Excel National Bank Appoints New Senior VP

(Thomas M. Shepherd To Serve As Chief Credit Officer at Excel's Temecula Office)

Thomas M. Shepherd has been named senior vice president/chief credit officer of Excel National Bank and will help oversee the Beverly Hills bank's Temecula office, announced bank president Brian Carlson. Shepherd's responsibilities will include overseeing the credit administration function for Excel's massive portfolio, approving loans, maintaining policies and procedures and reporting to its board of directors. The Temecula resident held a similar position at another institution for 10 years during which time that bank grew from $50 million to $1.3 billion in assets.

"Having worked with Mr. Shepherd for several years in our previous occupations, it is with great pleasure that I welcome him aboard the Excel National Bank team," said Carlson. "His expertise will certainly prove valuable as the bank continues to grow."

Added Shepherd, "This is an exciting time for Excel National Bank and I want to be a part of the dynamic team of professionals who are guiding its success."

Shepherd has held key executive positions with a number of business and regional banks. He's served in various capacities including loan committees, loan loss reserve committees and asset/liability management committees. His experience includes Small Business Administration (SBA), construction and commercial loan experience - all key areas for Excel National Bank. Shepherd is a graduate of Buffalo State College in New York and holds an MBA from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Married with four children, he is involved in various community organizations including youth basketball.

Excel National Bank has been recognized as a leader in banking in terms of safety, strength and performance. It was recently awarded "Super Premier" status - the highest honor granted -- by The Findley Reports, a nationally recognized bank research and rating firm. In just two years, the bank has rocketed to the 22nd spot in nationwide SBA lending with 228 loans totaling $200 million. With assets of more than $120 million, Excel offers a full range of services including commercial real estate loans, construction loans, business lending and comprehensive retail banking services.

Its growing reputation as a preferred SBA lender, however, is the key factor in its meteoric rise. Excel has helped a wide range of businesses from motels and gas stations to professional groups (e.g., medical, dental and law practices) expand their operations and realize their true growth potential. Its primary strength is its ability to help clients quickly and efficiently navigate through the complex SBA lending process.

Headquartered in Beverly Hills, Excel National Bank maintains offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, San Bernardino and Fresno. Its out-of-state offices are in Chicago, Phoenix, AZ and Bellevue, WA. For more information, call (310) 362-2000 or visit www.bankexcel.com.