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Mesa Bank Elevates Rita Leaf to Executive Vice President

Mesa, Arizona: October 25, 2004 - Neil Barna, president and CEO of Mesa Bank, is pleased to announce that Rita E. Leaf, the bank's chief credit officer, has been elevated to executive vice president. She was previously senior vice president.

"Rita is an experienced banker who expertise has been a benefit to Mesa Bank," Barna said. "After over 20 years in banking, Rita has clearly established herself as an accomplished financial services manager. She understands all aspects of commercial and real estate lending, and has proven business development skills."

Leaf began her career as a real estate loan originator for a bank in the state of Washington. She later worked in branch and district management, commercial lending and credit administration. She served as chief credit officer for five years for a bank in Washington prior to joining Mesa Bank.

In addition to a bachelor's degree from Washington State University, Leaf is a graduate of Pacific Coast Banking School. During her career, she has been active with numerous business organizations and was named "Most Dynamic Business Woman" by The Business Journal in Vancouver, Wash.

Mesa Bank, founded in 1998, is ranked as the No. 1 community bank in Arizona for the second consecutive year in the 2004 edition of Ranking Arizona, which each year conducts the largest business opinion poll in the state. Mesa Bank's Falcon Field Office opened in 2003 and is located at 1733 N. Greenfield Road.