TACOMA, Wash., Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- West Coast Bank (Nasdaq: WCBO) has named veteran banker Tom Leander Vice President-Relationship Manager of the company's new Pierce County Commercial Banking Group. Leander earned a Masters degree in Business Administration from Boston University and has extensive knowledge in business lending, brokerage and related depository strategies with a focus on medical and dental professionals as well as small to mid-sized commercial business relationships.

Regional President Tim Dowling said, "As a longtime banker in the community, Tom will be a great addition to our emerging presence in Pierce County. West Coast Bank is well capitalized, and ready to support the local business community. We are excited to have Tom represent the bank as we grow and expand."

Leander is a Washington native, long-time local resident, and is active in Peninsula School District Audit Committee, Rotary, and Pierce County Alliance.

West Coast Bancorp (Nasdaq: WCBO) is a Northwest bank holding company with $2.5 billion in assets, operating 65 locations in Oregon and Washington. The Company combines the sophisticated products and expertise of larger banks with the local decision making, market knowledge and customer service of a community bank. For more information, visit the Company's web site at www.wcb.com.

SOURCE West Coast Bank