California Bankers Association Names James W. Lokey Chairman.

President of Community Banking at Rabobank, N.A. Leads State's Largest Banking Trade Association

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The California Bankers Association (CBA) today announced that James W. Lokey, president of community banking at Rabobank, N.A., will serve as the chairman of the board of directors for California's largest banking trade association.

"California's banking industry is facing challenging times," said Rodney K. Brown, president of CBA. "Our members remain committed to providing their customers with the best products, services and banking experiences, but the economy along with the legislative and regulatory environment is making it increasingly difficult to do so. During times like these we look for new and innovative solutions and I can think of no better leader for our industry during these challenging times than Jim Lokey."

Lokey began his career in 1973 with First Interstate Bank of California in Los Angeles, where he served for more than 20 years before moving to Downey Savings in 1997 to serve as its president and chief executive officer. Lokey then served as the president and chief executive officer of Mid-State Bank & Trust for seven years until the bank was acquired by Rabobank, N.A. in 2007. As president of community banking for Rabobank, N.A., he reports to CEO Ronald Blok and oversees the bank's 79 retail branches and 14 financial service centers serving communities from Sacramento to the Imperial Valley. He also serves on the board of directors of Rabobank, N.A.

Lokey serves as a director of the UCSB Economic Forecast State Board, a director for the French Hospital Foundation, a director for the Ventura County Medical Resource Foundation, and a board member of The Wellness Center. He is the 2007-2008 honorary chair of the American Cancer Society of the Tri-Counties, a member of the President's Cabinet at Cal Poly, and a director and investment committee member of Cal Poly Corporation. He is a former president and director of the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo, a past president and director for the San Luis Obispo County UCSB Economic Forecast Project and a past director and chairman of the board for Junior Achievement of Southern California.

Information about CBA

Established more than 115 years ago, the California Bankers Association (CBA) is one of the largest state banking trade associations in the country. CBA leads the way in developing relevant educational and legislative solutions to some of California's more pressing financial and banking issues, including adult financial empowerment, identity theft, financial privacy, and financial elder abuse. CBA's membership includes more than 300 of California's commercial, industrial and community banks and savings associations. For more information, visit www.calbankers.com.