BOISE, February 8 /PR Newswire/ -- Idaho Banking Company (OTC Bulletin Board: IBCB) has named Michael Johnston as its new President and Chief Executive Officer.

Johnston brings over 19 years of commercial banking experience to the position. Upon graduation from Stanford University in 1982, he returned to Idaho and began his banking career with Idaho First National Bank. From 1983 until 1996, Mike held a variety of management positions with Idaho First, and later its successor, West One Bank, culminating his tenure there as Region Manager for the bank’s Central Idaho Region. In 1996 he joined Washington Mutual as the Idaho Region Manager in its Business Banking Division. Most recently Mike was a Group Manager responsible for commercial banking activities in the states of Idaho, Utah, Nevada and Texas.

"The Board has expressed complete confidence in Mike’s ability to lead the Bank in the exciting years ahead", said Chairman of the Board Randy Harris. "We think he brings the expertise and broad based community banking knowledge necessary to significantly grow the Bank in the Treasure Valley."

"I’m looking forward to joining my new associates at Idaho Banking Company", said Johnston. "The Bank has a solid cadre of talented bankers and they, together with the Board, have done an excellent job of positioning the company to take advantage of growth opportunities within the Boise-area communities."

Idaho Banking Company, a state-chartered commercial bank and member of the Federal Reserve Bank, opened in 1996. Its primary emphasis is providing personalized service and local decision-making for clients seeking a change from the automated and impersonal "big bank" atmosphere. The Bank operates three branches and one mortgage office in Ada County.

Source: Idaho Banking Company
Contacts: Michael Johnston, President/CEO at 208-472-4702; Mary Brimson, VP Corporate Relations at 208-472-4705, or Don Madsen, CFO at 208-947-1880