Harris Names Bill Thanoukos Vice President of Government Relations

CHICAGO, Jan. 5, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Harris today announced the appointment of Bill Thanoukos to Vice President of Government Relations. Thanoukos will be responsible for managing the bank's relations with local and regional government contacts, institutional clients and community organizations.

Thanoukos will work as a liaison with various banking industry groups and be responsible for strengthening and enhancing political relationships and strategies. He succeeds, and now directly reports to, Judy Rice, who in March was promoted to Senior Vice President and Head of Community Affairs and Economic Development for Harris.

"Bill's extensive experience and hands-on work with government affairs make him a great addition to the Harris team," said Rice. "Having served in the role, I know that Bill has what it takes to manage and build relationships with our key stakeholders to ultimately advance Harris' business and community-focused goals."

Thanoukos has served as the Assistant to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, where he developed, analyzed and advanced state legislative agendas for the City of Chicago and negotiated legislation between state and local entities. He most recently served as Chief of Staff to Chicago Treasurer Stephanie D. Neely, managing intergovernmental relationships and day-to-day operations for the Treasurer's Office.

"The Treasurer's loss is the banking world's gain. During Bill's 3.5 year tenure with my office his brains, insight, leadership skills and charm helped keep the office running smoothly and efficiently. I know he will do great things at Harris and wish him continued success," said Neely.

Thanoukos earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Miami University and a law degree from Loyola University's School of Law in Chicago. He is a member of the State Bar of Illinois and the Chicago Bar Association. Fluent in Greek, Thanoukos is also a board member of the Hellenic American Leadership Council.

About Harris

Harris is an integrated financial service organization providing nearly 1.3 million personal, business and corporate clients with banking, lending, investing and wealth management solutions. The organization is a member of the BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), which also provides corporate and investment banking services in the U.S. under the BMO Capital Markets name.

Harris® is a trade name used by various financial service subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp.  Banking products and services are provided by Harris N.A., The Harris Bank, N.A. and their bank affiliates, Members FDIC. Brokerage products are offered through Harris Investor Services, Inc. (HIS), a registered broker/dealer, member FINRA/SIPC, and SEC-registered investment advisor.  Insurance and annuities are offered through Harris Bancorp Insurance Services, Inc. (HBIS). Investment banking services are provided by BMO Capital Markets Corp. (BMOCMC) and BMO Capital Markets GKST, Inc. (GKST), a Municipal Bond Dealer and member FINRA and SIPC.  Financial planning and investment advisory services are provided by Sullivan, Bruyette, Speros & Blayney, Inc. (HSBSB), an SEC registered investment advisor.  Family Office Services are provided by Harris myCFO, Inc.  Investment advisory services are offered by Harris myCFO Investment Advisory Services LLC (HmyCFO), a SEC-registered investment advisor and wholly-owned subsidiary of Harris myCFO, Inc.  Stoker Ostler Wealth Advisors (SOWA) is an SEC-registered investment advisor. Investment advisory services to institutional clients are provided by Harris Investment Management (HIM), an SEC-registered investment advisor.  Products offered by HIS, HBIS, BMOCM, HSBSB, HmyCFO and HIM, affiliated companies and are wholly owned subsidiaries of Harris Financial Corp.,: Are Not Insured by the FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, Not a Deposit of or guaranteed by Any Bank or Bank Affiliate, May lose Value.  The purchase of insurance or an annuity is not a condition to any bank loan or service.  Not all products and services are offered in every state and/or location.

SOURCE Harris Bank