HOUSTON, TEXAS (May 1, 2009) – Sterling Bancshares, Inc., announced today that Sheldon I. Oster has been elected to its board of directors. 

Mr. Oster is a founder and former chairman and director of Shel-Ray Underwriters, Inc., a Houston-based insurance management company.  He began his distinguished career as a Partner at Spector and Oster, Certified Public Accountants, a public accounting firm located in San Antonio, Texas.  Since then he has founded and successfully managed several insurance related businesses.  He has tremendous experience in the financial industry having served in the roles of president, chief financial officer, treasurer, and chairman for various companies throughout his career. 

“Sheldon’s financial background and vast experience in risk management make him a great addition to our Board of Directors,” said J. Downey Bridgwater, Sterling Bancshares’ Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.  “His experience in the insurance industry brings an added perspective to our Board.”

Mr. Oster received a bachelor's degree in Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin, where he has the honor of being recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus.  He is a Certified Public Accountant.

Sterling Bancshares, Inc. is a Houston-based bank holding company with total assets of $5.1 billion that operates 60 banking centers in the greater metropolitan areas of Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio. The Company’s common stock is traded through the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SBIB." For more information on Sterling Bancshares please visit the Company’s web site at www.banksterling.com.

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