Opus Bank forms new Healthcare Banking division

Opus Bank ("Opus" or the "Bank") announced today the formation of its Healthcare Banking division, a new niche focus within Opus' Commercial Business Banking division. The new division will initially focus on providing capital financing and banking solutions to dental, medical, veterinary, and ophthalmology healthcare professionals for healthcare practice acquisitions and expansions, partner buy-ins and buy-outs, equipment financing, and facilities acquisitions, improvements, and relocations.

“We are pleased to welcome Evan as he joins Opus Bank to lead the growth of our newly launched Healthcare Banking division. Evan is a highly regarded banking veteran with a consistent history of success banking healthcare practices and their physician owners up and down the West Coast.”

Opus Bank additionally announced today that Evan Barker has joined Opus Bank as Senior Managing Director, Healthcare Banking. Mr. Barker, a 20-year banking veteran, joins the Bank most recently from Sunwest Bank, where he served as Senior Vice President - Healthcare Division Manager. While at Sunwest Bank, Mr. Barker led the Healthcare division, and focused on healthcare professionals, their practices, and other related businesses that support healthcare professionals. Earlier in his career, Mr. Barker held similar positions with Partners Bank of California and Pacific Mercantile Bank (NASDAQ: PMBC).

Stephen H. Gordon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Opus Bank, stated, "The healthcare sector continues to undergo significant transition, and healthcare professionals are constantly having to adapt in order to compete. Opus Bank is keenly committed to backing those healthcare professionals, practices, and businesses looking for a financial partner who understands their business and related challenges." Mr. Gordon added, "We are pleased to welcome Evan as he joins Opus Bank to lead the growth of our newly launched Healthcare Banking division. Evan is a highly regarded banking veteran with a consistent history of success banking healthcare practices and their physician owners up and down the West Coast." Mr. Gordon concluded, "Evan has a deep understanding of the healthcare sector and has developed a unique expertise in structuring and delivering financial solutions to healthcare professionals who have the vision and ability to expand and grow, thereby creating jobs from the ground up."