Chris Walsh Named CEO of Sunwest Bank

Online, May 26, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The Board of Directors of Orange County- based Sunwest Bank (OTC: SWBC) has named Chris Walsh as its CEO in addition to his role as its president. 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, 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 Foundations.

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. Our aim is simple- provide entrepreneurs with a banking experience akin to one found in a private banking environment. All facets of our institution, from our product offerings to our service teams, and from our banking locations to our streamlined lending process, are designed to help move your business forward. Sunwest Bank's loyal customer base, which includes some of the most well-known and highly respected companies in the region, has grown due to our value-added approach to business banking.

Additional information can be found www.sunwestbank.com