TACOMA, Wash., April 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Columbia Bank announced the promotion of 176th and Meridian Branch Manager Michael Henson to Assistant Vice President. He will continue his role as Branch Manager.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070411/SFW082 )

"Michael has done a great job as Manager of our 176th and Meridian Branch. He has created an excellent atmosphere for both customers and staff and has been very involved in the community," said Wayne Mannie, Senior Vice President and Regional Retail Manager, of the promotion.

Mr. Henson has over 10 years of banking experience, and has been with Columbia Bank for his entire career, beginning as an intern while in college. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with an Economics minor from the University of Puget Sound.

A lifelong resident of Tacoma, he is very involved in the community, serving as President-Elect and Chair of the Finance Committee of the Graham Business Association, Board Member of the Bethel Educational Scholarship Team, member of Graham-South Hill Sunrise Lion's Club, Tutor for the Werlin Reading Program, judge for Emerald Ridge H.S. Business Week, and participates in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Tacoma.

Columbia Bank is a Washington state-chartered, full-service commercial bank providing financial products and services to individuals, business and the real estate community. A wholly owned subsidiary of Columbia Banking System Inc (Nasdaq: COLB), Columbia Bank currently operates 35 branches in Pierce, King, Cowlitz, Kitsap and Thurston counties. More information about Columbia can be found on its website at http://www.columbiabank.com.

     Contact: JoAnne Coy, Vice President
     Marketing and Communications Director
     Columbia Bank
     253-305-1965

SOURCE Columbia Bank

Contact: JoAnne Coy, Vice President, Marketing and Communications Director of Columbia Bank, +1-253-305-1965