First Citizens Promotes William Berry to Executive Vice President and Director of Consumer Lending

COLUMBIA, SC – December3, 2008 – First Citizens is pleased to announce the promotion of William Berry from senior vice president/director of credit review to executive vice president/director of consumer lending. He is responsible for retail credit support, consumer loan administration, collections, bankruptcy, sales finance, and bank card departments, which include consumer loan approvals, policies, procedures, and collection of loans. 

“I am very appreciative and excited about the opportunity to lead this area of First Citizens Bank,” said Berry. Management’s dedication to our core values of service, accountability, and common sense makes First Citizens uniquely positioned to continue to succeed in this challenging economic environment and I am delighted to be a part of its growth.” 

Berry is a graduate of Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in financial management. Prior to joining First Citizens in 2003, Berry worked as a corporate banking officer, business banking officer, and credit analyst for Wachovia Bank. Berry is very active in the community, serving as the state treasurer for the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA), the treasurer of the Midlands branch of the QDMA, the chairman of the Midlands branch of the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the treasurer of the Columbia Clemson Club. He is also a member of the Central S.C. Alliance’s Committee of 100. 

About First Citizens

First Citizens Bancorporation, Inc., is the parent company of First Citizens Bank and Trust Company, Inc., The Exchange Bank of South Carolina, Inc., and Merchants & Farmers Bank of Comer, Ga. First Citizens Bank offers services in commercial and retail banking through its 180 offices in South Carolina and Georgia. As of September 30, 2008, First Citizens Bancorporation had total consolidated assets of $6.42 billion.

For more information, visit the First Citizens web site at www.firstcitizensonline.com.