James E. Wheeler II

Mr. Wheeler earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from the University of Illinois in 1981. He has been the president of the Greater Gratiot Development, Inc. (GGDI) group in Ithaca since 2016. He was unanimously elected to the position, replacing Don Schurr.

Mr. Wheeler had previously served as vice president for the organization. Before joining GGDI, he had a long career in banking, including as the community bank president of Mercantile Bank in Alma. He is also a member of the Alma Industrial Development group and has previously served as board president of the Gratiot County Community Foundation.

Mr. Wheeler also serves as an Alma Ambassador.