Bank News

Eastern Michigan Bank News

Eastern Michigan Bank Welcomes Karen Davis

9.5.2024 -- William Oldford, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce the addition of Karen Davis as Assistant Vice President, Operations Manager.

Under the direction of our senior management team, Ms. Davis supervises the Bank’s deposit and loan 
operations staff, working to ensure that existing procedures and workflows are in place to meet business and regulatory requirements while identifying, developing, and recommending new processes to improve efficiency and customer service.

Karen has almost 30 years of community banking experience, including 20 years focused on operations 
management. She also co-owns a topsoil and compost business in the Carsonville area with her husband.

Jasmine Williams Promoted to Assistant Vice President

2.22.2024 -- William Oldford, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Commercial Loan Officer Jasmine Williams to Assistant Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer.

Williams began her career at Eastern Michigan Bank in 2013 and has held various positions of increasing responsibility, including Credit Analyst (2016-2018), Senior Credit Analyst (2018 -2020), and Commercial Portfolio Officer (2020-2021). She was promoted to Commercial Loan Officer in 2021.

“It has been exciting to watch Jasmine grow with the Bank and take on new roles,” commented Oldford. “We look forward to her future contributions as a valued member of our lending team.”

In addition to her banking experience, Williams holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from Walsh College with a major in finance. She is also a board member of the Blue Water Young Professionals and SC4 Foundation and serves on the Grants Committee at the St. Clair County Community Foundation.

Jasmine resides with her family in Kimball Township.

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Kimberly Bowman Promoted to SVP, Chief Retail Officer

2.22.2024 -- William Oldford, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Vice President, Retail Banking Manager Kimberly Bowmann to Senior Vice President, Chief Retail Officer.

Ms. Bowman joined Eastern Michigan Bank in 2016 as Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager of 
the Port Huron – Water Street location. In 2020, she was promoted to Vice President, Retail Banking 
Manager, and became responsible for overall branch operations, including business development, 
customer service, and risk management.

Kim has over 20 years of banking experience and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from
Wayne State University. She is active in her local community, currently serving as President of
the Landmark Academy Board of Education and Vice Chair of the Port Huron Township Downtown Development Authority.

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Jasmine Williams Promoted to Commercial Loan Officer

11.16.2021 -- William Oldford, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jasmine Williams to Commercial Loan Officer.

Williams began her career at Eastern Michigan Bank in 2013 and has held various positions of increasing responsibility, including Credit Analyst (2016-2018), Senior Credit Analyst (2018 -2020), and Commercial Portfolio Officer (2020-2021) before being promoted to her current position.

In addition to her banking experience, Williams holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from Walsh College with a major in finance. She is also a member of the Blue Water Young Professionals and the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society.

Jasmine resides in Kimball Township with her husband.

8.24.2021 -- William Oldford, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce the addition of Wendy Smith as Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager of the Bank’s Fort Gratiot location. Wendy comes to Eastern with sixteen years’ experience in the local financial services industry. Most recently she served as Branch Manager of the Huntington Bank Port Huron Hancock location.

“We are excited to welcome Wendy,” commented Oldford. “Her extensive experience in business development in the Port Huron and Fort Gratiot market area make her an incredible asset to Eastern Michigan Bank and our continued approach of being a community bank lead by community leaders.”

A long time Port Huron area resident, Wendy studied business management at St. Clair County Community College. She is enthusiastic about community involvement and currently volunteers as a section chair for the United Way of St. Clair County, a member of the Blue Water Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassadors Committee, and a member of the National Association of Career Women.

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Julie Chapdelaine Promoted to Assistant Vice President

2.21.2020 – Will Oldford, President and Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) Officer Julie Chapdelaine to Assistant Vice President.

Chapdelaine began her career at Eastern Michigan Bank in August 2003 and held the positions of teller, teller trainer and operations specialist before being promoted to BSA Officer in September 2015. She has an associate's degree in business from St. Clair County Community College.

