FOR INFORMATION CONTACT (Jennifer Tarr, 410-752-8152 or                                                                                             Jtarr@marchofdimes.com

James G. Pierné, Chairman, President and CEO of Susquehanna Bank

to be State Chair of Maryland March of Dimes WalkAmerica in 2007

(Baltimore, Maryland)—

The Maryland March of Dimes is pleased to announce that James G. Pierné, Chairman, President and CEO of Susquehanna Bank will serve as the statewide chairman for WalkAmerica 2007, the March of Dimes largest fund raising event.   Funds raised from WalkAmerica support March of Dimes efforts to prevent premature birth, the leading cause of death in the first month of life.

With over 33 years of banking experience, Pierné is a graduate of Washington College and holds an MBA from Loyola College as well as degrees from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking, University of Delaware and Community Bank Presidents’ School of Emory University.

                    The married father of two grown children, Pierné has always been an active community leader volunteering on many Boards including the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Maryland Bankers Association, Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Maryland March of Dimes State Board, among others.  He was named Volunteer of the Year by the Hagerstown/Washington County Chamber of Commerce in 2001, the Herald Mail Newspaper Person of the Year in 2004.

Known throughout the state for his business and community leadership, Pierné will bring added visibility and his passion for March of Dimes mission to his new role as state chair of WalkAmerica.

babies that are born prematurely each week as well as their families.  Prematurity takes a devastating physical toll on babies.  It robs families of the full potential of their beloved children, society of future leaders and our state of strong and healthy citizens.  We have the ability to change that if we work together,” Pierné said.

          Money raised for WalkAmerica supports research and programs to help find answers to premature birth and other infant health threats. The results benefit babies in every Maryland community and across the nation.

“My family has been impacted by premature birth and with the rate of premature births increasing both nationally and in Maryland, more and more families are going to be affected.  We have the power to help these families and give more babies a healthy start in life.  I challenge all my business colleagues and associates throughout the state to step up for Maryland’s babies.”

          WalkAmerica will take place in 15 communities across the state during April and May.  To register for a walk site near you, visit www.walkamerica.org or call 410-752-7990.  State Sponsors of Maryland WalkAmerica 2007 are Citigroup and Susquehanna Bank.

          The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies.   For more information, visit the March of Dimes web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish web site at nacersano.org.

###