The Board of Directors of Bank of Astoria has announced that Cheri J. Folk, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Astoria, will retire at the end of June, 2009 after 36 years with the bank and 27 years as President and C.E.O.

Folk led the Bank of Astoria to its current $161 million in assets and five branches; the sixth branch is expected to open in Tillamook in December.

During her career, Folk served as Chairman of the Oregon Bankers Association, and has held board and leaderships positions with the Independent Community Banks of Oregon, the Columbia River Maritime Museum, Ft. Clatsop Historical Association, Columbia Memorial Hospital Foundation, and many other community organizations. She was inducted into the Oregon Bankers Association Hall of Fame in 2004, honoring her outstanding contributions to Oregon banking, her community and the State of Oregon.

Upon Folk’s retirement next year, her position will be filled by Heather Seppa, who is currently serving as executive vice president and regional retail banking manager.

Seppa is a past president of the Astoria/Warrenton Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Memorial Hospital Foundation board of directors. She currently serves on the Columbia Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees.

Rhonda Wills, chief credit officer, and Susie Piaskoski, regional operations officer, will continue in their current executive management roles.

“It has been so gratifying during my 36 years with the bank to work with an outstanding board of directors and staff; see this company grow and flourish, and in that process, to see our participation with businesses and community organizations in all of our market areas,” Folk said.

Columbia Banking System, Inc.(NASDAQ: COLB) is the holding company of Columbia State Bank, a full-service commercial bank doing business in Oregon as Bank of Astoria. Bank of Astoria has five branches located in Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside, Cannon Beach and Manzanita specializing in small business financial services.