In addition to her banking experience, Julie has served as deputy treasurer of Buel Township since 2018. She currently lives in Croswell with her family.

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New Management Team Has Local Roots

2.19.2020 -- The Board of Directors of Eastern Michigan Bank has announced the appointment of a new senior management team.

President Will Oldford has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, assuming the role of CEO from Tim Ward. Ward retired at the end of 2019 but remains on the Board of Directors.

Oldford has more than 20 years’ experience in the local banking industry. Prior to joining the staff at EMB, he served as Regional President, Northeast (Thumb) Region of Talmer Bank and Trust as well as managing their wealth management division in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Before his banking career, he practiced law in California, Illinois and Michigan. Will holds a B.A., J.D., an L.L.M. in Tax Law, and he is in the process of earning his M.B.A. He also serves as a trustee of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, chairman of the St. Clair County Community College Foundation, trustee of the St. Clair County Retirement Board, and member of the Lake Huron Hospital Board. Will was born and raised in Lexington.

Senior Lender Chad Deaner has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer. Deaner has been a member of the Bank’s staff since 2016. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and management and is active in his local community, currently serving on both the audit committee for the Community Foundation of St. Clair County and the board of the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County. Chad was raised in Memphis, Michigan and currently lives in Goodells with his family.

Vice President, Operations Stacie Bales has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer. Bales has been a member of the Bank’s team since 2001, serving as human resources assistant, administrative assistant, administrative specialist and Bank Secrecy Act officer. Stacie has an associate’s degree in business and is in her third year of the Graduate School of Banking at University of Wisconsin – Madison. She is a Croswell native and currently resides there with her family.

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Errin Levitt joined the Bank’s staff in October 2016 as Vice President, Controller. Levitt holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in finance and is currently earning her Masters in Accountancy. She is also a Croswell native and serves on both the Croswell Board of Review and Croswell Planning and Zoning Committee. She currently lives in Croswell with her family.

“The Board is so pleased to have this team of talented, capable individuals managing the interests of the Bank,” stated Earl DesJardins, Chairman of the Eastern Michigan Bank Board of Directors. “Their extensive knowledge, experience and roots in our local communities will serve Eastern Michigan Bank well going forward.”

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Tim Ward to Retire as Chief Executive Officer

12.01.2019 -- The Board of Directors and staff of Eastern Michigan Bank would like to congratulate Chief Executive Officer Tim Ward on his pending retirement.

Ward has served as the CEO of Eastern Michigan Bank since 2005. During his time with the Bank, Tim has also served on many local boards and committees, including the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, SC4 Foundation, Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, St. Clair County Board of Commissioners, St. Clair County Parks and Recreation, Mid City Nutrition, Blue Water Area YMCA, Lakeshore Surgery and the Port Huron Golf Club. He has also been recently appointed to the St. Clair County Road Commission and Board of Public Works.

Tim will continue his association and dedication to Eastern Michigan Bank as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of both Eastern Michigan Bank and Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation.

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Chad Deaner Promoted to Senior Lender

11.05.2019 -- Timothy M. Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce that Vice President, Commercial Loan Manager Chad Deaner has been promoted to Vice President, Senior Lender. In his new position, Mr. Deaner will be responsible for developing and directing all lending activities and supervising the business development functions of all loan officers.

Deaner has been a member of Eastern Michigan Bank’s staff since 2016. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and management from Ferris State University and is active in his local community, currently serving on both the Audit Committee for the Community Foundation of St. Clair County and on the Board of the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County. Chad lives in Goodells, Michigan with his family.

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Errin Levitt Promoted to Senior Vice President

10.29.2019 -- Timothy M. Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Errin Levitt to Senior Vice President.

Ms. Levitt joined Eastern Michigan Bank’s staff in October 2016 as Vice President, Controller. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in finance from Grand Valley State University and is currently enrolled at Walsh College in the Masters in Accountancy program.

Errin is native of Croswell where she resides with her family. She is also active in her community and has served on the Croswell Board of Review since 2016.

