HUNTINGTON — A former branch manager is suing a bank business, alleging discrimination and retaliation.
Jeanne Rowe of Huntington filed a complaint in Cabell Circuit Court against Peoples Bancorp Inc. and and south regional manager Ryan Welch, alleging they violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act.
According to the complaint, despite being qualified and holding the position of a branch manager at another bank, Rowe, who began working for Peoples Bancorp in 2009 was passed over for promotion five times. As a result of the defendants' denial of promotion, Rowe says she has suffered lost wages and benefits, embarrassment, humiliation and mental stress.
The plaintiff alleges Peoples Bancorp and Welch refused to consider her application for the branch manager positions, which were given to substantially younger employees with less experience. Rowe is 61 with 30 years of banking experience.
Rowe seeks trial by jury, compensatory and punitive damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney fees and costs. She is represented by attorneys Amy C. Crossan and Neil R. Bouchillon of Bouchillon, Crossan & Colburn LC in Huntington.
Cabell Circuit Court case number 18-C-339