RALEIGH, NC – Steve Crouse of Cary has joined Paragon Commercial Bank, the first business-only bank in North Carolina, as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President.

Crouse graduated from the N.C. State University in 1986 with bachelor’s degrees in accounting and business administration. He comes to Paragon from Capital Bank where he was Chief Accounting Officer and Senior Vice President.

Crouse, who also spent eight years in public accounting with McGladrey & Pullen, said his role is to manage the growth of the bank in a safe and sound financial manner. “What sets Paragon apart is its unparalleled approach to business banking,” he said. “I look forward to becoming a part of the management team of this rapidly growing and unique organization.”

Bob Hatley, CEO of Paragon Commercial Bank, said that Crouse brings a solid background and enthusiasm to his position. “Like Paragon, Steve is committed to fulfilling the dreams of commercial customers,” he said. “He truly is focused on meeting the needs of our customers.”

Crouse and his wife, Sheila, have two boys - Alex, 14, and Daniel, 11. The whole family is very involved in Boy Scouts at St. Francis United Methodist Church in Cary.

Paragon Commercial Bank, which opened in May 1999 and has in excess of $450 million in assets, provides banking products and services tailored to meet the needs of small to medium-size companies with revenues from $5 million to $25 million including commercial real estate companies, residential construction firms and professional service firms, particularly attorneys, health care providers and accountants.

Paragon Commercial Bank is headquartered in Glenwood Plaza, 3605 Glenwood Ave., Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27612. Paragon Commercial Bank can be found on the web at www.paragoncommercial.com.