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Joseph Pink Joins Eastern Michigan Bank

2.11.2019 -- Timothy M. Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce that Joseph Pink has joined Eastern Michigan Bank as Vice President, Information Technology Manager and Chief Information Security Officer.

Joe comes to Eastern with more than 25 years’ experience in the local information technology industry, most recently serving as a senior network engineer for Port Huron-based Precison Computer Solutions, Inc. While employed by Precision, Joe worked as the Bank’s system administrator on a contractual basis for 17 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Central Michigan University and is certified by both Microsoft and Barracuda as a system engineer.

“We are very excited to welcome Joe as a member of our staff,” commented Ward. “Having already worked with Joe for a number of years, this transition feels like a very natural progression.”

Joe lives in Lexington with his wife, Terena, and their family.

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Jennifer Briolat Promoted to Branch Manager, Lakeport Office

1.21.19 -- Timothy M. Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce that Jennifer (Jen) Briolat has been promoted to branch manager of the Bank’s Lakeport office.

Jen has been the assistant manager of Eastern’s Fort Gratiot location since April 2017. She has an extensive background in customer service, including serving as the assistant manager of a large, local retail establishment for twelve years before coming to Eastern.

Jen is a Marysville native who currently resides in Lakeport with her husband Alan and their family. She will be assuming the role of branch manager from Cindy Mugridge, who will be retiring from the Bank in the coming months.

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Stefanie Abbott Moving to Deckerville Branch

1.18.19 -- Timothy M. Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce that Stefanie Abbott will be assuming the role of branch manager at the Bank’s Deckerville location.

Stefanie began her career with Eastern as a part-time teller in Deckerville in 2003. Since that time she has held roles of increasing responsibility including head teller (Deckerville), assistant manager (Fort Gratiot) and branch manager (Lexington). She was promoted to assistant vice president in 2015.

Stefanie holds an associate’s degree from St. Clair County Community College in communications and is a 2016 graduate of the Michigan Bankers Association’s Perry School of Banking. She is actively involved in the local community, serving as current vice president of the Deckerville League of Women, treasurer of the Croswell-Lexington Chamber of Commerce and chairperson of the McLaren Lexington Community Health Team. Stefanie has lived in Deckerville since 2004 with her husband Randall (Randy).

Stefanie will be assuming the role of branch manager from Clariece Creguer, who will be retiring in the coming months.

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Scott Badley Joins Eastern Michigan Bank

9.13.2018 -- Timothy M. Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce that Scott Badley has joined Eastern Michigan Bank as Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer. Scott is based at Eastern’s Marysville office where his responsibilities include servicing and growing the bank’s diverse portfolio of business loan clients in Marysville and the surrounding area.

Badley comes to Eastern with twenty-six years of experience in the local banking industry, including extensive experience in the areas of commercial finance and compliance. Most recently he served as Senior Compliance Officer for Lakestone Bank & Trust and prior to that was a commercial lender for CSB Bank.

“We are excited to welcome Scott to the team,” commented Ward. “His extensive banking background and knowledge of Marysville and the local market make him a great fit for our staff and customer base.”

Badley holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Eastern Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in Finance from Walsh College. He is also the coach of both the men’s and women’s bowling teams at St. Clair County Community College and manager of the Port Huron Bowling Association.

Scott lives in Marysville with his wife, Cindy, and their family.

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Stacie Bales Promoted to Vice President

9.25.2017 -- Timothy M. Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Assistant Vice President, Operations Officer Stacie Bales to Vice President. 

"Stacie started with Eastern 16 years ago as a teller and through hard work and dedication, now handles most of the bank’s operations functions," notes Ward. "She is a great asset to the organization and we are all grateful for her hard work."

Since joining the bank in 2001, Stacie has also served as human resources assistant, administrative assistant, administrative specialist and Bank Secrecy Act officer. 

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Joseph Brown Promoted to Vice President

9.25.2017 -- Timothy M. Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Assistant Vice President, Appraisal Officer Joseph Brown to Vice President. 

