First Citizens Bank Announces New Alignment

September 12, 2002

RALEIGH, N.C. - First Citizens Bank has announced its first major realignment in a decade, increasing its number of North Carolina regions and naming associates to key new leadership positions.

"Our new alignment allows us to do what we do best—provide outstanding service in our local communities," said Jim Hyler, vice chairman of First Citizens Bank. "The strong leadership teams that we've put in place will enhance our market presence and strengthen customer relationships for the long-term."

During the last 10 years, the bank's markets have grown and changed significantly. Under the new organizational structure, the bank has increased its number of North Carolina regions from three to six. The additional regions will allow First Citizens to better respond to and meet the needs of its markets, customers and associates.

"We've put together an experienced team of bankers with strong local ties to oversee our new regions," said Frank Holding Jr., president of First Citizens Bank. "They have an excellent understanding of the needs of the people and businesses in these markets and the ability to provide the first-rate service our customers deserve."

The bank's regions and leadership appointments include:

West Region, (Buncombe, Henderson and Jackson areas)
Bob Roberts, executive vice president
Scott Pritchard, Buncombe area executive
Bill Elder, regional business executive (West and Metro regions)

Metro Region (Mecklenburg, Union, Catawba and Burke areas)
Allen Woodward, executive vice president
William Braddy, Mecklenburg area executive
Bill Elder, regional business executive (Metro and West regions)

Triad Region (Guilford, Forsyth and Wilkes areas)
Mont Hamrick, executive vice president
Shan Teel, Forsyth area executive

Triangle Region (Wake, Franklin, Johnston, Cumberland and Durham areas)
Ed Willingham, executive vice president
Sam Nichols, Durham area executive

Southeast Region (New Hanover, Sampson, Onslow and Carteret areas and the Agriculture Division)
Jim Bryan, executive vice president
Chuck Burns, regional business executive (Southeast and Northeast regions)

Northeast Region (Pitt, Lenoir, Craven and Pasquotank areas)
Pete Williams, executive vice president
Gordon Jethro, Pitt area executive (Pitt, Martin and Beaufort counties)
Chuck Burns, regional business executive (Northeast and Southeast regions)

Founded in 1898, First Citizens operates 342 branches in 202 cities and towns in North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Headquartered in Raleigh, the bank has $11.86 billion in assets. First Citizens Bank is committed to providing superior financial services to individual customers and small to mid-sized businesses. For more information about First Citizens and its services, visit firstcitizens.com or call toll free 1-888-FC DIRECT (1-888-323-4732).

For more information, contact:
Barbara Thompson
(919) 716-2716
First Citizens BancShares