FLINT, Mich., Sept. 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: CRBC) announced today that William M. Fenimore Jr. was elected to its Board of Directors by the U. S. Department of Treasury in conjunction with Citizens participation in the Treasury's Capital Purchase Program. He will also be a member of the Citizens Bank board, a subsidiary of CRBC.

Cathy Nash, Citizens' president and CEO said, "I'm excited to have someone of Bill's caliber join Citizens' board. During the selection process, several members of our board and executive management had the opportunity to meet Bill and spend time getting to know him. His strategic insight will be valuable as we continue to strengthen our company. We expect Bill to continue to serve on our board well beyond our participation in the Capital Purchase Program."

Fenimore has over thirty years of experience in the banking industry, including senior management, technology and strategic planning positions with CoreStates Financial Corp and Meridian Bank. He also served as CEO of Integrion Financial Network and in a senior executive capacity for consulting firms that provide capital raising and strategic financial, technology and operational management services.

Corporate Profile

Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc. is a diversified financial services company providing a wide range of commercial, consumer, mortgage banking, trust and financial planning services to a broad client base. Citizens serves communities in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and Indiana with 220 offices and 249 ATMs. Citizens is the largest bank holding company headquartered in Michigan with roots dating back to 1871 and is the 55th largest bank holding company headquartered in the United States. More information about Citizens Republic Bancorp is available at http://www.citizensbanking.com.

SOURCE Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc.