Most banks push products whereas Jim Miller pushes wellbeing.
As the HR Director at Bank of Ann Arbor, Jim has spent years quietly redefining what wellness means inside a corporate setting. What started as a modest employee wellness effort has grown into one of the most admired workplace cultures in Ann Arbor. One where health, wellbeing, and human connection are woven into the workday.
A Vision Rooted in People, Not Programs
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Jim to unpack the origin story of the BOAA wellness culture and why it matters. Full conversation below:
When Jim talks about wellness, it’s not about points or prizes, but more so about about people.
He saw early on that burnout, stress, and sedentary habits were taking a toll, not just on health but on culture. His vision was simple: make wellbeing part of the workday, not an afterthought once people clock out.
The result is a whole-person wellness approach that fits real life.
- A points-based portal that gamifies progress without pressure.
- Spouse participation that extends support beyond the office.
- Subsidized fitness & wellness programs.
- Onsite screenings and clinics to assess and measure key health metrics.
Leadership Through Listening
What makes Jim’s leadership special is how local and personal it feels.
Rather than rolling out a top-down program, he empowers employee-led wellness committees to create their own initiatives (pop-up outdoor workouts, lunchroom plank challenges, and simple team-driven activities that keep things engaging).
And when stress levels run high? Jim’s team introduced one of the most beloved traditions in the building..Dog Days.
Three times a week, employee pets join the team at work – breaking tension, boosting morale, and reminding everyone that wellbeing doesn’t have to be serious to be effective.
Expanding Wellness Beyond the Body
Jim’s definition of wellness stretches beyond the physical elements.
Under his guidance, Bank of Ann Arbor began offering free financial literacy workshops for both employees and the broader community. By teaching budgeting confidence and fraud awareness, the bank helps reduce one of the biggest sources of modern anxiety: money stress.
Walking the Walk
Jim doesn’t just advocate for healthy living, we see him live it everyday within our walls.
At 63, he maintains a consistent routine: two strength sessions a week, regular cycling, and weekly hockey. His message is simple and powerful: strength is the foundation for doing the things you love for as long as you can.
That belief shows up everywhere in his leadership. His consistency sets the tone, his humility earns trust, and his authenticity keeps the culture real.
The Legacy of a Human Leader
Jim Miller has built a human workplace.
One where service beats sales pressure. One where health is protected as a shared responsibility. And one where leaders model the behaviors they hope to see.
If you’re a business owner or leader looking to build a culture where people truly thrive, Jim’s story is a masterclass in starting small, staying genuine, and letting the ripple effect do the rest.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of The AFS Health & Care Podcast featuring Jim Miller to hear his story, his philosophy, and how wellness became the quiet competitive advantage at Bank of Ann Arbor.
💬 Share this with a colleague or leader who’s ready to build a workplace that puts people first.
