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Umpqua Holdings Corporation Names John Noble President of Strand, Atkinson, Williams and York

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^{Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, December 18th 2008 at 13:02 GMT by Market Wire}  

PORTLAND, Ore.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Umpqua Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: UMPQ), parent company of Umpqua Bank and Strand, Atkinson, Williams & York Inc., has named John Noble president of Strand, Atkinson, Williams & York. As president, Noble will be responsible for all Strand operations, including business development. Additionally, he will work with Umpqua Bank to expand the reach of the firm's investment and financial planning offerings throughout Umpqua's markets.

"John is a seasoned leader with tremendous financial services and investment experience," said Ray Davis, president and CEO of Umpqua Holdings Corporation. "He is a respected leader within the industry and his extensive background clearly illustrates his ability to guide consumers and corporations through smart, customized investment decisions. I am confident that John will be a tremendous asset to Strand's advisors, customers and the community as a whole."

Noble has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. He comes to Strand from UBS Financial Services where he served as director and executive vice president for its Oregon branches. Prior to that, John was employed by Smith Barney for more than 20 years where he held several managerial positions, including senior vice president and branch office manager.

Noble and his family live in Portland, Ore., where he is an active member of the community. He was instrumental in establishing the first Portland Metro program for the National Academy of Finance, which partners with public high schools to provide investment and financial planning curriculum for students. He also served as chairman of the Securities Industry Regulatory Council on Continuing Education.

About Umpqua Holdings Corporation

Umpqua Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: UMPQ) is the parent company of Umpqua Bank, an Oregon-based community bank recognized for its entrepreneurial approach, innovative use of technology, and distinctive banking solutions. Umpqua Bank has 148 locations between Napa, Calif., and Bellevue, Wash., along the Oregon and Northern California Coast and in Central Oregon. Umpqua Holdings also owns a retail brokerage subsidiary Strand, Atkinson, Williams & York Inc., which has locations in Umpqua Bank stores and in dedicated offices throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. Umpqua Bank's Private Client Services Division provides tailored financial services and products to individual customers. Umpqua Holdings Corporation is headquartered in Portland, Ore. For more information, visit [ www.umpquaholdingscorp.com ].