Mechanics Bank has announced the appointment of Walter Aozasa as the new senior relationship manager, and Stephen Cairns, Chris Duffek, and Tom Mitchell as the new vice presidents and relationship managers. George McCullagh becomes senior vice president and commercial banking regional manager. Mr. Aozasa brings 22 years banking experience, beginning at GMAC/RFC and including stints at US Bancorp, Bank of America, Washington Mutual and First Horizon/First Tennessee Bank, among others.

Most recently, he was vice president, senior real estate industry specialist at Wells Fargo where he was responsible for complex and large size business accounts. He will work out of Mechanics Bank's Walnut Creek office. Mr. Cairns, who will be in the group's Sacramento office, is an accomplished portfolio manager who most recently was a vice present, relationship manager at Chase.

He also has held posts at Rabobank and Heritage Bank, both in San Luis Obispo. Chris Duffek, assigned to the Walnut Creek Office, brings more than 25 years of experience in real estate lending and commercial banking to his new position. He most recently served as a commercial real estate loan officer with Union Bank.