MINNEAPOLIS – (May 10, 2004) – Marquette Financial Companies, a privately held financial services company, has named Margaret Murphy as its senior credit officer, it was announced today.

Murphy returns to Marquette Financial after a two-year stint with United Health Group, where she managed marketing and development of the organization’s Web portal for its members. Previously, she held several senior positions at Marquette Banks over an 11-year period, including senior vice president, corporate marketing, and senior vice president, credit administration.

Murphy’s appointment comes as Marquette Financial expands its portfolio of commercial finance companies, commercial banking, and commercial real estate investment banking through recent acquisitions, and experiences increased lending through its various subsidiary companies. As senior credit officer for Marquette Financial, Murphy will oversee the underwriting and approval process for all large loans across the entire organization.

“Margaret’s return brings additional depth of our staff,” said Bert Colianni, executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Margaret will work collaboratively with our presidents and senior lenders in each business, including serving on selected boards, to continue healthy portfolio growth and to further manage organizational credit risk. We are delighted to welcome her back to the Marquette family.”

Murphy holds a master’s of business administration in finance from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration in economics from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul. Marquette Financial Companies is a $1.2 billion financial services company owned by the Carl Pohlad family in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The privately held company has a diversified portfolio of real estate investment banking, commercial finance and commercial real estate investment banking businesses operating in 32 states, with 600 employees.

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