Contact:
Corynne Randel/Judith Brower
Brower, Miller & Cole
(949) 509-6551
crandel@browermillercole.com

SUNWEST BANK NAMES ANDREW LAMB SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND RELATIONSHIP MANAGER FOR ITS NEWPORT BEACH OFFICE

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., (May 13, 2010) – Sunwest Bank, one of the strongest and healthiest community banks in the Western Region, has named Orange County banking veteran Andrew Lamb as Senior Vice President and Relationship Manager of its Newport Beach, Calif. office. Lamb previously served eight years as Senior Vice President of Pacific Mercantile Bank in Costa Mesa, Calif.

“Andrew’s solid foundation in the banking industry was built here in Orange County,” notes Glenn E. Gray, Chief Executive Officer of the Tustin, California-headquartered Sunwest Bank. “That foundation has provided him with extensive knowledge about the Orange County market, making him the ideal candidate to manage the clients with our Newport Beach Branch. His expertise regarding the local business landscape and his commitment to the community will serve his employees, customers and Sunwest’s overall strategic plan, as the bank grows and expands throughout the Western Region.”

Lamb is a seasoned industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience in the banking and finance industry. He began his banking career at California First Bank in Irvine, Calif., serving 11 years as Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer.

“In today’s economy, it is essential for business owners and entrepreneurs to seek a lender that is safe, stable and capable of supporting their vision with the appropriate financial service offerings,” said Andrew Lamb. “Sunwest Bank is that lender, a true community bank with a strong balance sheet and unparalleled customer service. I am proud to join the Sunwest team and bring my experience and knowledge to our clients along with the strength and liquidity of one of the healthiest community banks in the country.”

Lamb holds a Masters of Arts from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

Sunwest Bank acquired three banks in the Western Region of the United States in 2009, expanding the bank’s presence in Orange County with the acquisition of Pacific Coast National Bank of San Clemente, Calif. and MetroPacific Bank of Irvine, Calif. Sunwest also expanded its footprint into the Arizona market with the acquisition of First State Bank of Flagstaff, Arizona. Sunwest has shown consistent growth, not only through its acquisitions, but also organically with new depositors and business clients eager to work with a secure and stable financial partner. As a result of its continued growth and success, Sunwest Bank has announced the hire and promotion of several key executives responsible for managing its branches and providing its clients with unparalleled levels of service.

With nearly 40 years in business, Sunwest Bank, one of the strongest banks in California, partners with entrepreneurs to personally take their businesses to a new level of success. The bank’s solid balance sheet includes significant liquidity, resulting in an ability to lend in an environment where many banks are unable or unwilling to do so. Sunwest Bank has branch offices in Tustin, Anaheim, Newport Beach, Laguna Hills, San Clemente, Encinitas California, in addition to three branches in Flagstaff and one in Cottonwood Arizona. The bank specializes in meeting the credit and cash management needs of small and mid-size businesses. Additional information can be found at www.sunwestbank.com.