Jim Wolfington, Vice President & Commercial Banker, will retire on Sept. 30, 2026, after an admirable 40-plus year career in the banking industry.
“Jim has served the Chelsea and surrounding communities with Chelsea State Bank for nearly 20 years, and will be truly missed by his customers, peers, and senior leadership,” said Joanne Rau, President and CEO, Chelsea State Bank. “Jim is a brilliant commercial lender and an unassuming community advocate. He exemplifies the community banking spirit and has made our communities a better place for our families to live and our businesses to thrive.”
Known for his financial expertise and altruism, Jim is fondly called the “community banker” by his peers because of the time and energy he puts into the community he serves. Jim is also well known for his work to secure funding for affordable housing in Washtenaw County. In 2018, he was the recipient of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBI) Community Spirit Award for his work in community housing, particularly with Avalon Housing. The Community Spirit Award is given annually to the top community banker in Michigan and Indiana combined.
Jim’s notable philanthropic efforts during his career include Kiwanis, where he received the Kiwanis Hixson Fellowship Award. He currently serves on the Finance Committee at the Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan. Previously, Jim served as the treasurer of the Lurie Terrace, an Ann Arbor senior apartment community, and served on the Ann Arbor Community Board of Ele’s Place, a nonprofit organization that supports grieving children. He also formerly sat on the Board of Directors at Michigan Ability Partners and the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Jim earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois. Jim also has his Master of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Jim and his husband Ernie reside in Ann Arbor with their Cocker Spaniel, Buddy.
The bank is hosting a retirement celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Bank’s Headquarters, 1010 S. Main St, Chelsea.
About Chelsea State Bank
Chelsea State Bank is a full-service financial institution with offices in Chelsea, Dexter, and Jackson. The Bank was formed over 125 years ago by local business leaders to provide timely financial solutions to individuals, families, and businesses in the community. This tradition of community service continues today. For more information, please call 734.475.1355 or visit chelseastate.bank. Member FDIC.
