Melanie Dressel Receives 2013 Executive Excellence CEO of the Year Award from Seattle Business Magazine

TACOMA, Wash., Feb. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Melanie J. Dressel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Banking System, Inc. and Columbia Bank, was awarded a 2013 Executive Excellence Award by Seattle Business magazine in the CEO of the Year category.  The tribute was presented at the magazine's inaugural Executive Excellence Award dinner in Seattle on January 31, 2013. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110412/SF81835)

Honoring executives in Washington State who foster leadership in the workplace, the Executive Excellence Award recipients have demonstrated exceptional leadership, execution and communication, inspiring employees to put their best efforts into their work.  In addition to Columbia's performance and growth under Ms. Dressel's leadership, Seattle Business cited her focus on superior customer service and commitment to local communities.

Upon accepting the award, Ms. Dressel commented, "Any success I have achieved has been a direct result of those with whom I surround myself.  I am so privileged to have the opportunity to lead our wonderful company."

About Columbia

Headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, Columbia Banking System, Inc. is the holding Company of Columbia State Bank, a Washington state-chartered full-service commercial bank.  For the sixth consecutive year, the bank was named in 2012 as one of Puget Sound Business Journal's "Washington's Best Workplaces."

Columbia Banking System has 99 banking offices, including 74 branches in Washington State and 25 branches in Oregon. Columbia Bank does business under the Bank of Astoria name in Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita and Tillamook in Oregon. More information about Columbia can be found on its website at www.columbiabank.com.  

Contact: Jo Anne Coy, Vice President,
Corporate Communications
253-305-1965; [email protected]

SOURCE Columbia Banking System