Tiffany Whitner

Being a small business owner is difficult. But for many hopeful entrepreneurs, the prospect of starting their own business can feel impossible. That’s where Tiffany Whitner, Senior Community Business Banker at First Merchants Bank, steps in. Tiffany helps businesses gain access to the capital they need to grow, launch, or innovate. Her work goes beyond loans—it’s about education, relationship building, and helping businesses prosper for generations.

With more than a decade of experience, Tiffany is driven by a strong faith and a personal commitment to "be the banker [she] always wanted." She began her journey as a part-time teller at a national bank’s in-store branch. Through hard work and dedication, she rose to branch manager, where she discovered her passion for business banking.

When Tiffany joined First Merchants in 2015, she embraced her calling to empower entrepreneurs. For her, the allure of business banking lies in its ability to change lives and financial futures. Often, doing so doesn’t take a large loan—sometimes even $25,000 can help a business get started, become sustainable, and lay the foundation for generational success.

This mission aligns with First Merchants’ vision to enhance the financial wellness of the diverse communities it serves. On the Community Business Lending team, Tiffany shares a commitment to equal access to capital, financial education, and elevating entrepreneurs who may lack business knowledge. Her work includes helping clients create business plans, locate grant opportunities, and build strong credit profiles.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tiffany’s role became even more critical. She educated clients on an ever-changing economic landscape and helped them access capital to keep their doors open during unprecedented times.

Her dedication is rooted in faith and a belief in sharing knowledge.

"If your neighbor lacks something that you have, you share that with them," Tiffany explains. "I happen to have knowledge that some communities lack, so I believe it’s my obligation to ensure they have that knowledge if they want it. To me, it’s about being a good human—you help your neighbor."

Tiffany’s passion for helping business owners succeed extends to her community involvement. She serves on boards for Elevate Northland, the Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce, and NAWBO Columbus, and partners with nonprofits as a mentor and advocate.

Her impact has earned her significant recognition in 2025, including: a Gold Shield Award from First Merchants Bank, being named to the Class of 2025 Mahogany Columbus Extraordinary Women, recognition as a 2025 Market Mover by Aspire Women’s Book of Business, and receiving the NAWBO Columbus Ally in Advocacy Award. These honors reflect Tiffany’s unwavering commitment to advocacy, empowerment, and creating pathways for success for women, minority-owned, and underserved businesses.