Chris Walsh Named CEO of Sunwest Bank

Irvine, CA, May 26, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The Board of Directors of Orange County based Sunwest Bank (OTC: SWBC) has named Chris Walsh as its CEO in addition to president. Mr. Walsh will be replacing Glenn Gray, who has left the bank to pursue other interests. “On behalf of Sunwest Bank, we thank Glenn for his leadership and vision for the past six years. We wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Walsh.

A veteran community banker, Mr. Walsh has been serving Sunwest Bank as President, overseeing the development of new and existing client relationships throughout California and Arizona. As CEO, he will assume the additional responsibility of managing the day-to-day operation of the bank, ensuring that it is consistent with the strategy and vision developed by the Board of Directors. A dedicated community volunteer, Walsh assists various civic and charitable organizations, including the Orangewood Children’s and Mission Hospital Foundation’s.

With nearly 40 years in business, Sunwest Bank is one of the strongest community banks in the western region of the United States, with assets in excess of $612 million. The bank specializes in meeting the needs of small and mid-size businesses, is an industry-recognized leader in homeowner association management banking, and has specialties in healthcare and assisted living related businesses.

Additional information can be found at http://www.sunwestbank.com/.