First Financial Federal Credit Union Appoints James C. Wheeler as New President

James C. Wheeler

​The Board of Directors of First Financial Federal Credit Union has announced the appointment of James C. Wheeler as President effective October 1, 2025. In his new role, Wheeler will lead all aspects of First Financial FCU daily operations and strategic growth initiatives as well as oversee the senior leadership team.

Eric Church will remain in his position as Chief Executive Officer of the $1.3 billion financial institution.
 
Wheeler most recently served as the credit union’s Senior Vice President/Chief Operations Officer (COO). In his role as COO, he was responsible for all member-facing teams, including branch services, contact centers, account services and digital banking, as well as IT, risk and compliance, administrative, and facilities services.
 
“James has been an integral part of First Financial’s growth and innovation over the last decade,” stated Bob Brenneman, FFFCU Board Chairperson. “His passion for service excellence and servant leadership mentality will ensure First Financial remains the credit union of choice for our current members and the next generation of members to come.”
 
Prior to his role as COO, Wheeler held numerous leadership positions within First Financial, including Chief Risk Officer and Chief Information and Risk Officer and worked in the financial services industry for more than 20 years. As a staunch advocate for professional development and leadership training, he serves as executive sponsor and mentor for the Limitless Leaders Employee Resource Group, supporting the next generation of credit union leaders. Additionally, he is active in professional organizations such as the Cybersecurity Advisory Board at CCBC, America’s Credit Union Councils, InfraGard (FBI), Maryland Association of Bank Security, and MEMA’s Private Sector Integration Program.
 
“I am honored to have been chosen as the next President of First Financial and look forward to continuing the credit union’s focus on financial wellness for our members, business partners, and community,” commented Wheeler. “First Financial is well-positioned for strategic expansion throughout Maryland with our innovative suite of product and service solutions; I’m excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.”
 
A retired combat veteran, Wheeler served over 24 years in the United States Marine Corps and Maryland Army National Guard, including deployments in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His military service shaped his expertise in communications, finance, information security, technology, operations, and risk management.
 
Wheeler earned a B.S. in Information Assurance from the University of Maryland University College and holds numerous professional certifications including CISSP, PMP, and CompTIA Security+. He resides in Kingsville, Maryland with his family.

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