Heritage Bank Announces Hiring of Market Executive for Southwest Washington

OLYMPIA, Wash., July 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Heritage Bank, a subsidiary of Heritage Financial Corporation ("Company") (NASDAQ: HFWA), announced the hiring of Brett Bryant as Market Executive for Southwest Washington. Mr. Bryant joins the Heritage Bank management team with 25 years of banking experience and deep roots in the Southwest Washington and Portland, Oregon business communities. In his new role he will work closely with the existing management team to develop Heritage Bank's presence in the region with an emphasis on commercial lending, expansion of the retail footprint, oversight for trust services and will also provide guidance around the bank's community activities.

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Mr. Bryant is the Vice-Chair of the PeaceHealth Southwest Medical System Board, a member of the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington Board, a member of Royal Oaks Country Club, in addition to his service as Chair of the New Heights Foundation Board.

"Heritage Bank made its entrance into Southwest Washington through the acquisition of Cowlitz/Bay Bank in July, 2010. During the past year we have been focused on integrating the various components of the organization and are now poised for growth. Recognizing the need for local expertise and leadership we embarked on a search for the right talent. As a result of that search we are delighted to have Brett join the management team. He brings many years of banking experience to Heritage Bank as well as a deep knowledge of the Southwest Washington and Portland markets.  We seek to have a significant presence in both of these markets," said Jeff Deuel, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

The Heritage Bank team looks forward to enhancing its position in the region and participating in the communities we serve through a combination of charitable contributions, providing banking services, as well as volunteer and leadership efforts. We understand the importance of enhancing the economic and social vitality of the communities we serve.  

About Heritage Financial

Heritage Financial Corporation is a bank holding company headquartered in Olympia, Washington.  The Company operates two community banks, Heritage Bank and Central Valley Bank.  Heritage Bank serves western Washington and the greater Portland, Oregon area through its twenty-seven full-service banking offices and its Online Banking Website www.HeritageBankWA.com.  Central Valley Bank serves Yakima and Kittitas counties in central Washington through its six full-service banking offices and its Online Banking Website www.CVBankWA.com.  Additional information about Heritage Financial Corporation is available on its Internet Website www.HF-WA.com.

SOURCE Heritage Financial Corporation