Independent Bank Executive and Leadership Team

Denny Buchanan, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Independent Bank, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Buchanan architects the long-term growth trajectory by aligning commercial banking operations with the evolving needs of Michigan communities. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to ensure fiscal health and operational excellence across the Lower Peninsula. By prioritizing exceptional personal service, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the competitive market position of the institution. Denny Buchanan oversees the integration of mortgage lending and investment services to provide a comprehensive financial suite for customers. Through rigorous oversight of the state-chartered bank subsidiary, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the stability of the entire holding company. This executive leadership ensures that every department remains focused on delivering value to stockholders while fostering deep community relationships throughout the regional footprint.

Jim Theal, the Chief Financial Officer at Independent Bank, governs the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. Theal manages the financial reporting processes and ensures compliance with regulatory standards across the Lower Peninsula. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to optimize the performance of mortgage lending and title services. By maintaining rigorous internal controls, the Chief Financial Officer supports the overall stability of the bank holding company. Jim Theal collaborates with the executive team to allocate resources toward high-growth commercial banking initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer monitors liquidity and risk management to protect the interests of stockholders and customers. Through precise financial forecasting, Theal enables the institution to sustain its commitment to community-focused banking. This executive function remains vital for the long-term success of the organization, ensuring that every financial decision aligns with the core mission of providing exceptional value.

Gavin Mohr, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Independent Bank, oversees the strategic financial planning for the bank's investment services division. Mohr directs the analysis of investment portfolios to maximize returns for the institution and its clients. This leadership role involves coordinating with the broader finance team to ensure that investment strategies remain consistent with the bank's risk appetite. By evaluating market opportunities, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of financial services across the Lower Peninsula. Gavin Mohr monitors the performance of investment products to ensure they meet the needs of stockholders and customers. This executive function requires deep expertise in asset management and capital markets. Through careful oversight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial integrity of the investment arm. Mohr ensures that all investment activities contribute positively to the overall mission of providing exceptional personal service and value.

Melissa Esnard, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Independent Bank, manages the financial operations specifically related to mortgage lending and title services. Esnard directs the budgeting and revenue forecasting for these critical business lines. This leadership role involves optimizing the cost structure of mortgage operations to improve profitability across the Michigan market. By analyzing loan performance data, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that lending practices align with the bank's commitment to community service. Melissa Esnard collaborates with the executive team to refine the mortgage product suite for better customer outcomes. This position requires constant attention to interest rate fluctuations and housing market trends. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial health of the lending division through disciplined oversight. Esnard ensures that all mortgage and title service activities support the long-term growth objectives of the holding company.

Greg Mohr, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Amp at Independent Bank, leads the financial strategy for the bank's specialized commercial banking and asset management platforms. Mohr directs the capital allocation for these high-value segments to ensure sustainable growth. This leadership role involves assessing the financial viability of new commercial banking products and services. By managing the financial performance of these specialized units, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Amp supports the overall mission of the organization. Greg Mohr collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate these specialized services into the broader customer experience. This position requires a focus on operational efficiency and revenue generation within the commercial sector. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Amp monitors market conditions to adjust financial strategies as needed. Through these efforts, Mohr ensures that the bank remains a leader in providing tailored financial solutions to its diverse customer base.

Michael Stodolak, the Market President at Independent Bank, oversees the regional execution of banking services across specific Michigan territories. Stodolak directs the local branch operations and commercial banking relationships to ensure alignment with the company's mission. This leadership role involves building strong community ties and identifying local growth opportunities for mortgage and investment services. By managing regional teams, the Market President ensures that customers receive the exceptional personal service that defines the institution. Michael Stodolak collaborates with the executive team to implement corporate strategies at the local level. This position requires a focus on business development and customer retention within the assigned market. The Market President monitors regional performance metrics to drive efficiency and revenue growth. Through these efforts, Stodolak strengthens the bank's presence and reputation in the communities it serves. This executive role remains critical for maintaining the bank's competitive edge in the regional financial landscape.

Charlie Phillips, the President (Washington) at Independent Bank, leads the strategic expansion and operational oversight of the bank's interests within the Washington market. Phillips directs the development of commercial banking and financial service offerings tailored to this specific geographic region. This leadership role involves establishing a strong market presence while maintaining the core values of the organization. By overseeing regional operations, the President (Washington) ensures that the bank's commitment to exceptional personal service extends to new customer bases. Charlie Phillips collaborates with the executive team to adapt corporate strategies for the unique needs of the Washington market. This position requires a focus on building local partnerships and driving business growth. The President (Washington) monitors regional performance to ensure that all activities support the overall mission of the holding company. Through these efforts, Phillips expands the reach of the institution and contributes to its long-term success in diverse markets.

Don Stevens, the Chief Information Officer at Independent Bank, manages the digital infrastructure supporting all financial service delivery. Stevens drives the modernization of banking platforms to enhance customer security and operational efficiency. Overseeing the technological roadmap, the Chief Information Officer ensures that digital tools align with the broader mission of providing seamless mortgage and investment services. This role requires constant coordination with other C-suite leaders to protect data integrity across the Michigan-based network. Don Stevens implements scalable cloud solutions that support the bank's commitment to exceptional personal service. By optimizing internal systems, the Chief Information Officer reduces friction in commercial banking transactions. This leadership position demands a focus on cybersecurity and innovation to maintain the trust of stockholders and clients. Stevens continuously evaluates emerging financial technologies to keep the institution at the forefront of the regional banking industry.

Angela Champagne, the Senior Vice President Chief Human Resources Officer at Independent Bank, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies. Champagne architects programs that foster a culture of exceptional personal service among the workforce. This leadership role involves aligning human capital initiatives with the bank's mission to serve Michigan communities effectively. By implementing robust training and retention frameworks, the Senior Vice President Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the institution attracts top-tier financial professionals. Angela Champagne collaborates with other executives to promote diversity and inclusion within the corporate structure. This position requires constant focus on employee engagement to drive productivity across all banking branches. The Senior Vice President Chief Human Resources Officer manages performance evaluation systems that support the strategic goals of the holding company. Through these efforts, Champagne strengthens the internal foundation necessary for delivering high-quality commercial banking and investment services to every customer.

Amy Anderson, the Secondary Marketing at Independent Bank, manages the strategic distribution and sale of mortgage loans in the secondary market. Anderson directs the hedging strategies and pricing models that protect the bank's mortgage lending margins. This leadership role involves constant monitoring of market liquidity to ensure the institution maintains a steady flow of capital for new loans. By coordinating with the mortgage division, the Secondary Marketing ensures that loan products remain competitive and profitable. Amy Anderson analyzes market trends to optimize the timing and execution of loan sales. This position requires deep knowledge of financial instruments and secondary market regulations. The Secondary Marketing maintains the financial stability of the lending portfolio by mitigating interest rate risks. Through these activities, Anderson supports the bank's ability to provide consistent mortgage services to Michigan communities. This executive function remains essential for the ongoing success of the bank's lending operations.