Sunwest Bank Appoints Allan Gomez as Laguna Hills Vice President & Branch Sales Manager

Business Wire, Sept 27, 2007

TUSTIN, Calif. -- Sunwest Bank (OTCBB:SWBC) recently appointed Allan Gomez as Vice President and Branch Sales Manager at its Laguna Hills Location. Utilizing his extensive sales and management experience, Mr. Gomez will generate business through networking and face-to-face interaction with current and potential clients.

Most recently, Mr. Gomez served as a Small Business Banker for Wachovia Bank. He previously worked as a Business Banking Manager for Western Financial, after his promotion from Branch Manager. Mr. Gomez was also a Personal Banker Supervisor for Cal Fed Bank / Citibank. Mr. Gomez graduated from California State Polytechnic University of Pomona with a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration.

"Allan's customer service focus and commitment to clients enhances our efforts in the South County," said Glenn Gray, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sunwest Bank. "We're pleased that Allan joined our team."

Mr. Gomez is an active member of the community and works with various business, civic, and charitable organizations. He is actively involved with the South Orange County Regional Chambers of Commerce as well as the Tustin Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Allan volunteers with the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). He resides in Aliso Viejo with his family. In his spare time he enjoys traveling, fishing, and music.

Sunwest Bank is a leading provider of banking services to small to middle-market businesses throughout Southern California. Headquartered in Tustin with additional locations in Newport Beach, Laguna Hills and Anaheim, Sunwest Bank offers customized banking solutions with the highest level of personal service. Sunwest Bank has expertise with homeowners' associations and property management companies, lockbox processing, healthcare professionals, women-owned businesses, and residential and commercial real estate developers. Online banking is available through its corporate website: www.sunwestbank.com.