"Joe does an exceptional job with our real estate appraisal department and provides an important contribution to all of our lending teams," commented Ward. "We are thankful for his years of service and, more importantly, his exceptional hard work."

Joe began his career as an appraisal officer for the bank in 1996. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University, and is a Michigan Certified Appraiser as well as a member of the Eastern Thumb Association of Realtors. 

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Alex Messing Promoted to Commercial Loan Officer

02.02.2017 -- Timothy M. Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Alexander (Alex) Messing to Commercial Loan Officer.

“It has been a pleasure to watch Alex meet the challenges presented and grow into greater responsibilities. He is truly a valued member of our team,” commented Ward.

Alex joined Eastern Michigan Bank in April of 2016 as a loan officer trainee. As a commercial loan officer, he will serve business and agricultural customers in the Deckerville, Ruth, and Sandusky markets.

Alex graduated from Northwood University with a bachelor's in business administration, with a major in accounting. He is a native of the Ruth/Deckerville area and resides in Deckerville with his family. 

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Eastern Michigan Bank Welcomes Errin McMillan

10.27.2016 -- Timothy M. Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce the addition of Errin McMillan as Vice President, Controller. Errin comes to Eastern with sixteen years’ experience in the local banking industry. Most recently she served as the Accounting Director of Talmer Bank and Trust.

Errin will be assuming the responsibilities of Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Karen Lord, who will retire at the end of 2016. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in finance from Grand Valley State University and is currently enrolled at Walsh College in their Masters in Accountancy program. 

“We are excited to have Errin aboard,” commented Ward. “Her knowledge and experience should make for a very smooth transition, and her local ties make her a terrific fit with our existing team,” 

Errin is a native of Croswell where she currently resides with her family.

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Audra Levitte Promoted to Assistant Vice President

10.03.2016 -- Timothy M. Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce the promotion of Human Resources Director Audra Levitte to assistant vice president. Ms. Levitte joined Eastern Michigan Bank in May 2013 as human resources director, bringing with her seventeen years’ experience as a firm administrator for a local C.P.A. practice. In addition to her professional experience, she holds a bachelor of science degree in business management from Ferris State University.

Audra is active in the community as well, serving as a member of the board of St. Edward on-the- Lake Catholic School. She is also the treasurer of the Buckskin Horse Association of Michigan (BHAM) as well as chair of the Junior Buckskin Horse Association. Audra resides in Lexington with her family.

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Eastern Michigan Bank Welcomes Kim Prax

06.08.2016 -- Timothy M. Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce the addition of Kimberly Prax as Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager of the Bank's 600 Water Street, Port Huron location. Kim comes to Eastern with thirteen years’ experience in the local banking industry. Most recently she served as Associate Managing Director of Talmer Bank and Trust’s Wadhams and Port Huron Township branches.

“We are excited to welcome Kim to our team. Her experience and knowledge of Port Huron and the surrounding area and will be a true asset to Eastern,” commented Ward.

Kim holds a Bachelor of Science from Wayne State University and is active in the local community. She currently serves as secretary of the Landmark Academy Board of Education and is a member of both the Port Huron Township DDA Board and McLaren Port Huron Women’s Wellness Advisory Board.

Kim is a native of Port Huron and currently resides in Fort Gratiot with her family.

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Eastern Michigan Bank Welcomes Chad Deaner

04.29.2016 -- Timothy M. Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank, is pleased to announce the addition of Chad W. Deaner as Vice President, Commercial Loan Manager. Chad comes to Eastern with close to twenty years’ experience in the local banking industry. He most recently served as Market President, Northeast Region for Talmer Bank and Trust and as Managing Director, Commercial Relationship Manager prior to that.

“Chad’s level of experience and knowledge of the local market will be valuable assets to our lending team,” noted Ward.

Chad holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and management from Ferris State University and is active in his local community. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Board of Education for Memphis Community Schools and sits on the Board of Directors of the United Way of St. Clair County. 

Chad lives in Goodells with his family.

