YONKERS, NY--(Marketwired - December 10, 2015) - Sterling National Bank, the principal subsidiary of Sterling Bancorp (NYSE: STL), announced today that Michael Vitale has joined its Westchester commercial banking team as Managing Director. Mr. Vitale will provide commercial lending services to middle market clients, with particular focus on the commercial real estate, not-for-profit, and medical practice sectors. He will also manage banking relationships with high-net-worth individuals.

Sterling provides commercial banking services through nearly 30 relationship teams serving the greater New York metropolitan area and beyond. Each client has a single point of contact that supports their full range of banking needs and enables them to realize their growth opportunities with customized financing solutions.

"We are excited to welcome Michael to our growing team, as we continue to build on our expertise in serving both middle market commercial clients and individuals with sophisticated banking needs," said Lynn Bagliebter, President of the Westchester Market at Sterling National Bank. "His depth of experience aligns perfectly with our promise to clients to provide the utmost in personalized service."

Prior to joining Sterling, Mr. Vitale served as Vice President of Commercial Lending at The Westchester Bank. Previously, he was a Senior Credit Analyst with Chase Bank's Middle Market Commercial Lending Group.

About Sterling National Bank

Sterling National Bank, the principal subsidiary of Sterling Bancorp, specializes in the delivery of service and solutions to business owners, their families, and consumers in communities within the greater New York City area through teams of dedicated and experienced relationship managers. Sterling National Bank offers a complete line of commercial, business, and consumer banking products and services. For more information, visit www.snb.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may concern Sterling's current expectations about its future results, plans, operations and prospects and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including inflation; the effects of, and changes in, trade; changes in asset quality and credit risk; introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives; capital management activities; customer disintermediation; and the success of Sterling at managing these risks. Other factors that could cause Sterling's actual results to differ from those indicated in forward-looking statements are included in the "Risk Factors" section of Sterling's securities filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included herein are only made as of the date hereof, and Sterling specifically disclaims any obligation to update these statements in the future.