Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:SUSQ), a financial services company operating in the Mid-Atlantic region, today announced the promotion of Joseph R. Lizza to President and CEO of Susquehanna Patriot Bank, its $2.7 billion subsidiary bank headquartered in Marlton, N.J. Michael M. Quick, who previously served as interim President and CEO of Susquehanna Patriot Bank, will continue as Chairman of the bank and in his corporate role of Executive Vice President of the banking group for Susquehanna Bancshares.

Lizza has held many leadership positions with Susquehanna since joining the company in 1996. Most recently he served as Chairman, President and CEO of its Baltimore-based affiliate, Susquehanna Bank. Lizza, a native of New Jersey, has more than 25 years of banking experience, the first 15 of which was spent at New Jersey financial institutions. He received his bachelor's degree from William Paterson University, Wayne, N.J.

"We are committed to appointing the best people to lead our employees and serve our customers," said Susquehanna Bancshares Chairman, President and CEO William J. Reuter. "Joe has been an exemplary leader during his ten years with Susquehanna. His strong leadership attributes, extensive banking experience, and prior achievements in the New Jersey banking community made him our top choice for this key position."

Lizza's office will be located at Susquehanna Patriot Bank's headquarters in Marlton, N.J. He will also help guide the transition as the bank's headquarters move to the Camden Waterfront in 2007. Susquehanna Patriot Bank operates 51 branches in eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. In April 2006, the bank merged with Minotola National Bank of Vineland, N.J., adding 14 branches and extending its market area to include Atlantic and Cumberland counties in N.J.

During his career in Maryland, Lizza became active in many community and industry organizations, including the Maryland Bankers Association, The Hannah More School, The Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore and Leadership Maryland. He and his wife, Barbara, currently reside in Owings Mills, Md. The couple will relocate to the Greater Delaware Valley area.

About Susquehanna Patriot Bank

Susquehanna Patriot Bank, headquartered in Marlton, N.J., is a $2.7 billion wholly-owned subsidiary of Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc. Susquehanna Patriot Bank operates 51 retail branches throughout Burlington, Camden, Cumberland, Atlantic and Gloucester Counties in New Jersey; and Berks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.susquehanna.net.

About Susquehanna Bancshares, Inc.

Susquehanna Bancshares is a financial services holding company with assets of approximately $8 billion. Headquartered in Lititz, Pa., the company provides financial services through its subsidiaries at 167 branch locations in the mid-Atlantic region. In addition to three commercial banks, Susquehanna operates a trust and investment company, an asset management company, an insurance brokerage and employee benefits company, a commercial leasing company and a vehicle leasing company. Investor information may be requested on Susquehanna's Web site at www.susquehanna.net.