Photo Release -- Dr. Ronald Copenhaver Named to First State Bank Board


SARASOTA, Fla., April 12, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- First State Bank, which operates six branches in Sarasota and Pinellas counties, has announced the appointment of Ronald E. Copenhaver, DMD, to the board of directors.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2540

"I am thrilled to announce the election of Dr. Copenhaver to the First State Bank board," said Corey J. Coughlin, President and CEO. "Dr. Copenhaver brings to the board a wealth of experience. Health care plays an important role in our local economy, and it will be helpful for us as a community bank to have a physician's perspective on our board."

Dr. Copenhaver, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, is in professional practice at the Bay Center for Jaw Surgery with three offices in Largo and St. Petersburg. He has previous banking experience as an advisory board member with Florida Bank of Pinellas County and with Southeast Bank, Pinellas County.

"I've enjoyed serving on the previous bank boards and am looking forward to my involvement with First State Bank's board of directors," said Dr. Copenhaver. "As a community bank, First State is has exceptional leadership, a proven track record and some great opportunities ahead, but more importantly, they treat you as a person and not just as an account number."

Dr. Copenhaver holds a doctorate degree of dental surgery with High Distinction from Indiana University School of Dentistry. He also has a bachelor of arts degree in zoology. Dr. Copenhaver is an American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Fellow and board certified by the American Dental Society of Anesthesia, the Florida and Indiana State Dental Boards and the Northeast Regional State Dental Board.

About First State Bank

First State Financial Corporation (Nasdaq:FSTF) is the holding company for Sarasota, Florida-based First State Bank (www.firststatefl.com). First State operates six full-service banking centers, three in Pinellas County and three in Sarasota County. With more than $310 million in assets, it is the fifth largest bank headquartered in the Tampa Bay market.

Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains comments or information that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements.



            
Dr. Ronald Copenhaver

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