVECC, which brought broadband services to our members and surrounding communities.

Ron Trusty

Agent and FMIC Board of Directors Member

Ron Trusty was born in Fort Smith, AR to Ray and Lavada Trusty. He has five brothers. Ron attended the University of Arkansas on a football scholarship where he played for Coach Lou Holtz. After graduating from college, Ron married Kim Warren in 1982. They have two sons, Alex and Ben. Ron has owned and operated Logan County Insurance Agency in Paris, AR for more than 40 years. Ron is very active in his community and has served on various boards, including the Paris School Board for 25 years and the Farmers Mutual Board of Directors for over 20 years. 

Ron Trusty

Agent and FMIC Board of Directors Member

Ron Trusty was born in Fort Smith, AR to Ray and Lavada Trusty. He has five brothers. Ron attended the University of Arkansas on a football scholarship where he played for Coach Lou Holtz. After graduating from college, Ron married Kim Warren in 1982. They have two sons, Alex and Ben. Ron has owned and operated Logan County Insurance Agency in Paris, AR for more than 40 years. Ron is very active in his community and has served on various boards, including the Paris School Board for 25 years and the Farmers Mutual Board of Directors for over 20 years.

Sandy Brandon

Treasurer

Sandy Brandon lives in Gravette, AR, but her roots run deep in nearby Gentry, where she grew up surrounded by the values of faith, family, and community that continue to shape her life. She and her husband are the proud parents of two children and grandparents to four, and they treasure the time they spend together on their farm. The pace and purpose of farm life reflect Sandy’s grounded nature and her appreciation for hard work.

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Sandy built a respected 22-year career in banking, known for her integrity, dedication, and commitment to serving others. In 2006, she stepped into the role of Treasurer for FMIC, where she continues to provide steady leadership and trusted financial stewardship.

Her Christian faith is central to who she is, and she is deeply thankful for her church family, whose support and fellowship have been a constant source of strength and encouragement throughout her life.

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