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

SUNWEST BANK NAMES ANDREW G. STINES SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF RISK OFFICER

TUSTIN, Calif., (JUNE 11, 2010)

 – Sunwest Bank, one of the strongest and healthiest community banks in the Western Region, has hired industry executive Andrew G. Stines as Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer.

“Bringing on a Chief Risk Officer is a significant move for Sunwest Bank,” explains Glenn E. Gray, Chief Executive Officer of Sunwest Bank. “Most true community banks are not large enough to have the need for a dedicated executive to oversee the bank’s institutional risks. Sunwest has, however, experienced tremendous organic growth in addition to our acquisition of three failed banks in 2009. Having now more than doubled in size, it has become necessary to bring an experienced industry expert like Andrew Stines on board to serve Sunwest and ensure that our corporate culture, strategic growth plan, management and Board are in proper compliance with all necessary laws and regulations.”

“We view Andrew’s hiring as an exciting and necessary step in our plans for continued growth and geographical expansion while still maintaining an unparalleled level of integrity, organization, safety and stability for our clients and employees,” he added.

In his new role with Sunwest Bank, Mr. Stines will be tasked with assisting the bank’s executive management and Board of Directors in developing and communicating risk management policies across the bank and implementing the consideration of risk into the institution’s strategic plan.

He will also be responsible for ensuring the bank’s compliance with key laws and regulations while assessing and monitoring key bank-wide risk factors.

Mr. Stines previously served as Principal and Consultant for the Regulatory Compliance Group of Free Vector Advisors, LLC. He also spent six years as a Manager in the Financial Services Regulatory Practice team with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP with its headquarters in New York.

“Sunwest Bank has a reputation which precedes it for impeccable banking standards, stability and dedication to providing top-tier financial services to its clients while still functioning as a true member of the communities in which its clients and customers live and work,” said Stines. “I am pleased to join the team here and help guide the bank and its executive management along a path of continued growth and success.”

A member of the Washington State Bar Association since 2001, Mr. Stines is also a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS).

Mr. Stines holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Colorado, a Juris Doctorate from the Seattle University School of Law and a Masters of Science in Finance from Seattle University Albers School of Business.