Sierra Bancorp, the holding company for Bank of the Sierra announced that James C. Holly, plans to retire as Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Bancorp and the Bank on March 31, 2015. Holly was instrumental in starting the Porterville, California based bank in 1977, and maintained his role as bank President and CEO for more than 36 years. Holly will retire as CEO, he will continue on as a director and will retain all current Board committee assignments.

In addition, he will be appointed Vice Chairman of the Board for both Sierra Bancorp and the Bank, with oversight for merger and acquisition activities. The Board of Directors has also finalized the company's management succession plan and is to announce that President and Chief Operating Officer Kevin McPhaill has been designated as Holly's successor, to be appointed by the Board as President and Chief Executive Officer for Sierra Bancorp and Bank of the Sierra upon Holly's retirement.