C. James Bess Named President & CEO of Oxford Bank Corporation and Oxford Bank

Bess Also Named to Board of Directors 


OXFORD, Mich., June 19  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The board of directors of Oxford Bank Corporation (OTC:OXBC) (BULLETIN BOARD: OXBC) , the holding company for Oxford Bank, announced today the appointment of C. James Bess as president and chief executive officer of the Bank and the Holding Company.  Mr. Bess was also appointed to the board of directors of both entities.  All positions are subject to regulatory approval.

Mr. Bess brings a total of 46 years of experience in the financial services industry to his position with Oxford Bank, including 37 years as a community banker. Since 1979, he has successfully served as president and CEO of institutions ranging in total assets from $30 million to $650 million in Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky. Most recently, Mr. Bess was the CEO and president of North Country Bank & Trust in Manistique, Michigan between 2003 and 2006.

Karen Mersino, board chair of the Corporation and the Bank, announced the appointment and commented, "Mr. Bess is a highly-regarded leader within the banking industry.  His vast background in community banking, and demonstrated experience in assisting financial institutions through regulatory enforcement actions, will be an extraordinary asset to the Board as we look to keep Oxford Bank independent and return it to profitability."

Oxford Bank Corporation is a registered holding company.  Its subsidiary, Oxford Bank, is the oldest commercial bank in Oakland County, celebrating its 125th year in 2009.  The Bank was recently voted the Best Bank in Oakland County by the readers of the Oakland Press and earned the 1st Place Readers Choice for Best Bank in December of 2008 by the readers of the Oxford Leader and the Lake Orion Review.  It operates eight full-service offices in Clarkston, Davison, Dryden, Goodrich, Lake Orion, Oakland Township, Ortonville and Oxford, along with a consumer lending center in Oxford and a commercial banking office in Lake Orion.  The Bank has operated continuously under local ownership and management since it first opened for business in 1884.  For more information about Oxford Bank and its complete line of financial services, please visit http://www.oxfordbank.com/. 

DATASOURCE: Oxford Bank Corporation



CONTACT:  Anthony P. Lasher, [phone], Fax: [phone],





Web Site:  http://www.oxfordbank.com/ 

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