American Perspective Bank Announces Resignation of Chief Executive Officer and Appointment of Successor

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- American Perspective Bank (BULLETIN BOARD: APBA) (the "Bank") today announced the resignation of Thomas J. Beene, the Bank's President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Beene, age 61, resigned to pursue other professional opportunities. Mr. Beene commenced working for the Bank in September 2009.

The Bank's Board of Directors has appointed Mark A. Crawford to succeed Mr. Beene as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Crawford, age 50, has served as the Bank's Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer since December 2009 and is a veteran financial industry executive, with over 25 years of experience in financial institution supervision and management. Mr. Crawford will also continue to serve as the Bank's Chief Credit Officer pending the recruitment of an individual for that position.

Thomas J. Madden III, the Bank's Chairman of the Board, stated: "We understand Tom Beene's desire to move in another direction at this point in his career. The Bank is fortunate to have a deep and experienced management team, including a very well qualified successor such as Mark Crawford. The appointment of Mr. Crawford will facilitate a smooth transition and the continued effective management of the Bank."

Commenting on his appointment, Mark Crawford stated: "I look forward to building upon the many successes achieved by the Bank since its opening for business a bit more than three years ago. The Bank is well positioned to continue implementing its strategic plan, leveraging its strong regulatory capital position, ample liquidity, significant lending capacity, and robust product and delivery platform." Mr. Crawford then added: "The Bank's strong orientation toward shareholder value is one reason I was attracted to the Bank in the first place. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors and the entire employee team to continue generating shareholder value."

The Bank's target markets are commercial enterprises, professionals, real estate investors, family business entities, and residents in San Luis Obispo County and northern Santa Barbara County. The Bank's San Luis Obispo office is located at 4051 Broad Street, Suite 140, San Luis Obispo, California, near the intersection of Broad Street (Highway 227) and Tank Farm Road. The Bank's Santa Maria office is located at 2646 Santa Maria Way, Suite 101, Santa Maria, California, near the intersection of Santa Maria Way and Broadway. The Bank's deposits are insured by the FDIC up to applicable legal limits.

Certain of the statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "target," "plans," "may increase," "may fluctuate," "may result in," "are projected," and similar expressions. The Bank's actual results may differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the economic, business, and real estate market conditions in the Bank's market areas, the interest rate environment, competition, regulatory and legislative actions, the possibility that the Bank will not be successful in achieving its strategic objectives, the performance and contributions of employees and directors, and other factors. The Bank does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

This news release is available at the http://www.americanperspectivebank.com/ Internet site for no charge.

American Perspective Bank

CONTACT: Mark A. Crawford, President, Chief Executive Officer,
[phone], [e-mail], or Mark R. Andino,
Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, [phone],
[e-mail], both of American Perspective Bank,
[e-mail], San Luis Obispo, [phone], fax,
[phone], Santa Maria, [phone], fax, [phone]

Web Site: http://www.americanperspectivebank.com/