Washington Federal Names John Pirtle Manager of Phoenix Commercial Real Estate Division

  Washington Federal (NASDAQ: WFSL) has named John Pirtle, Senior Vice President and the Phoenix Division Manager as manager of the Phoenix Commercial Real Estate Division, announced Roy Whitehead, Washington Federal's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Pirtle has been the Phoenix Division Manager since July 2005 and has been selected to serve as manager of a newly created division responsible for all spec construction, land A & D, multi-family, and non-owner occupied real estate lending in the Phoenix market.

"Washington Federal is very fortunate to have a person with John's extensive real estate experience available to step into this role for Washington Federal here in Phoenix," says Roy Whitehead, Chairman, President and CEO.

Prior to relocating to Phoenix in 2005, Pirtle was manager of the Cole & Ustick Branch of Washington Federal in Boise, Idaho. He joined Washington Federal in 1987 via the acquisition of United First Federal. He is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School and holds a bachelor's degree from the College of Idaho. Pirtle has extensive experience in all facets of real estate lending, including the workout of problem loans and handling REO properties.

Washington Federal operates 165 offices in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Texas and New Mexico. Established in 1917, the Company provides residential real estate loans, commercial real estate financing, consumer deposit accounts and business banking. On September 30, 2011, the Company reported $13.4 billion in assets, $8.7 billion in deposits and $1.9 billion in stockholders' equity.