PORTERVILLE, Calif., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sierra Bancorp (Nasdaq: BSRR) is pleased to announce that Chief Financial Officer Kenneth Taylor was recognized by U.S. Banker Magazine as one of the top 10 banking CFOs in the country. According to the January 2008 Edition of U.S. Banker, Taylor was included in U.S. Banker's All Star Banking Team which is composed of the Top 25 institutions, Top 10 CEOs, Top 10 CFOs, Top Retail Team and Top Wealth Management Team. Taylor has served as the CFO for Sierra Bancorp and it's wholly-owned subsidiary, Bank of the Sierra, for the past six years.

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The ranking is based on Sierra Bancorp's superior financial performance metrics and management's demonstrated ability to maintain strategic growth, ensure sustained financial performance, successfully navigate myriad regulatory obligations, and present clear and concise communication to Wall Street on behalf of investors.

"This is an honor that reflects well on the Bank, and the strong team effort that has consistently produced great financial results," stated Kenneth Taylor, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "Looking forward, I'm confident that we have the right players in place to maintain our current momentum and face the challenges that lay ahead for the banking industry," he added.

About Sierra Bancorp

Sierra Bancorp is the holding company for Bank of the Sierra, now in its 31st year of operations. According to the January 2008 Edition of U.S. Banker Magazine, Sierra Bancorp was ranked as the 2nd best performing mid-tier bank and 6th best performing bank nationwide. For more information please visit http://www.sierrabancorp.com or call (888) 454-BANK.

About Bank of the Sierra

With $1.2 billion in assets and strong performance ratios, Bank of the Sierra operates as the largest independent community bank headquartered in California's Heartland. The bank serves 14 different communities with 21 branches, an Agricultural Credit Center, an SBA Center and an online "virtual" branch. For more information visit http://www.bankofthesierra.com or call (888) 454-BANK.

SOURCE Sierra Bancorp

Contact: Kenneth Taylor, Chief Financial Officer or Matthew Hessler, CFMP, Marketing Coordinator, both of Sierra Bancorp, +1-559-782-4900, 1-888-454-BANK