PORTERVILLE, Calif., June 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sierra Bancorp (Nasdaq: BSRR), parent of Bank of the Sierra, today announced that the incumbent directors on the Company's 2009 ballot were re-elected by an overwhelming 83% majority of shares voted. Albert L. Berra, Vincent L. Jurkovich, and Gordon T. Woods were all elected to continue to serve as directors of the Company until the 2011 annual meeting of shareholders. Robert H. Tienken, whose name was also on the ballot and received a majority of votes, retired prior to the election date for health reasons and passed away on May 12, 2009. The terms of the following directors, who were re-elected last year, will continue until the 2010 shareholders meeting: Morris A. Tharp, James C. Holly, Robert L. Fields, and Lynda B. Scearcy.

In addition to the election of the incumbent directors, the amendment of the Company's Articles of Incorporation to authorize the issuance of serial preferred stock was approved by a majority of outstanding shares, and the selection of Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co., LLP as independent registered public accountants for Sierra Bancorp was ratified by a majority of votes cast.

Sierra Bancorp is the holding company for Bank of the Sierra (www.bankofthesierra.com), which is in its 32nd year of operations and is the largest independent bank headquartered in the South San Joaquin Valley. The Company has over $1.3 billion in total assets with 23 branch offices, an agricultural credit center, an SBA center, an online 'virtual' branch, and over 400 employees.

SOURCE Sierra Bancorp