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Eastern Michigan Bank Announces Ruth Purchase Finalized

03.31.2016 -- Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation, the holding company of Eastern Michigan Bank (Eastern) has announced the completion of its acquisition of Ruth Bank Corporation, the holding company of Ruth State Bank.

Until early June, the Ruth branch will continue to operate as Ruth State Bank. In June, the branch will be fully integrated into Eastern and will operate as Eastern.

Eastern Michigan Bank currently has branch locations in the St. Clair and Sanilac County communities of Croswell, Deckerville, Fort Gratiot, Lakeport, Lexington, Marysville, Minden City, Port Huron and Sandusky. Chartered as the State Bank of Croswell in 1895, they have operated as a safe and sound financial institution for more than 120 years, providing a full range of personal and business banking services. With the completion of this transaction, Eastern’s footprint expands by one branch and $38 million in assets, bringing their total assets to approximately $315 million.

“Ruth is an excellent fit for Eastern,” said Tim Ward, CEO of Eastern Michigan Bank. “This merger provides us the opportunity to partner with a financially sound, family-owned community bank to create an even stronger organization that better serves both our customers’ and communities’ financial needs.”

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Eastern Michigan Bank Announces Acquisition of Ruth State Bank

11.09.2015 -- Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation and Ruth Bank Corporation have entered into an agreement whereby Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation will acquire Ruth Bank Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary Ruth State Bank. It is anticipated the transaction will be completed sometime in the first quarter of 2016, pending regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

Both parent companies are located in the heart of Michigan’s Thumb area and have long histories with the local community. Headquartered in Croswell, Michigan, Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation is the holding company for Eastern Michigan Bank. Initially chartered in 1895 as the State Bank of Croswell, Eastern Michigan Bank currently operates nine branches located in the Sanilac and St. Clair County communities of Croswell, Deckerville, Fort Gratiot, Lakeport, Lexington, Marysville, Minden City, Sandusky and Port Huron. Established in 1907, Ruth State Bank operates from a single location in Ruth, Michigan. Both banks are full-service community institutions, offering their customer base a wide range of deposit products as well as financing for agricultural, commercial, consumer and real estate needs.

Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation trades on the Over-The-Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol EFIN while Ruth Bank Corporation is primarily family owned. As of September 30, 2015, Ruth State Bank’s total assets were $37,787,000. Eastern Michigan Bank’s were $283,613,000 as of that same date.

Ruth State Bank President Joseph Zinger stated, “I am proud of our 108 years of personalized service to Ruth and the surrounding community. All of us at Ruth State Bank thank each and every customer for the trust they have given us over so many decades. Our staff looks forward to helping Eastern Michigan Bank transition into Ruth, and we know we leave our customers to an institution committed to local, friendly, and trustworthy service.”

“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of Ruth State Bank,” commented Tim Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Michigan Bank. “Their long-standing service to their local community is consistent with our culture here at Eastern Michigan Bank. We look forward to strengthening our existing market concentration and expanding to the north in Huron County.”

Eastern Michigan Financial Corporation was advised by Mike Kelley of Frohm, Kelley, Butler and Ryan, P.C. of Port Huron, Michigan and Ruth Bank Corporation was advised by Craig Mancinotti of Austin Associates of Toledo, Ohio.

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Eastern Michigan Bank Welcomes William G. Oldford, Jr.

10.29.2015 -- Eastern Michigan Bank welcomes William G. Oldford, Jr. as President, in charge of operations. Will most recently served as Regional President, Northeast (Thumb) Region of Talmer Bank and Trust as well as managing their wealth management division in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. In addition to a sixteen year career in banking, he practiced law in California and Illinois for eight years. Will is a Lexington, Michigan native and holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, a juris doctor from California Western Law School and a master of laws in taxation from Wayne State University.

Current President and Chief Executive Officer Timothy M. Ward remains with Eastern as Chief Executive Officer. Tim will now oversee Eastern’s loan functions in addition to his current responsibilities.