First Choice Bank is Proud to Welcome John Harelson, Regional Vice President at the Bank’s Solana Beach Office

First Choice Bank, the “Bank” (OTCQX: FCBK), announced John Harelson has been named Regional Vice President at the Bank’s Solana Beach location. Harelson has a strong background in banking with over 27 years of experience including lending to business, financing commercial real estate and advising on treasury management services. He has spent the last 26 years in San Diego supporting business and real estate owners and investors. As Regional Vice President, he will be responsible for growing the presence of First Choice Bank in San Diego County.

John is a graduate of the University of Washington’s Financial Services Management Program, Pacific Coast Banking School; holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Oregon State University; and received a Certificate in International Business from University of San Diego. He is also very active in the community; he currently serves on the board at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad and is involved with Canyon Crest Academy Foundation. He has also volunteered his time with the Encinitas Union School District, the Coastal Community Foundation, the San Dieguito Boys & Girls Club, Voices for Children and American Field Service High School Foreign Exchange.

“We are committed to serving the banking needs within our communities and are excited to have someone with John’s background on our team in Solana Beach,” said Robert Franko, President & CEO. “His background, experience and commitment to the community make him a valuable resource for local business owners and individuals.”

“I am very excited about joining the First Choice Bank team,” said Harelson. “The Bank is giving me the tools to support businesses and real estate owners with products and lending structures that fit with today’s complex needs. Come and find out how I can support you.”

ABOUT FIRST CHOICE BANK

First Choice Bank, headquartered in Cerritos, California, is a community focused financial institution, serving diverse consumers and commercial clients and specializing in loans to small businesses, Commercial and Industrial (C&I) loans, and commercial real estate loans with a niche in providing finance for the hospitality industry. The Bank is a Preferred Small Business Administration (SBA) Lender. The Bank recently started a private banking operation. First Choice Bank was awarded the highest 5-Star Superior rating by BauerFinancial in January 2016 and was recognized by Findley Reports as a Super Premier Performing Bank for 2015. Founded in 2005, First Choice Bank has quickly become a leading provider of financial services that enable our customers to grow, maintain strength, and reach unprecedented levels of success. We strive to surpass our clients' expectations through our efficiency and professionalism and are committed to being "First in Speed, Service, and Solutions." First Choice Bank stock is traded on the Over the Counter (OTCQX); our Ticker Symbol is FCBK.

The Bank's web site is www.FirstChoiceBankCA.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical information in this news release, the matters described herein contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Such risks and uncertainties include: the credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and trend of loan delinquencies and charge-offs, results of examinations by our banking regulators, our ability to maintain adequate levels of capital and liquidity, our ability to manage loan delinquency rates, our ability to price deposits to retain existing customers and achieve low-cost deposit growth, manage expenses and lower the efficiency ratio, expand or maintain the net interest margin, mitigate interest rate risk for changes in the interest rate environment, competitive pressures in the banking industry, access to available sources of credit to manage liquidity, the local and national economic environment, and other risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. First Choice Bank undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Investors are encouraged to read the First Choice Bank annual reports which are available on our website.

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