EBTX Encore Bancshares, Inc. (MM)

Encore Bancshares, Inc. (Nasdaq:EBTX) announced today that effective January 1, 2012 Patrick Oakes assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer following the previously announced retirement of Andy Creel. In addition, Stephanie Pollock has assumed the roles of Chief Accounting Officer and Controller. Both joined the company in August of 2011.

"The transition was very effective and with the addition of Patrick and Stephanie we are well positioned to continue to grow our franchise here in Houston," said James S. D'Agostino, Jr., Chairman.

Patrick is a CFA charterholder, earned a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and holds an MBA from Richmond College in London. He has extensive experience in the local finance industry and a strong background in asset/liability management, capital markets, and mergers and acquisitions. Patrick comes from Sterling Bank where he was Senior Vice President, Treasurer and he is a Board Member of the CFA Society of Houston. Prior to his ten years at Sterling, Patrick worked for Southwest Bank of Texas and several securities firms.

Stephanie also joins Encore from Sterling Bank where she was the Senior Vice President, Director of Financial Reporting. Stephanie is a CPA with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston. She brings to Encore her proficiency in financial reporting and her extensive experience in managing SEC matters. Stephanie previously worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers and Osburn, Henning & Co. of Orlando, Florida.

About Encore Bancshares, Inc.

Encore Bancshares, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Houston, Texas and offers a broad range of banking, wealth management and insurance services through Encore Bank, N.A. and its affiliated companies. Encore Bank operates 12 private client offices in the Greater Houston area. With $1.5 billion in assets, Encore builds relationships with professional firms, privately-owned businesses, investors and affluent individuals. Encore Bank offers a full range of business and personal banking products and services, as well as financial planning, wealth management, trust and insurance products through its trust division, Encore Trust, and its affiliated companies, Linscomb & Williams and Town & Country Insurance. Products and services offered by Encore Bank's affiliates are not FDIC insured. The Company's common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol "EBTX". The Encore Bancshares, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4257

CONTACT: Rhonda Carroll
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