Irvine, California, October 31, 2024 - Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: PPBI) (the “Company”) today announced that Rose McKinney-James, who serves as a director of both the Company and its wholly-owned bank subsidiary Pacific Premier Bank (the “Bank”), has been honored with the 2024 Clean Energy Education & Empowerment Lifetime Achievement Award by the U.S. Department of Energy. The 2024?Clean Energy Education & Empowerment?(C3E) Awards, honored nine women for outstanding leadership and accomplishments in clean energy.   According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “The 2024 C3E Awardees are influential leaders shaping the clean energy landscape by advancing equitable and affordable access, broadening markets, spearheading innovative research, and driving policy strategies”.

Ms. McKinney-James’ leadership includes over 35 years of dedication as a clean energy advocate, small business leader, and independent corporate director. Rose’s impact spans over numerous industries being a positive role model, leader, and advocate for energy. Ms. McKinney-James is the former President and Chief Executive Officer for the Corporation for Solar Technology and Renewable Resources and Commissioner with the Nevada Public Service Commission. During her tenure with the Nevada Commission, she was appointed Nevada’s first Director of the Department of Business and Industry and was elected to serve as Second Vice President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC).

Ms. McKinney-James currently serves on the Enterprise Risk Committee, and Nominating and Governance Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors.

“We applaud Rose’s recognition by the U.S. Department of Energy,” said Steven R. Gardner, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of the Company. “With a wealth of professional experience, leadership, and commitment to strong corporate governance practices, Rose has been invaluable since joining our Board in 2022. This tremendous achievement reflects her continued dedication to advancing leadership at the board level, and we greatly appreciate her significant contributions to our organization.”

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