Banner Bank has hired Dianne Larsen as its new Senior Vice President/Director of Marketing. In her new position, Larsen will direct bank marketing functions including brand identity, communication, strategic planning, outreach, and market research.

“Dianne is the perfect candidate to head our marketing efforts,” said Cynthia Purcell, Banner Bank Executive Vice President for Retail Banking and Administration. “Her years of experience in the financial services and telecommunications fields coupled with her demonstrated successes and leadership qualities will be a benefit to Banner’s long term success.”

Larsen spent a number of years at Washington Mutual, leading the commercial group’s marketing department. She was responsible for all marketing activities in support of its multi-family lending, commercial real estate lending, mortgage banker finance and commercial banking activities. Prior to joining Washington Mutual, Larsen held a variety of marketing and sales roles in wireless telecommunications, which culminated in her running all marketing and sales for Vodafone’s start-up in Budapest, Hungary. Most recently, Larsen worked for Clearwire, a 4G mobile internet provider.

Passionate about serving the communities where she works and lives, Larsen is a member of the board of directors for New Beginnings, a Seattle non-profit that provides advocacy, shelter and support for women and children impacted by domestic violence.

Larsen holds an MBA from the University of Washington.

About the Company

Banner Corporation (NASDAQ:BANR), the parent company of Banner Bank and Islanders Bank, is a $4.2 billion bank holding company operating two commercial banks in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. The banks serve the Pacific Northwest region with a full range of deposit services and business, commercial real estate, construction, residential, agricultural and consumer loans. Visit Banner Bank on the Web at www.bannerbank.com.