8-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 15, 2024

ISABELLA BANK CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (989) 772-9471

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

| ☐ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | | --- | --- || ☐ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule l4a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.l4a-l2) | | --- | --- || ☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule l4d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.l4d-2(b)) | | --- | --- || ☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.l3e-4(c)) | | --- | --- |

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Section 5 - Corporate Governance and Management

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

(d)    Appointment of Brian R. Sackett as a Director for Isabella Bank Corporation and Isabella Bank

On August 28, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Corporation appointed Brian R. Sackett (age 54) to the Board of Directors of Isabella Bank Corporation and to the Board of Directors of Isabella Bank effective September 15, 2024. Mr. Sackett will serve a term as a director until the Corporation's Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2025. The Board has determined that Mr. Sackett is an "independent director" within the meaning of applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Corporation issued a press release dated September 17, 2024 announcing Mr. Sackett's appointment to the Board of Directors of Isabella Bank Corporation and to the Board of Directors of Isabella Bank.

Section 9 - Financial Statements and Exhibits

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d)    Exhibits:

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Document

Exhibit 99.1

For Immediate Release

Isabella Bank Corporation

401 N. Main Street

Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858-1649

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lori Peterson, Vice President and Director of Marketing

Phone: 989-779-6333 | lapeterson@isabellabank.com

Sackett Joins Isabella Bank Corporation Board of Directors

Mt. Pleasant, MI, September 17, 2024- Jerome Schwind, President and Chief Executive Officer of Isabella Bank Corporation, announced the appointment of Brian R. Sackett to the Isabella Bank Corporation Board of Directors, effective September 15, 2024.

“The Isabella Bank Board is a diverse group of individuals who know the communities we serve. Mr. Sackett’s professional experience, knowledge, and dedication make him a valuable asset to both our Board and Bank,” stated Schwind.

Mr. Sackett’s vast experience in the food and agriculture sector began in 1987 when he joined the family business, Sackett Potatoes. Sackett Potatoes started in 1905, when the first crop was planted, and the Sackett family has grown potatoes every year since. Mr. Sackett became a partner in Sackett Potatoes in 1990 and, under his leadership, has grown the farming operation to a total of 18,000 acres, farming across three states: Michigan, Illinois, and North Carolina. As a senior partner, he oversees the general operations and finances and is in charge of the potato and grain marketing and customer relations, as well as the maintenance and operation of the business’ potato storage and equipment.

Mr. Sackett has received many esteemed awards and recognitions for his contributions to agriculture and natural resources, including the National Environment Stewardship Award in 1998, the Michigan Potato Industry Commission’s Distinguished Service Award in both 2000 and 2009, the Michigan Vegetable Council’s Master Farmer in Vegetable Crops Award in 2006, and the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) Distinguished Service Award in 2021. For the past 30 years, he has served the potato industry in many capacities on both a state and national level, helping with research and development. Mr. Sackett currently serves on the Research Committee for the Michigan Potato Industry Commission and the Chip Committee for Potatoes USA. He also has served on our Isabella Bank West Region Advisory Board since 2012, helping to provide guidance on regional bank initiatives and reporting on local business opportunities while advocating for the bank within the community.

In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Sackett embodies a strong sense of community and dedication. Charitable contributions are important to Mr. Sackett, and he is proud to give monetary support to local organizations such as Angels of Action, St. Michael Catholic School, Chippewa Hills School District, Lakeview Community Schools, Morley Stanwood Community Schools, Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center, and 4-H programs in both Clare and Mecosta counties.

Mr. Sackett is native to the West Central Michigan Region and has two children, Tricia and Tyler, two grandsons, and two granddaughters. He and his wife, Abby, reside in Mecosta.

Isabella Bank Corporation (OTCQX: 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 the local banking needs of its customers and communities for over 120 years. The Bank offers personal and commercial lending and deposit products, as well as investment, trust, and estate planning services through Isabella Wealth. The Bank has locations throughout eight Mid-Michigan counties: Bay, Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, and Saginaw.