James C. Holly is a founding Director and Vice Chair of the Board of both the Bank and Sierra Bancorp and currently serves as a member of the Finance and Sustainability and Credit Committees. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and Sierra Bancorp from their formations in 1977 and 2000, respectively, until January 1, 2014, when Mr. McPhaill was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of both entities. Mr. Holly continued to serve as Chief Executive Officer of both entities until he retired on March 31, 2015, and was appointed Vice Chair of the Board effective April 1, 2015. He was born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, and received both a BBA and an MBA degree from the University of Wisconsin. Mr. Holly is also a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University and served as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army (Armor). He began his banking career with United California Bank, now Wells Fargo Bank. After 10 years as a branch manager, Mr. Holly left United California Bank and joined in the effort to organize Bank of the Sierra of which he served as President and Chief Executive Officer from its inception in 1977 until January 1, 2014, and served as Chief Executive Officer until his retirement in March 2015. He is currently a director of the Sequoia Parks Conservancy, a philanthropic and educational organization, and a director of River Island Country Club. Mr. Holly was selected was selected as a nominee by the Board because of his leadership capabilities; his long tenure and strong track record as President and CEO of the Bank; his deep understanding of bank lending, operations, and financial management resulting from his banking background; his extensive network in the banking industry; his knowledge of the local economy; and his involvement in the local community.