Isabella Bank COO Peggy Wheeler to Retire After 49-Year Career; Erika Ross Named Successor
MT. PLEASANT, Mich. June 25, 2026 - Isabella Bank Chief Operations Officer Peggy Wheeler will retire on June 30, 2026, concluding an extraordinary 49-year career — the longest tenure of any employee in the Bank’s history.
Wheeler’s legacy spans nearly five decades of service, leadership, and innovation that helped shape Isabella Bank, Michigan’s banking industry, and the Mid-Michigan communities the Bank proudly serves. She joined Isabella Bank in 1977 shortly after graduating from high school, beginning in the bookkeeping department. Over the years, Wheeler steadily advanced through a wide range of roles, including computer operator, accounting clerk, staff accountant, accounting manager, controller, senior vice president of operations, and ultimately chief operations officer, demonstrating exceptional dedication and adaptability throughout her career.
“I have enjoyed my 49 years with Isabella Bank and have seen many changes in the banking industry during this time,” said Wheeler. “The constant is the bank has always felt like family, and I cherish the friendships I have built over the years.”
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Wheeler made significant contributions to both the banking industry and local community. She served on the Michigan Bankers Association’s service corporation board.
Her commitment to community service included:
Treasurer of RISE Advocacy
Trustee of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation and chair of its grant review
committee
Served on various community nonprofit boards
Wheeler earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. She also completed the Dale Carnegie Executive Development Leadership Program, the Dale Carnegie Team Development Program, and the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce’s Rollie Denison Leadership Program.
Wheeler lives in Mt. Pleasant with her husband, Gordon. In retirement, she looks forward to spending more time with family, including their three grown children, Brandon, Megan, and Sheila, and their three grandchildren, Emma, Landen, and Tayden.
“Peggy’s impact on Isabella Bank is immeasurable,” said Neil McDonnell, president of Isabella Bank. “She has helped guide this organization through decades of change with steady leadership and deep institutional knowledge. It has been a privilege to work alongside her.”
As part of the Bank’s long-term succession planning, McDonnell announced that Erika Ross will assume the role of chief operations officer.
“Succession planning is critical to our continued success,” McDonnell said. “Erika brings a proven track record of leadership, collaboration, and operational excellence, and I’m confident in the vision she will bring to this role.”
Ross has more than 20 years of experience with Isabella Bank. She joined the organization as a credit analyst after starting her career in retail banking at another regional financial institution. Over the years, she has held several leadership roles, including marketing project manager, director of marketing, vice president of operations, and most recently senior vice president and chief risk officer. In her role as chief risk officer, Ross strengthened and advanced the Bank’s enterprise risk management program.
“It is an honor to step into the role of chief operations officer at such an exciting time in our industry,” said Ross. “Our bank has a strong foundation, and I look forward to working with our team to enhance operational excellence, strengthen the customer experience, and support continued growth.”
Ross earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in finance from Central Michigan University. She is also an alumna of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and holds the Certified Enterprise Risk Professional credential from the American Bankers Association. Her professional development includes completing the Dale Carnegie executive development program and graduating from the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce’s Rollie Denison Leadership Institute.
Active in the industry, Ross serves on the advisory board for the American Bankers Association Risk and Compliance Conference. She is also a trustee of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation and serves on multiple committees.
Ross lives in Mt. Pleasant with her husband Brian, and their two sons, Wyatt and Ben.
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Isabella Bank Corporation (NASDAQ: ISBA) is the parent holding company of Isabella Bank, a state-chartered community bank headquartered in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Isabella Bank was established in 1903 and has been committed to serving its customers' and communities' local banking needs for over 120 years. The Bank offers personal and commercial lending and deposit products, as well as investment, trust, and estate planning services. The Bank has locations throughout eight Mid-Michigan counties: Bay, Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, and Saginaw. For more information about Isabella Bank Corporation, visit the Investor Relations link at www.isabellabank.com.